February 17, 2008

Plaza hotel targeting March 1 opening, Palm Court later

Shuttered for renovations since April 2005, the reopening of The Plaza's hotel rooms could be just two weeks away.

The Plaza's Palm Court is aiming for a "late March" reopening while its Oak Room, Oak Bar and posh retail shops will open in "late spring" according to updates on its website.

Reservations in the century-old hotel are available online for as early as March 1, and now from an even lower rate than posted a month ago. Think of it as their recession special -- after the $400 million renovation job.

However, the "Plaza Room"-- at $775 a night -- only gets you a courtyard or "58th Street cityview" on floors five through 10. Even cheaper, there's an "Only One Way Winter Rates" package for $735 a night, good until April 15.

But take stock in the details you'll find in every room in the reopened Plaza. According to the website, all rooms in the hotel will feature chandeliers, white-glove butler service on every floor, 24-karat gold plated bathroom faucets and solid white marble vanities, Mascioni bath towels and linens, mosaic-tiled bathroom, twice-daily housekeeping service, free wi-fi, wall-mounted flat screen TV, refrigerated private bar, bathrobes, Signature Miller Harris toiletries, DVD player, clock radio, and video library access.

The Beaux Arts-inspired décor will be offset by the "Concierge Direct flat panel screen" in every room, allowing guests to connect to hotel services, shops and "cultural venues." Lights, heat and entertainment is controlled wirelessly, and rooms come with an IP-based high definition video-on-demand system.

Parking is $55 a night ($65 for SUVs,) and dog and cats under 20 pounds are allowed - for $75 per stay. The Plaza is already occupied by a handful of people who have moved into the new condo-portion of the hotel.

The Palm Court and its high-tea service will reopen in "late March" under the direction of Didier Virot, according to the website. It's new Champagne Bar and Rose Club will also open in "late March."

The Oak Room and Central Park-facing Oak Bar are scheduled for "late spring" openings. In January, the Post reported they'll be operated by Arthur Emil, whose Night Sky Holdings Windows on the World at the World Trade Center, as well as the Rainbow Room.

The spa will be operated by Caudalie, with hairstylist Warren Tricomi and trainer Radu on board. The Caudalie website forecasts its Plaza debut for "the middle of 2008... "

The retail tentats will arrive in "late spring," according to the website. So far, they include Assouline Books, Demel Bakery, Ghurka, Jay Stongwater, Kenneth Jay Lane, Morgenthal Fredericks Optical, Manrico Cashmere, Maurice Jewelers, MCM, Montblanc, Peter Lik, Rachel Roy, Seize Sur Vingt and Vertu.

Image source: The Plaza's website slideshow.

February 17, 2008 08:16 AM in Architecture, History, Hotelology, Midtown, Sightsology

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