February 25, 2008
The Plaza to reopen Saturday with rooms from $715
The scaffolding has been removed from the landmarked facade, occupancy permits have been obtained and The Plaza hotel is in a "soft opening" this week as prepares for its first official guests Saturday.
Shuttered since April 2005 for $400 million of renovations to upgrade the historic hotel and turn part of it into condos and a luxury shopping outpost, The Plaza plans to reopen March 1 with rooms from $715.
On Sunday afternoon, the exterior of the hotel was polished in some others, but far from complete in others. A party rental truck was parked near the remaining scaffolding on 58th Street, with special-event chairs lined up on the sidewalk. (The banquet-area occupancy permits have already been approved.)
Plastic covered some upstairs windows, the Central Park South sign still said closed and the Oak Bar, as seen through a dirty window, had panels of its wall missing and construction equipment laying about. (The Oak Bar and Oak Room are scheduled to reopen "late spring 2008," according to The Plaza's website.)
But reservations are being accepted, but for no earlier than Saturday night, according to a hotel reservationsist who this weekend said The Plaza is currently in its soft opening as the staff undergoes five-star training.
On October 1, The Plaza turned 100 years old. Originally it was supposed to have reopened by then. Instead, the outdoors-only celebration featured a fireworks show and a few speeches. The city issued $2,500 fines for all three stages erected for the ceremony sans permits.
The hotel features 24-karat gold plated bathroom faucets, chandeliers, white-glove butler service on every floor, free wi-fi and other hi-tech amenities.
More pictures after the jump.
The Plaza is located at the southeast corner of Central Park, map.
Earlier: Plaza hotel targeting March 1 opening, Palm Court later
February 25, 2008 09:38 AM in Architecture, History, Hotelology, Midtown, Romance, Sightsology
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