The Plaza was built for $12.5 million in 1907. The, 101 years later, it's new again after a $400 million face lift. On the north side, there are private residences, with condos that have sold for tens of millions of dollars.
And yes, the plaza is still a hotel, with 282 rooms, down from 800.
Shane Krige is the hotel's general manager. He showed off the hotel lobby and champagne bar, an area that used to be a banquet room.
And above it is the the posh Rose Bar. Also new is the retail arcade. The area had been used for laundry and utilities. Now, it's home to 35 brands.
One of the tenants is Warren Tricomi Salon, which spent several million dollars creating a futuristic black and white space, that has hints of old world glamour.
There's even an Eloise menu for kids in the newly redone Palm Court, after the famous children's character who lives in the penthouse of the hotel in the books and movies.
Brought to life by the glass ceiling, there is now a copy of the original that had long ago been covered up and destroyed. The new plaza is perhaps more gilded, ornate and sparkly than it's predecessor. And if the room rate of nearly a $1,000 a night is too steep, the price of strolling through the plaza is perfect - it's free.
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STORY BY: Eyewitness News reporter Lauren Glassberg
WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
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