Is The Plaza Hotel Worth it? An Honest Review of New York Icon

Growing up in New York, we’d walk by The Plaza Hotel all the time, and I’d often wonder what it’d be like to be a guest.  Recently, for a special occasion, I splurged for a few nights to see if a stay at the iconic hotel is really worth it.

My short answer is: No.

But let me explain …

We had a very enjoyable stay. The staff was wonderful and the service was top-notch.

If you’re wondering if The Plaza is worth it for your visit to NYC, I’ll explain how I came to my somewhat disappointing conclusion.

Check Rates at The Plaza

Use this interactive map to plug your dates in to check nightly rates at The Plaza and nearby hotels in Manhattan:

The Plaza Hotel Basics

First, some background:

• Location & History: The Plaza, currently operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, sits on the south end of Central Park, right along 5th Avenue in New York.  Its rich history, which dates back to 1907, includes celebrity residents, books, movies, and other factors that all contribute to its legendary status.
• Rooms & Suites:  The Plaza offers 282 hotel rooms, including 102 suites.
• Celebrities & Pop Culture: Past residents have included F. Scott Fitzgerald, Frank Lloyd Wright, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich, Tommy Hilfiger, and Truman Capote.

My Review: Why I Loved The Plaza Hotel

There’s a lot to love about splurging on a stay at The Plaza!

The Staff is Friendly & Attentive.

The staff is friendly and attentive from the moment you walk in, and they have *a lot* of staff members. 

You’ll never have to wait in line (first-world problems, I know) when you check-in.  They have multiple people at the concierge desk, multiple hosts at the Champagne Room and other dining areas, and multiple people working the luggage area.  Even requests to the room are delivered very promptly. 

Historic Charm

The antique (or antique-looking) furniture, golden accents, and chandeliers in the rooms all add to the luxury you’d expect to find at The Plaza.

The Bathrooms

I’ve stayed in hotel rooms that could fit inside the bathrooms at The Plaza. 

They’re spacious in terms of the overall size, and the size of the individual spaces within the bathroom.

The tub is large, the shower is large, and the empty space in front of the sink is large.

The simple, classy mosaic tile pattern runs from the floors up the walls and surrounds the tub, shower, and toilet areas.

The Ceilings & Moldings

I love not feeling “closed-in” by low-hanging ceilings.  Plus, the moldings up toward the ceiling, on the walls, and along the baseboards are very nicely done (as you’d expect).

Attention to Detail

In many ways, there’s great attention to detail.  Even the metallic door knobs on the closets and bathrooms are molded in The Plaza’s logo design.

Decor & Florals

Through the seasons, the floral displays change.  They’re beautiful and extravagant.

The chandeliers in the lobbies, restaurants, rooms, and even bathrooms are glistening and add to the luxurious feel.

The Rooms & Suites

The rooms are spacious (by NYC hotel standards).

Our Terrace Room is part of the row which also features an outdoor patio space (rare for NYC hotels).

 Granted, it faced an interior courtyard, but it was still an added bonus!   Coffee and wine on the patio made for enjoyable mornings and evenings.

My Review: A Few Disappointments

The few things that bothered me about my stay at The Plaza aren’t major.  However, at the hotel’s price point, you’d expect better.  You could stay at a hotel that costs 75% less and be more satisfied.

A Lack of Basics

Whether you’re at a basic motel or a high-end luxury property, every room should come with a coffeemaker.  

The Plaza offers in-room coffeemakers, but only by request.  And they come with a $20 charge.  You can choose from a Keurig or Nespresso.

Why is a luxury property nickel-and-diming its customers on coffee?

I don’t know why hotels don’t make ice more available.  It’s more common in European hotels, but I’m noticing a lack of ice machines in the US more, too.  Maybe they’re too loud, or cause too many problems?  

Regardless, there are empty spaces on the floors of The Plaza and large closet spaces in the hallways that could house ice machines.  

While the staff is very quick to bring a bucket of ice up, I feel like their time could be spent on other things.  Ice?  I can fill a bucket on my own without bothering the staff.

The Cost of Coffee

I’m not done with my coffee complaints!

The most shocking part of my stay came one morning when I ordered two cups of coffee downstairs to bring up to the room.

