Is The Plaza Hotel Worth the Hype? An Honest Review

First Impressions: Does It Feel As Grand As They Say?

📍 Location: 5th Avenue & Central Park South, NYC

This hotel has been a New York City icon for over 100 years- everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Marilyn Monroe to The Beatles have graced these halls, as have fictional characters like Eloise and Kevin McCaliister (Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, filmed here, draws a lion’s share of tourists to the gilded facade daily). The hotel is embedded in the social fabric of this part of the city: You’re just as likely to spot well-heeled visitors in the lobby, as you are to bump in to shopping bag–toting Upper East Side women stopping in for a drink in the Palm Court, or Tri-State locals arriving to tea en masse with their young daughters. 

The Rooms: Luxury or Just Overpriced?

You’d be forgiven for expecting stuffy elegance when it comes to room decor, given the price point and old-money location in the city. What The Plaza Hotel does so well, though, is pair its historical building with freshly elegant interiors. In the two-level penthouse suite, for example, quietly floral wallpaper, gray-velvet sofas and armchairs, and patterned cream tiles with gold accents in the bathrooms made for a sophisticated yet welcoming space. 

Coming from Brooklyn, it’s how you imagine a fair share of townhouses in this part of the city might be decorated. The two-level room also meant plenty of privacy—in the downstairs living space, you could take calls while the friend you were overnighting with unwound on the outdoor patio (which boasts mid-city views) or in the entertainment room. Retreating up to the second-floor bedroom after a couple of martinis in the Champagne Room lobby was a nice change of pace from where we’d spent the first half of the evening.

📌 Starting Price: Around $1,000+ per night (depending on season & room type)

The Plaza isn’t just famous for its history. It’s also one of the most expensive hotels in NYC. But does the room justify the price tag?

What To Love:

✔ Incredibly spacious (especially by NYC standards). Even the entry-level rooms feel huge.
✔ Marble bathrooms with gold-plated fixtures—truly fit for royalty.
✔ Ultra-comfortable beds that make you never want to leave.
✔ Views of Central Park (if you book the right room).

What Could Be Better:

❌ Slightly dated—The old-world charm is nice, but some may find it in need of a refresh.
❌ Not all rooms have great views—some overlook inner courtyards instead of the park.
❌ Overpriced mini-bar & extras—expect to pay $20+ for a bottle of water.

🏨 Room Verdict: Luxurious and spacious, but the old-school decor may not be for everyone.

Dining at The Plaza: Worth the Experience?

The Palm Court – Afternoon Tea Fit for Royalty

🍵 Price: Around $100+ per person

A visit to The Plaza isn’t complete without their famous afternoon tea at The Palm Court. Breakfast in the Palm Court, while less ceremonial than tea, promises fantastic eggs Benedict, as well as dishes like shakshuka—don’t be shy to totter down, even if you’re in comfier wear like leggings. The vibe is low-key in the morning, and as great as the rooms are, room service can’t compete with that stunning space. There’s something special about sitting here for an early breakfast before the afternoon tea crowds rush in.

✔ The ambiance is pure elegance—you feel like you’re in a movie.

✔ The food is high quality, and the tea selection is excellent.

❌ Very expensive for what it is (but you’re paying for the experience).

❌ Reservations are a must, and you must book weeks in advance.

Service & Overall Experience

The spa 

The Guerlain Spa, tucked away on the fourth floor of the hotel, makes smart use of limited New York real estate and manages to create a blissfully quiet space that allows you to forget about the bustling traffic outside—at least, for as long as your treatment lasts. The Signature Massage, a seemingly predictable offering people would usually overlook based on name alone, will completely surprise you: A set of choreographed hand movements, incorporating your choice of three Guerlain aromatic blends, is light-to-medium pressure, yet your hour ends with possibly the most relaxed you will feel after a massage. There isn’t too much to keep you after a treatment, but you’re in New York—you shouldn’t hole up in the spa. There is, naturally, a wide selection of Guerlain products to purchase, and what guests will really love is that the spa is complemented by a Warren Tricomi salon.

The neighborhood/area You’re right on the park—it doesn’t get any better than this, no matter where you’re coming from.

The service 

The service is kind and especially attentive. If you’re planning to spend some downtime in your room and don’t want to be disturbed, go ahead—put the do-not-disturb sign on

✨ What To be Loved:
✔ Impeccable service—staff are attentive, polite, and always ready to help.
✔ Feels like staying in a piece of history—so many iconic moments happened here.
✔ The little details—from fresh flowers to personalized service, they get the luxury experience right.

🚨 What Could Be Better:
❌ It’s not as exclusive as it used to be—it’s a major tourist attraction, so expect crowds in the lobby.
❌ You’re partially paying for the name—similar luxury can be found at other top NYC hotels for less.

Final Verdict: Is The Plaza Hotel Worth It?

✅ Stay here if:

• You love classic luxury and historic hotels.
• You want a once-in-a-lifetime New York experience.
• You don’t mind paying extra for the name, service, and legacy.

❌ Skip it if:

• You prefer modern, sleek hotels over old-school grandeur.
• You want more privacy—The Plaza is always bustling with tourists.
• You’re looking for value for money—other NYC hotels offer luxury for less.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Would you choose it? Maybe—for the experience, but not as for a go-to NYC hotel. While The Plaza is undeniably iconic, there are other luxury hotels in NYC that offer similar comfort with a more contemporary touch.