There are hotels that provide a place to stay, and then there are hotels that become part of the story of a city. The Plaza belongs firmly in the latter category. Occupying its incomparable position at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza has welcomed royalty, presidents, film stars and literary legends since opening its doors in 1907. More than a century later, it remains one of New York’s most recognisable addresses, its château-style façade as much a part of the cityscape as the yellow taxis that sweep past its entrance.
Yet what surprised us most during our recent family stay was not simply the grandeur for which The Plaza is famous. Rather, it was how effortlessly the hotel balances its legendary status with a genuine understanding of modern family luxury. Our home for the week was an Edwardian Two-Bedroom Suite King, one of the hotel’s most impressive residential-style accommodations. Offering approximately 1,550 square feet of living space, the suite combines old-world elegance with contemporary comfort, creating the sensation of staying in an exceptionally refined Manhattan apartment rather than a hotel room. The suite’s design is unapologetically classic. Rich furnishings, polished woodwork and decorative detailing evoke the glamour of a bygone era, while the generous proportions allow families ample room to spread out. Two king bedrooms provide welcome privacy, while the spacious living area quickly becomes the heart of family life, whether for planning a day of sightseeing, enjoying room service or simply watching the lights of Manhattan begin to twinkle beyond the windows.
The bathrooms are equally impressive. Finished with intricate mosaic detailing and gleaming gold-plated fixtures, they feel suitably luxurious without ever appearing ostentatious. Deep soaking tubs offer welcome respite after long days exploring the city, while the addition of Etro toiletries brings a distinctly European touch of understated sophistication.
Service throughout our stay was exceptional, nowhere more so than at the concierge desk. Bill, James, Oksana and Isabella formed a remarkably knowledgeable and responsive team, helping with everything from restaurant recommendations and attraction bookings to practical family requests. Their enthusiasm for New York was infectious, and their advice consistently excellent. In a city where the sheer volume of possibilities can feel overwhelming, their guidance proved invaluable.
One of the highlights of our stay was an afternoon in The Palm Court, arguably New York’s most iconic setting for tea. Beneath soaring ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers and towering arrangements of blossom, my husband Gerald and I enjoyed the Central Park Afternoon Tea while our daughters experienced the hotel’s celebrated Eloise Afternoon Tea.
It is a brilliantly conceived concept. Rather than offering children a simplified version of the adult menu, The Plaza has created an experience that feels genuinely special in its own right. Inspired by Kay Thompson’s irrepressible literary heroine, the Eloise Afternoon Tea combines playful presentation with impeccable attention to detail. Delicate pastries, beautifully presented treats and thoughtful touches delight younger guests while retaining the elegance one expects from The Plaza.
Meanwhile, the Central Park Afternoon Tea provided a more traditional experience for adults. Delicately prepared finger sandwiches, warm citrus and plain scones accompanied by Devonshire cream and calamansi curd, and beautifully crafted pastries including blueberry pie macarons, pistachio Paris-Brest and strawberry vanilla cheesecake showcased the skill of the hotel’s pastry team. The ability to enjoy two distinct experiences around the same table made for one of the most memorable afternoons of our stay. Much of its success was due to our wonderful waitress, Mary. Warm, attentive and effortlessly gracious, she anticipated requests before they were voiced and made adults and children alike feel equally welcome. It is precisely the sort of service that transforms a lovely afternoon tea into a treasured holiday memory.
Of course, much of The Plaza’s enduring appeal lies beyond the suite itself. The lobby remains one of New York’s great stages, a place where tourists, socialites, business travellers and families converge beneath sparkling chandeliers. During our stay there was an added sense of excitement, with the hotel serving as a filming location for the forthcoming adaptation of Eloise. It is not every day that one finds oneself sharing a lift with a film crew or hearing whispers that Ryan Reynolds has just crossed the lobby.
For families, the connection to Eloise adds another layer of magic. Few hotels have become so deeply woven into children’s literature, and there is something rather delightful about watching young guests arrive clutching beloved copies of the books while their parents indulge in a little nostalgia of their own.
Location is, naturally, another of The Plaza’s greatest strengths. Central Park lies directly opposite, while Fifth Avenue’s luxury boutiques, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, Broadway and many of the city’s finest museums are all within easy reach. Yet despite occupying one of Manhattan’s busiest corners, returning to The Plaza always feels like stepping into a more gracious and measured world.
Luxury hotels open every year in New York, each promising newer technology, larger spas or more contemporary design. Yet few possess what The Plaza has in abundance: a genuine sense of occasion. From the moment the doorman welcomes you beneath the iconic green awnings, there is a feeling that you are participating in a small piece of New York history. That, ultimately, is what makes The Plaza so special. It is not merely a hotel. It is an institution, a landmark and, for many travellers, the embodiment of New York itself.
More than a century after opening its doors, The Plaza remains one of the world’s great hotels. The difference today is that it has learned how to share that legacy with a new generation of guests. Whether they arrive seeking history, luxury, family adventures or simply the chance to walk in Eloise’s footsteps, they will find a hotel that continues to define New York at its most glamorous.
The Plaza New York
Address: 768 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10019
Website: theplazany.com
Perfect For: Families seeking a quintessential New York luxury experience, first-time visitors wanting a landmark address, and returning travellers looking to experience one of the city’s most iconic hotels.
Nearest Attractions: Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall and the Broadway Theatre District.
