It is no coincidence that the penultimate scene in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby takes place in Manhattan’s illustrious Plaza Hotel; the author himself was a frequent guest, often spotted at its Champagne Bar.
The Plaza Hotel first opened its doors on October 1, 1907, gaining instant notoriety when it was hailed as the greatest hotel in the world. Now managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, The Plaza remains a bastion of grandeur at the foot of Manhattan’s ritzy Fifth Avenue shopping district, its Champagne Bar still a rendezvous point for New York’s old-money society types, who swan about the sea of white marble and velvet-backed chairs as I check in on a Wednesday afternoon.
On the 19th floor, I’m lead down a long corridor to Suite 1940, an Edwardian masterpiece in cream and gold, with crystal candelabra chandeliers at every turn (even in the bathrooms) and windows showing off dramatic views of Central Park. In the sitting room, across from a golden velvet sofa, the minibar is actually a full-service wet bar with an inlaid sink and mini fridge underneath a cream marble countertop, with champagne glasses and bottle opener ready for you to serve any potential guests — though you might prefer to have the suite’s butler do it for you.
The iPad on the work desk, which faces a window looking onto Central Park, allows you to control lighting and room temperature, and has a daily weather report so you can plan your days (and outfits) accordingly — a nice touch when staying on the 19th floor.
In the bedroom, the windows are floor-to-ceiling, showcasing the same Central Park views, a divan set up next to them should you wish to have a lie-down as you gaze. The king-size bed is one of the comfiest I’ve slept in, swallowing me up into a mound of pillows and down-filled duvets. A flat-screen TV is opposite the bed (there is also one in the lounge), and features a wide selection of channels from all over the world.
The master bathroom is exquisite, framed from top to bottom in an intricate mosaic of gold and white marble tiles that extends to the walls of the stand-alone rain shower, behind the bathtub and inside the frosted glass doors that conceal the toilet. Mother of pearl vanities hold extra washcloths and toiletries by French beauty line Caudalie, and bathroom fixtures are 24-carat gold plated. An ensuite bathroom lies beside the corridor in the main entrance, across from a coat closet that complements the ample closet space in the bedroom.
To celebrate its role in Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of The Great Gatsby, released earlier this year, The Plaza has introduced a number of honourary events, including a Gatsby-themed afternoon tea at The Palm Court restaurant, a Prohibition-themed Gatsby Hour at The Rose Club bar, and the Gatsby brunch at The Todd English Food Hall, featuring 1920s-inspired dishes reinterpreted by celebrity chef, Todd English. The hotel has also unveiled the 700-square-foot Fitzgerald Suite, a tribute to its famous past guest.
As I admire the opulent interior of The Palm Court, it’s easy to see why the author chose The Plaza as a setting to capture the essence of life for the privileged classes in the roaring ’20s. One hundred-plus years later, it’s still the crème de la crème.
THE IMPORTANT BIT
What: Edwardian Suite 1940
Where: The Plaza, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York
Price: from US $1,095 per night
Tel: +1 212 759 3000
www.theplazany.com
