The Plaza

The Plaza opened on 1 October 1907 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, and its French Renaissance-style facade, facing Grand Army Plaza and the park, has been part of the New York scene ever since. Generations of society weddings, film shoots and fictional characters have passed through its doors, and it remains one of the city's most recognisable hotels. Reservations are handled through Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

The hotel has 282 rooms, of which 102 are suites, and the décor leans towards gilded, traditional luxury in keeping with the building's age. Rooms on the park side look over Central Park, while others face Fifth Avenue or the city. Service is formal and polished, as you would expect at this level, and the hotel's location means most guests can walk to their first appointment or sight of the day.

The public rooms are attractions in their own right. Afternoon tea in the Palm Court, beneath a stained-glass ceiling, is a New York tradition that non-guests can book too, and the Champagne Bar overlooks the lobby. The 111SKIN spa and clinic offers treatments, and families can visit the Eloise Shop, inspired by the children's book character who lives at The Plaza.

Rates are among the highest in the city, especially for park-view rooms and suites, so this is a hotel for special occasions, honeymoons and travellers who value history and setting above all. Book directly through the hotel's reservations team for the clearest picture of room types, and reserve afternoon tea in advance, as it is popular at weekends and in the holiday season. If staying here is out of reach, afternoon tea or a drink at the Champagne Bar gives a taste of the place.

The location could hardly be more central for sightseeing. Central Park is across the street, with horse-drawn carriages lined up outside, and Fifth Avenue's flagship shops stretch south from the front door. MoMA, Rockefeller Center and Carnegie Hall are all within about ten minutes' walk. The 5th Avenue–59th Street station on the N, R and W lines is on the corner, and the F train stops at 57th Street nearby.