The cost for two coffees: $30.

They added an 18% tip and tax, plus included a line for an additional gratuity.

The total was $38.06 for two iced Americanos. 

Now, the hotel would be quick to respond by saying: your stay comes with an “Urban Entertainment Fee.”  The $65 daily fee includes a $50/day credit to spend on food or drinks.  So my $40 coffee run was “covered” by the food credit. 

Nope. 

The Carpeting

Walking into The Plaza, you’ll be taken aback by how beautiful it is.

As you make your way into the guest room areas, your eyes will be drawn down to the carpets. 

Much of the carpeting is dirty and stained, both in the hallways and the guest rooms.

Admittedly, I don’t know much about carpeting.  I’m sure this is high-end, expensive carpeting.  But it’s still old and the staining is extensive.

The Furniture

As is the case with the carpeting, some of the furniture is worn.

Some might say the worn chairs add to the charm, or that this kind of fabric is supposed to appear worn.  Unfortunately, many pieces just appear old and dated.

Outside, the patio space is a luxury, but the lounge chairs needed new coverings… without cigarette holes.

Patio Privacy

I hate to say anything negative about the spacious patio attached to some of the rooms.

It’s so nice to have an outdoor space at a hotel, especially in NYC!

However, there’s zero privacy between your patio and your neighbor’s patio.

The Fees

I mentioned the fees earlier, but it bears repeating since it really bothered me more than anything else about my stay at The Plaza.

It’s common for hotels to tack on “resort fees” these days.  They’re almost always annoying, and almost always confusing or unclear. So this is not just specific to The Plaza.

In their case, the “Urban Entertainment Fee” is their “resort fee.”  It’s $65 per night, and covers $50/day for food and drinks at their restaurants, or spa services.

Here’s part of the receipt, detailing the fees:

The staff failed to disclose the perks of the “Urban Entertainment Fee” to me when I checked in, so I didn’t know about the food/drink credits until I saw it on my bill after checking out.   To their credit, they took it off.

Keep in mind: a stay at any NYC hotel will include a lengthy list of fees.  These have nothing to do with The Plaza, and are taxes imposed by the local and state governments.

The Mini Bar

This one isn’t specific to The Plaza.  The hotel is no different from most hotels, which charge outrageous fees for minibar basics.  

Here’s the price list for drinks:

• Vodka/Gin: $20-$24
• Whiskey/Scotch: $20-$26
• Red wine: $68
• Champagne: $75
• Heineken: $16
• Soda: $11
• Evian/Perrier: $11
• Juice: $14

The price list for snacks is even more ridiculous:

• Cookies: $14
• Chocolate almonds: $16
• M&Ms: $16
• Gummy bears: $14
• Roasted cashews $16

Again, this is *not a knock on The Plaza, but on hotels in general. 

Easy Upgrades The Plaza Can Make

The Plaza is already working on a facelift on the building’s exterior.  The owners should also turn their attention inside to improve the guest experience.

1. Interior Facelift

Carpeting or wood flooring is expensive, yes.  But The Plaza is an expensive hotel. 

2. Patio Privacy

Real or faux hedges would be a great addition of both greenery and privacy between the patios.

3. Basic Conveniences

Put a coffeemaker in each room.

Visiting The Plaza if You’re Not a Guest

Yes, you can visit The Plaza Hotel even if you are not a guest. The Plaza offers several attractions and amenities that are open to the public:

1. Dining: The hotel has several dining options, including The Palm Court, known for its famous afternoon tea, The Champagne Bar, and The Rose Club. These venues are open to non-guests.
2. Shops at The Plaza: The Plaza has a collection of boutique shops that are accessible to the public. You can buy souvenirs featuring classic stories that involve The Plaza (like Eloise, in the photo below).
3. Public Areas: Visitors can explore the grand lobby and some of the public areas of the hotel, which showcase the hotel’s historic architecture and opulent decor.

Why is The Plaza Hotel so Expensive?

