The Plaza
Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc.
“Iconic” is a badly overused word but, in truth, it’s the only one that describes The Plaza in New York City. For more than a century, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star has been a leader in luxury yet it has never rested on its laurels. This year — 2015 also happens to be the 60th anniversary of the release of the first installment in the popular Eloise children’s book series, which takes place at the hotel — The Plaza rolled out 29 new units, called Legacy Suites. Here are three reasons we adore them and why Eloise would find them rawther mahvelous, too.
The Space
Should your home resemble an upscale Upper East Side one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment, then you’ll be quite comfortable in a Legacy Suite. With names like Pulitzer and Vanderbilt, you can let your imagination run wild as to what the suites might offer and you’d probably be on the mark. The Vanderbilt, at 1,500 square feet, is a two-bedroom affair, with views of Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and the original Vanderbilt Mansion. The even-larger Metropolitan Suites offer 2,500 square feet of real estate, consisting of three bedrooms, en-suite baths, two parlors and a dining area.
Inside The New Vanderbilt Suite, Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc.
The Design
A mix of old elegance and contemporary schemes are infused into the suites, with the New York-based Champalimaud Design studio having worked to make the rooms feel pleasingly modern while still offering a big nod to the hotel’s history. Luxurious silks and velvets adorn the chairs and sofas, while crystal chandeliers twinkle above and mirrored glass tables and hand-tufted rugs dazzle below. Artwork throughout highlights many of the city’s famed cultural landmarks and symbols are depicted in contemporary abstract paintings and classical still-lives. And with Central Park just steps away, it makes sense that the units also have lots of floral motifs.
The Perks
For those who don’t want to worry about the details, the Legacy Suite Experience is just the thing. From the minute you fly into the city (assuming you arrive this way), the VIP treatment starts with a complimentary airport transfer. Once you get to the hotel, you’ll find a gratis in-room refreshment center and a refreshing welcome from the Palm Court Tea Cart. Other amenities included in the package (available through September 30) come in the form of white glove butler service and your own personalized stationery and in-residence business cards. To get you ready for a night on the town, you’ll also receive a Finishing Touch treatment at the Warren Tricomi Salon, which includes a blow-out and make-up application. When you’re all dolled up, get your evening off to a grand start with two complimentary cocktails in The Palm Court.
