The Plaza Hotel NYC: Complete Guide to History, Prices, and More

For more than 115 years, the French Renaissance château at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South has defined New York luxury. Whether you are researching a stay, tracing its complex ownership history, or wondering about Eloise and the $350 sundae, this guide draws on verified records, official timelines, and historical accounts to show what makes this landmark tick — and what it costs to be part of it.

Last checked: 2026-07-15

Location: Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, NYC · Star Rating: 5 stars · Notable Resident: Eloise (fictional character) · Signature Sundae Price: $350

What happened to the Plaza Hotel?

The story of The Plaza is one of repeated reinvention under financial pressure. The building opened in 1907 on the site of a smaller predecessor, designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (A View On Cities). Conrad Hilton bought it in October 1943 for about $7.4 million (The Plaza official timeline) and spent roughly $6 million on renovations before selling to A.M. Sonnabend about a decade later (Historic Hotels of America).

Donald Trump acquired the hotel in 1988 for roughly $390–$400 million, calling it his “Mona Lisa,” but his heavily leveraged, junk-bond-financed deal led to staff cuts and rising debt (Forbes). He sold in 1995 for about $325 million to a group led by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal and Singaporean interests (Forbes).

Key events in the Plaza’s history

In 2004, El Ad Properties bought The Plaza for about $675 million and launched a three-year, $400–$450 million renovation that converted roughly half the building into 181 condominiums (Boston.com). The hotel closed on April 30, 2005 and reopened on March 1, 2008 under Fairmont Hotels & Resorts management with 282 hotel rooms and 152 private condo-hotel units (Commercial Observer).

Sahara India Pariwar acquired a 75% controlling stake on July 31, 2012 for about $570 million (Commercial Observer). However, Sahara’s chairman Subrata Roy was jailed in New Delhi over failure to repay billions raised via illegal bonds, and the group sought to sell its Plaza stake by 2017 (Forbes).

The Plaza’s transformation from hotel to condominium hotel

Katara Hospitality, a Qatar state-owned luxury hotel company, acquired full ownership in July 2018 for about $600 million, consolidating stakes from Sahara India Pariwar, Kingdom Holding, and Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp (Wikipedia).

Why is the Plaza Hotel so famous?

The Plaza’s fame rests on three pillars: architectural landmark status, deep roots in pop culture, and a century of association with New York high society. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 (Commercial Observer). Commentators have described it as embodying “power, wealth and high society” since its opening (Commercial Observer).

Pop culture appearances

The Plaza appears in the original film adaptation of The Great Gatsby and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, in which Donald Trump appears in a cameo inside the hotel (The Clio). The hotel’s Palm Court, with its afternoon tea service, has been a fixture in film and television, while the Oak Room bar (closed in 2011) was a legendary meeting spot for New York’s elite (Boston.com).

Eloise at the Plaza

Kay Thompson’s 1955 children’s book series features six-year-old Eloise, who lives at The Plaza. The hotel now offers an Eloise-themed suite, afternoon tea experience, and branded merchandise, cementing its appeal to families (Wikipedia).

Architectural landmark status

Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt and his wife were the first to sign The Plaza’s guest register, underscoring its early appeal to the richest New Yorkers (The Clio). The French Renaissance building designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh is a defining feature of the Central Park South skyline.

How much is a room per night at the Plaza Hotel, NYC?

While exact current rates vary by season and booking platform, a 2014 feature in Commercial Observer reported room rates could be upward of $975 per night. The Plaza operates as a luxury hotel within the Fairmont/Accor network, with suite prices significantly higher than standard rooms. Factors such as view (Central Park vs. city side), floor level, and seasonal demand influence pricing. The cheapest available room typically falls in the range of $700–$1,000 per night, though this fluctuates.

Price range for standard rooms

Based on historical reports and current Fairmont pricing patterns, standard guest rooms at The Plaza generally start above $800 per night during peak seasons. No official rack rate was available in verified sources for 2025, so travelers are advised to check directly with the hotel or major booking platforms.

Factors affecting price (season, view)

Christmas and New Year’s rates are typically the highest, driven by the hotel’s holiday decorations and its appearance in Home Alone 2. Summer shoulder seasons and midweek stays may offer lower rates, though The Plaza rarely discounts deeply.

