What to Pack

How to Pack for Your Favorite Iconic Moment at The Plaza

As a member of the Historic Hotels of America, The Plaza is one of America’s most celebrated luxury hotels. It’s iconic doors first opened on October 1, 1907, and have continued to attract some of the world’s most important and influential figures for over a century. With its famous location at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South and its remarkable history, it’s no surprise that this beloved hotel has played host to a series of significant events. In fact, it was once said that, “Nothing unimportant ever happens at The Plaza.”

Over the past one hundred years, notable figures from film, music, theater, literature and politics have passed through the timeless halls of The Plaza. From lavish social affairs to Hollywood film screenings, the hotel has experienced its fair share of history. Whether you’re a fan of Hitchcock, Eloise or the Royal Family, there are countless ways to recreate your favorite historic Plaza event. If you pack the right clothes and a good camera, you can create unforgettable memories inspired by your favorite Plaza moments.

Recreate Your Favorite Scene From the Silver Screen

The legendary grounds of The Plaza have been featured on screen since the 1950’s, when the first Eloise movie was filmed in 1956. But in the year 2000, The Plaza officially became New York’s most popular film site. Classic films like Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and 1979’s iconic love story The Way We Were featuring Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford both filmed important scenes on location. More recent films like Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle and Bride Wars also showcase the hotel.

Eloise at The Plaza

If you want to recreate one of the many moments captured in Home Alone 2, you can book the Home Alone 2 package for the full film experience. Upon arrival, you and your family will receive Home Alone 2 goodie bags, some of which you can use to recreate your favorite moments in the film. Then you’ll be treated to an over-the-top ice cream sundae before bed as well as a toy shopping spree at the nearby FAO Schwarz. And if you have a young one with you, be sure to pack a green jacket for them so you can recreate Kevin’s scene in the lobby of the hotel.

Recreate Your Favorite Celebrity Moment

Celebrities have been frequenting The Plaza since its first year of operation in 1907. From Alfred Vanderbilt entering as the hotel’s first guest, to Marilyn Monroe holding a press conference or Truman Capote celebrating his masterpiece, In Cold Blood, movie stars, musicians, politicians and members of the Royal Family have all shared important memories in the hotel.

If you’re a fan of old Hollywood, you can recreate Marilyn Monroe’s famous press conference at the hotel. While the press conference itself isn’t repeatable, you can create your own conference of friends and gather for drinks at The Rose Club (formerly called The Persian Room). Bring a fitted black velvet dress to wear in honor of the star’s unbeatable style, but just make sure the straps are well-adjusted! (Monroe’s appearance made headlines when one of the straps broke loose during the conference). While sipping your cocktails at The Rose Club, you can also pay homage to the many celebrities who were featured as entertainment in the space over the years, including Liza Minnelli, Miles Davis, Bob Hope and Billie Holiday – to channel Lady Day, pack a large flower accessory to wear in your hair while sitting at The Rose Club.

Or, if you’re partial to British history, try recreating The Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s anniversary visit in 1946. Celebrate in style by making a reservation for The Champagne Bar, also a favorite of the Prince of Wales, and remember to pack your finest clothes for a special night.

Recreate Your Favorite Wedding

The Plaza’s uniquely elegant architecture and design have made it a popular elite wedding destination over the years. Patricia Kennedy wed Peter Lawford in The Grand Ballroom in 1954, Julie Nixon and David Eisenhower married at The Plaza in 1968.

If wedding bells are in your future, you can recreate these iconic moments by requesting a wedding consultation with our experts. The Plaza’s stunning interiors and impeccable service will ensure that your wedding or other special event will be unforgettable.

But if you’re looking to recreate these moments on a smaller scale, consider reserving a table at The Palm Court for afternoon tea or with Todd English at the Plaza for dinner to put a festive spin on your meal plans. With the exceptional ambience of the hotel’s surroundings, you can recreate an intimate version of your favorite wedding reception moment with a few essentials from your luggage: a contemporary white dress or smart suit, two rings and a little something blue.

To learn more about the history of The Plaza and its legacy in film, television, literature and American culture, visit this page.

How to's

How to fold, roll, cube

Love to travel but hate packing? We’ve broken down the steps for three essential packing styles: folding, rolling and cubing. Whether you’re headed on an international adventure or a local business trip, find your style and follow the outlined steps for stress-free packing!