THE PLAZA HOTEL

New York, NY

The Plaza Hotel occupies the west side of Grand Army Plaza, from which it derives its name, and extends along Central Park South in Manhattan. Construction on the first Plaza Hotel at this location began in 1883 and the hotel opened in 1890. But it was soon found to be far too small, so it was demolished in 1905 and replaced with the larger current hotel. The hotel is a French Renaissance châteaustyle building. Designed by architect Henry Hardenbergh, it was constructed in twenty-seven months at a cost of $12.5 million. Opening in 1907., the room rate at the time was $2.50 per night. The same room today cost over $1,000 per night. The hotel proved so popular that 300 rooms were added in 1920.

The hotel has been owned by a “who’s who” series of business icons since opening. The Plaza Hotel in 1969 was designated a National Historic Landmark (NHL) in 1986 for its lavish architecture. Cindy and I love to stay in these historic relics, as a reminder of the opulent ways of yesteryear.