Plaza

The Plaza, home of Eloise is located in New York City at Fifth Avenue at Central Park South. Designed by famed architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, "the greatest hotel in the world" opened October 1, 1907. Built on the site of a 15-year-old predecessor of the same name, no expense was spared on the 19-story, French Renaissance "château." Marble lobbies, solid mahogany doors, 1,650 crystal chandeliers, Swiss organdy curtains, privately manufactured Irish linens, and gold-encrusted china were just a few of its features. And now, as a member of America's Family of Grand Hotels, The Fairmont Hotels, this National and City Historic Landmark structure is once again as it was always meant to be ...the premier hotel of New York. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Two years after the first Eloise book's publication, a painting by Knight was hung in the lobby of the hotel. "We've had generations of mothers bringing daughters or grandmothers bringing granddaughters to the hotel to see the portrait or go to the Palm Court to have tea," Curt Gathje, the Plaza's manager of the office of the president and unofficial house historian said.

Recent years

On March 1, 2008, The Plaza Hotel reopened, following a $400 million renovation. Eloise’s portrait is returned to its original spot outside the Palm Court restaurant. The new Eloise shop opened the following year in the newly remodeled Plaza Hotel. It is 2100 square feet, much larger than any previous Eloise shops.Two years later, in July, 2010, the Eloise Suite opens in room 1832 at The Plaza Hotel, designed by Betsy Johnson. In the past, there have been Eloise Suites, however, this is the first time one was available for bookings. Rates start at $995 per night.