Hotel Plaza the World’s most famous Hotel

hotel plaza pam court new york

Hotel Plaza, New York City

Hello, Welcome to the Plaza. That’s how you will hear at your arrival at one of the most famous hotels in the World.

Plaza Hotel is a landmark 19-story luxury hotel and condominium apartment building in the midtown Manhattan. 

Located at 5th Avenue and Central Park South. 

This luxury hotel was constructed in the most fashionable residential section of New York City. Designer Tommy Hilfiger has a 50 million Plaza Hotel Penthouse.

The history

Construction of the first Plaza Hotel at this same location began in 1883 on the site of the New York Skating Club. 

From its original 19th century construction to its $450 Million Dollar restoration in 2008 the World’s most famous hotel has had a remarkable history.

It  was a dream of financier Bernhard Beinecke, hotelier Fred Sterry, and Harry S. Black, President of the Fuller Construction Company. 

They wanted to build the most elegant hotel in the World.

The architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, designed the Plaza Hotel to be a french châteaux with skyscraper proportions.

We can see it in the shape of the classical exterior column. 

The first three stories are made of marble, and they form the columns base. 

The middle is made of terracotta brick. Then the roof is made from cooper and slate and it forms the columns capitol and the green color reflects nicely the greenery of Central Park.

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The opening

Construction began in 1905, actually replaced an earlier Plaza Hotel that opened in 1890. After the turn of the century this was the city premier Hotel district.

Originally opened amidst much fanfare on October 1, 1907. Was reported as being the “Greatest Hotel in the World”. 

Has a height of 76mt (250 feet) and a length of 120 mt (400ft). 

It is one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the World. Recognized as a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust For Historic Preservation.

Its one of those buildings that the second you see it says “New York”. 

Always been a place where people wanna go there, speaks volumes to the history of wealth of New York city, the history of celebrity. 

It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in New York and easily recognizable.

Plaza Hotel Lobby renovation

When the Plaza was renovated in the early 2000’s a new hotel lobby was created. 

Originally 90% of those who checked into the Plaza in 1907 were full time residents and the original restaurant that was in this corner of the hotel was divided into two. 

One half which was at the corner facing 58th street and 5th avenue was for the permanent residents. 

The other half after the 1929 Wall street crash became a showroom for the Studbacker car company.

Facts about Plaza Hotel

During the Prohibition Period

The area where is know boutiques used to be an entrance that was created as a part of the 1921 extension. 

During prohibition people would often use the hotel suites to partake of alcohol and the entrance on 58th street was a favorite discreet entrance into the hotel.

The Beatles at Plaza Hotel

In 1964 when the Beatles made their first date site visit, crowds packed in the grand army plaza and it was completely filled with screaming teenagers mostly girls. 

According to Greg Salomone who lived at the hotel John Lennon would go down and sort of wonder around incognito among the crowds with a ski mask on his face.

Donald Trump owned Plaza Hotel

In 1988, Tycoon Donald Trump acquires the Hotel Plaza for $390 Million, today the Hotel is owned by Katara Hospitality.

The Grand Ballroom 

Big celebrities have celebrated their weddings in the Grand Ballroom. Donald Trump weds actress Marla Maples in the Grand Ballroom on December 20, 1993.

Eddie Murphy also celebrated his Wedding at the Plaza and was very well liked by the Plaza staff since he gave 100usd tips following his wedding.

The Hollywood Star

The Hotel Plaza in New York, Manhattan right next to the also famous Central Park is one of the oldest Hollywood stars. 

Has been featured in movies like Home alone, Sex in the City and many other big budget movies as well as TV shows.

Iconic building in New York

The Plaza has been around for more than 100 years and its architectural is an icon of New York city. It’s the most wanted hotel in New York for people with elevated taste.

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Christmas in Hotel Plaza

Plaza Hotel is renowned for its luxurious Christmas. 

Every year is bigger and better than ever. One of the true Highlights of the New York Festive Season is the Plaza opulent Grand Buffet on Christmas Day. 

There’s nothing as magical as the Christmas tree in the front of the Plaza and the elegant ceremony they do to turn on the lights of the Christmas tree.

In the Plaza they do treat you like family, people love so much that they keep coming back every Christmas. 

The chef has to meticulous plan the preparation of food for 400 VIP guests for the Grand Christmas day buffet.

Christmas dinner at the Palm Court in the Plaza is Fabulous and every VIP treated like royalty.

Discover the best hotels and vacation rentals in New York, like for example, MSocial Hotel New York. Things to do in New York, Places to visit in New York and where to eat in New York.

If you are going for the New Year’s Eve to New York, check some of the fun things to do in New Year’s Eve in New York at Porto Vacation Rentals

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To see only hotels in Porto visit also Hotel Porto Portugal.