The Fate of The Plaza, New York

The rumors were too devastating to bear: The Plaza to be gutted and stuffed with luxury condos?!? The fall of New York’s legendary landmark—possibly the most storied hotel in the United States—seemed the end of an era. After 100 years of hosting movie stars, dignitaries, and lots of drunken NYC debutantes… But admirers of Eloise (my all-time favorite childhood book), the legend lives on! Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has just announced plans to manage this National Historic Landmark. After a $350 million renovation, the new Plaza will contain 282 luxury hotel rooms (including those dreaded condo units and heaps of retail space), ready in early 2007.