June 2017
Whether it’s world-famous hospitality, glittering parties attended by Hollywood’s elite, or the infamous guests and scandalous stories, there are plenty of hotels in New York that deserve icon status. Check out our guide to six of the best.
The Plaza
The lowdown
This grand hotel has elegantly dominated the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South since it opened in 1907. Here, Diamond Jim Brady sipped Champagne, Kennedys and Nixons wed in the ballrooms, Truman Capote hosted his Black and White Ball and movies from The Way We Were and The Great Gatsby to Home Alone were filmed here.
For 35 years Bobby Short performed at the famed Café Carlyle, and Woody Allen and his jazz band perform here weekly
Who’s checked in
Frank Lloyd Wright, Cecil Beaton, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, The Beatles.
What to check out
Have a look around the pink-and-black Eloise shop or sneak a peek at the wood-panelled Oak Room & Bar, scene of Cary Grant’s kidnapping in North by Northwest. Just across the street, Central Park is waiting to be explored. Why not take it easy and hire a bicycle?