Words by Louise Pyne
There are hotels, and there are hotels. We all know that New York City is crammed with places to stay from the austere to the opulent, but if you’re looking for a hotel with class and heritage to boot, the Plaza ticks all the boxes and more.
The iconic hotel, which has starred in a number of blockbuster films, (Home Alone, anyone), has hosted a long list of world leaders and dignitaries, Broadway stars and Hollywood celebrities.
It boasts a legacy spanning more than 100 years, and you only have to step through the iconic revolving doors to see why it’s still one of the classiest places to stay in the city. Offering a glimpse into an era gone, The Plaza manages to retain its classic heritage whilst offering modern touches and it does it so well – almost effortlessly.
Hotel
With a prestigious address in the heart of Manhattan, (the hotel sits at Central Park South), location-wise it doesn’t get any better. It is no wonder that the Plaza is considered part of the furniture when it comes to glamorous New York haunts.
Comfort and convenience is always at the forefront of this hotel and the staff will go that extra mile to ensure that guests are taken care of so there really is nothing to complain about.
Room
With all that being said, unsurprisingly the crowds continue to flock in their droves. Exuding extravagance, the hotel offers 282 guest rooms including 102 luxurious suites.
Sky-high ceilings, expansive windows and lavish décor – gold-leaf fixtures, snazzy headboards and sumptuous velvet armchairs characterises the four walls. The vibe is traditional elegance coupled with modern amenities that transform each room into a welcoming space.
With its magnificent three bedrooms, the Royal Suite which spans 4,500 sq. ft has been named one of the top ten suites in the world, whilst the Tower Room houses a dramatic 23 ft exposed brick turret ceiling making it utterly unique.
The hotel is also home to its signature pastel pink Eloise Suite, designed by renewed fashion designer Betsey Johnson, and the Fitzgerald Suite which was designed by Oscar winner Catherine Martin as a tribute to the Jazz Age and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Food and drink
The world-famous afternoon tea at the Palm Court is the main affair at The Plaza. With its lush foliage, potted plants and trellis detailing, the space is a light-filled, timeless setting.
The chefs certainly know how to lay on a spread. Expect a mouth-watering menu with pristine finger sandwiches, exquisite desserts and an expansive tea selection. The macaroons are a particular highlight with their pretty rainbow pastel shades and melt-in-the-mouth ganache filling. Just delightful!
Breakfast is equally as impressive, with perfectly cooked eggs Benedict, platters of croissants and pastries and fresh fruit medleys as standard. And come the evening it’s all about the Champagne Bar which is the perfect place to have a pre-dinner aperitif – after all it would be rude not to.
To do
The Guerlain Spa is the ultimate pampering spot at The Plaza. With its serene, noise-proof treatment rooms you’d be forgiven for forgetting that you are (lucky enough) to be slap bang in the bustling heart of Manhattan.
With a wide selection of signature treatments and Guerlain products available to purchase, there’s a lot to love. Oh and did we mention there’s a salon where you can get your locks preened too?
Another highlight is the Assouline bookstore where you can spend hours immersing yourself in a multitude of coffee table favourites. As we’ve mentioned, The Plaza is steps away from the main shopping streets, museums, cafés, restaurants and with Central Park on your doorstep there’s zero chance of being stuck for things to do.
Factbox
Address: 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Phone: +212 759-3000
Website: theplazany.com
Photography courtesy of The Plaza unless otherwise credited.