The Plaza is one of New York City’s premiere, historic, and prestigious hotel properties.  The prices here are high for several reasons:

1. History and Reputation: The Plaza has hosted numerous celebrities, dignitaries, and events over the years, contributing to its legendary status and exclusivity.
2. Service: The hotel is known for its exceptional service, with a high staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a high level of care for each guest.
3. Renovations and Upkeep: Maintaining the hotel’s historic charm and luxurious standards requires significant investment in renovations and upkeep. These costs are often reflected in the room rates.
4. Brand Affiliation: Managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of the Accor group, the Plaza Hotel benefits from the reputation and standards associated with a prestigious global hotel brand.
5. Exclusivity and Demand: There’s high demand among affluent domestic and international travelers.

Pop Culture & Celebrity Residents

The Plaza Hotel has hosted film crews (in addition to “Home Alone 2” as I mentioned above) and celebrities as residents.  The hotel’s roles in pop culture and celebrity culture have added to its allure over the years.

Celebrity Residents

Here are a few notable celebrities who’ve at least temporarily called The Plaza “home”:

• F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Fitzgerald: The famous author and his wife were known to frequent The Plaza, and the hotel is featured in his classic novel “The Great Gatsby.”
• Kay Thompson: The actress and author of the “Eloise” children’s books lived at The Plaza, which inspired her creation of the character Eloise.
• Frank Lloyd Wright: The renowned architect lived at The Plaza for several years while working on the design of the Guggenheim Museum.
• Elizabeth Taylor: The legendary actress lived at The Plaza on multiple occasions, including during her marriage to Eddie Fisher.
• Marlene Dietrich: The actress and singer was a resident of The Plaza Hotel for a period during her career.
• Tommy Hilfiger: The fashion designer owned a penthouse at The Plaza.
• Truman Capote: The author and socialite was known to stay at The Plaza, and he famously hosted his Black and White Ball.

Movies Filmed at The Hotel

The Plaza Hotel has been featured in numerous movies over the years, often used as a symbol of luxury and elegance. Here are some notable films shot at The Plaza:

1. “North by Northwest” (1959): In this Alfred Hitchcock classic, Cary Grant’s character is mistaken for a government agent in a scene at The Plaza.
2. “Barefoot in the Park” (1967): Jane Fonda and Robert Redford shot scenes at The Plaza.
3. “The Great Gatsby” (1974): In a scene set in The Plaza Hotel, tensions between the main characters come to a head.
4. “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992): Kevin McCallister had a luxurious stay in a suite.
5. “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993): The Plaza makes an appearance in this beloved romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
6. “The Way We Were” (1973): This romantic drama starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford features scenes filmed at The Plaza.
7. “Crocodile Dundee” (1986): The main character, Mick Dundee, stays at The Plaza during his visit to New York City.
8. “Funny Girl” (1968): The Streisand classic includes scenes set in The Plaza.

Qatar Owns The Plaza Hotel, not Donald Trump

There’s a common misconception that Donald Trump owns The Plaza Hotel.  He does not, and hasn’t in decades.

He’s still associated with the hotel because of a cameo he insisted on, in exchange for allowing part of “Home Alone 2” to be filmed on-site.

Here’s a brief history of The Plaza’s ownership:

1. 1988: Donald Trump purchased the Plaza Hotel for $407.5 million. He owned it until the early 1990s.
2. 1995: Trump sold a majority stake in the hotel to a group of investors, including a Saudi prince.
3. 2004: The Plaza was sold to Elad Properties, an Israeli-owned development company, for $675 million.  
4. 2012: Sahara India Pariwar, an Indian conglomerate, purchased a 75% stake in the Plaza Hotel for approximately $570 million.
5. 2018: Qatar’s state-owned Katara Hospitality, through a joint venture with New York-based real estate company Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation, acquired full ownership of the Plaza Hotel for about $600 million.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts operates the Plaza Hotel, but it does not own it.  

Wrap: Why Staying at The Plaza Hotel is Not Worth It

The Plaza is, of course, a beautiful and historic property. It’s a destination in New York City even if you aren’t a guest!

But I try to provide people with the best guidance possible in how they spend their money. 

For all of its perks and luxuries, The Plaza still isn’t worth it.  You could spend $500 a night rather than $1,000 a night, and have an equally luxurious stay in another hotel.

*With* a coffeemaker.