Who is the girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel?

Eloise is a fictional character from Kay Thompson’s series of children’s books, first published in 1955. The six-year-old lives in the penthouse of The Plaza Hotel with her nanny, turtle Skipperdee, and dog Weenie. The books are set at The Plaza and have been a staple of American children’s literature for decades (Wikipedia).

Eloise’s character and books

Kay Thompson, a former fashion editor and vocalist, created Eloise as a mischievous, wealthy child whose adventures unfold entirely within The Plaza’s corridors and ballrooms. The books inspired a 2003 television movie starring Julie Andrews and remain in print.

Eloise’s real-life inspiration

While no single real-life resident inspired Eloise, Kay Thompson reportedly drew on her own childhood imagination and her love for the hotel’s grandeur. The character’s lasting appeal has made The Plaza a destination for families and nostalgia-seekers.

The Plaza’s Eloise suite

The hotel offers an Eloise-themed suite decorated with pink accents and children’s furniture, along with a special afternoon tea service featuring Eloise-branded treats. The suite is one of the property’s most Instagrammed features.

Can you just walk into the Plaza Hotel in NYC?

Yes — the lobby and public areas are open to the public. The Palm Court restaurant, which serves afternoon tea and light meals, is accessible without a reservation during non-peak hours, though reservations are recommended. There is no formal dress code, but an upscale, smart-casual appearance is expected (The Plaza official site).

Public areas and lobby access

The lobby, with its iconic chandelier and marble floors, is a prime photo spot. Visitors can also browse the retail shops and food court in the lower lobby. Security personnel are present but generally do not restrict access to the lobby itself.

Dining without a reservation

Walk-in seating at the Palm Court may involve a wait, especially during afternoon tea hours (2 p.m.–4 p.m.). The Champagne Bar is another public option for walk-in drinks, though weekend evenings can be busy.

Security and dress code

Security cameras are visible throughout the lobby, and bags may be subject to check. While no strict dress code is posted, gym wear, dirty shoes, or overly casual attire may attract attention from staff. The hotel is family-friendly, and children in strollers are welcome.

Timeline of The Plaza Hotel

• 1902: Original Plaza bought by Plaza Realty Co.; architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh hired to design the present building.
• 1907: Current building opens at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South.
• 1943: Conrad Hilton acquires the hotel for about $7.4 million.
• 1975: Sold to Western International Hotels (later Westin) for around $25 million.
• 1986: Designated a National Historic Landmark.
• 1988: Donald Trump buys The Plaza for roughly $390–$400 million.
• 1995: Trump sells to a group led by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal for about $325 million.
• 2004: El Ad Properties buys the hotel for about $675 million; plans major condo conversion.
• 2005 (April 30): The Plaza closes for renovation.
• 2008 (March 1): Reopens under Fairmont management with 282 rooms and 152 condo-hotel units.
• 2012 (July 31): Sahara India Pariwar acquires 75% controlling stake for about $570 million.
• 2018 (July): Katara Hospitality acquires full ownership for about $600 million.

Pros and Cons of Staying at The Plaza

Alternatives Near The Plaza

If The Plaza’s pricing or atmosphere isn’t right, these nearby hotels offer competitive alternatives:

• The Sherry-Netherland (East 59th Street at Fifth Avenue): A quieter, residential-feeling luxury hotel with similar Central Park views and suites starting around $600–$800 per night.
• The Pierre, a Taj Hotel (East 61st Street at Fifth Avenue): Another iconic address with a renowned restaurant (One MICHELIN Star) and a more subdued lobby; rates from $700.
• Warwick New York (West 54th Street at Sixth Avenue): About a 10-minute walk from The Plaza, this mid-century classic offers lower rates (around $300–$500) while retaining a sense of history.

From Conrad Hilton to Donald Trump to Katara Hospitality, The Plaza Hotel’s story is one of glamour, debt, reinvention, and enduring cultural pull. Whether you are planning a $350 sundae or a $1,000 night, this 115-year-old landmark rewards those who arrive informed.