This upcoming weekend marks the first time I’ll have the privilege of staying at The Plaza, despite flirting with the idea every time I’ve planned a trip to New York. The closest I’ve come to its storied decadence has been a cocktail at the Oak Room and one of their famous Afternoon Tea services in the Palm Court (for Mother’s Day). Both were thrilling enough on their own, though I have a feeling they are but appetizers for the main course of a weekend stay in one of their rooms. That’s finally coming to fruition as we head into town to catch the first preview of ‘Plaza Suite’ with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. If ever there was a time to splurge on a room at the Plaza, this would be it. (I love a consistent theme.)
To prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime event, I’ve been reading ‘The Swans of Fifth Avenue’ by Melanie Benjamin and ‘The Plaza’ by Julie Satow ~ the latter which tells the tale of the hotel’s history and many of its famous and infamous denizens and guests. There’s something special about a hotel with a past, and the Plaza has a rich history that breathes and pulsates within every gilded hallway. The echoes of Truman Capote’s famous Black and White Party whisper around each corner, while sumptuous bouquets of orchids keep modern-day secrets while wearing glamorous veils. A delicate perfume pervades the place, hinting at decadent shops below, and lending an elegance that touches all the senses. The Plaza is an immersive experience ~ an attitude, a sophistication, a feeling that bridges past, present and future. I can’t wait to step into that history.
