Editorial take
Who should book The Plaza?
If this is your first New York trip, shortlist The Plaza for a practical reason: Classic luxury, Central Park, once-in-a-lifetime trips. The name, star rating and lobby photos matter, but the real test is whether the location helps your days feel easier.
It is less compelling if you prefer modern boutique energy or need strong value for a long stay. Before booking from the UK, compare the final price after taxes and property fees, check the exact room setup and make sure your airport arrival route is not needlessly awkward.
Location and map
Where is The Plaza?
The Plaza is at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, one of the most recognisable luxury hotel addresses in New York.
Nearby
Central Park, Fifth Avenue shopping, Bergdorf Goodman, Carnegie Hall and Museum Mile routes.
Closest subway
5 Av/59 St and 57 St nearby
Hotel facts
What to know before booking.
First-timer context
Why The Plaza might feel special.
What it is known for
- The current Plaza opened on 1 October 1907 after a reported 27-month construction project.
- Eloise, the fictional child who lives at The Plaza, remains one of the hotel's strongest pop-culture associations.
- The Plaza's own history pages describe it as one of New York's most filmed and socially important hotels.
New York moments
- The Beatles stayed at The Plaza during their first American visit in February 1964.
- Frank Lloyd Wright lived in suites 223-225 while overseeing work connected with the Guggenheim Museum.
- Truman Capote's 1966 Black and White Ball at The Plaza drew names including Frank Sinatra, Rose Kennedy and Andy Warhol.
On screen
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York uses The Plaza as a major setting for Kevin's Manhattan stay.
- North by Northwest features The Plaza in one of its classic New York sequences.
- Sleepless in Seattle, The Way We Were and Bride Wars are also part of the hotel's official film-history list.
Review questions
What travellers keep asking.
Is The Plaza best for a first New York trip?
It is best for a special trip rather than value. The location is excellent for Central Park, Fifth Avenue and classic New York moments.
What should UK travellers check before booking The Plaza?
Check whether breakfast, taxes, cancellation and room category are included in the rate you are comparing.
Booking checklist
Check these before you reserve.
Total price
Look beyond the nightly rate. Check taxes, destination fees, breakfast and cancellation.
Room layout
For New York, room size, bathroom privacy, bed type and storage can matter more than star rating.
Arrival route
Match the hotel to your airport, luggage and arrival time, especially after an overnight UK flight.
Related guides
Read this before choosing.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.