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New York’s Plaza Hotel reopens

One of the most famous hotels in the world recently reopened after a $400 million renovation scheme. New York’s Plaza Hotel occupies an enviable position at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, in the heart of Manhattan.

The Plaza also has the distinction of probably having appeared in more movies than any other hotel. Alfred Hitchcock filmed several scenes from “North by Northwest” in the hotel – one of the first occasions that a director and cast assembled on site, rather than in a studio.

The Plaza also features in “The Way we were”, “Crocodile Dundee” and “Plaza Suite”. And who can forget McCauley Culkin enjoying the amenities of the Plaza Hotel in “Home Alone 2”? For other movies that may inspire you to travel, Budget Travel has a list of movies of 2007 that will most inspire you to pack a bag and go somewhere.

Not surprisingly, rooms at the Plaza aren’t cheap – rooms start at around $800 – and it is considered to be one of the most expensive hotels in the world. A night in the Presidential Suite will set you back around $15,000. The suite includes five bedrooms, several fireplaces and the services of your own personal butler.

A less expensive option than sleeping at the Plaza is to take afternoon tea in the famous Palm Court. Afternoon tea costs from between $60 to $100 – the more expensive option includes lobster, caviar and black truffle. I treated myself to afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel in London a few years ago. It’s a great experience – of course, you aren’t really paying for the tea, but the atmosphere and the service.

You can find more affordably priced tea rooms across the United States at teamap.com.

Guest entry by Mancunian

Posted by James Trotta at March 15, 2008 11:57 AM | TrackBack