"Eloise is one of the more delightfully fiendish literary heroines of our time." -- Edward I. Koch (former NYC mayor!!!)

Eloise At The 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. In 1998, The Plaza was also designated as a literary landmark (a program that encourages communities to place identifying plaques on properties that are connected with famous authors either as residences or described in their work.) by the Friends of the library, USA. FOLUSA Literary Landmarks are now governed by the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF). 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. The portrait disappeared after a fraternity party. As the story goes, when Princess Grace toured the hotel with her children, she was dismayed to find the portrait gone. After that, Knight painted a new oil painting that now hangs opposite the hotel's Palm Court, where Eloise lunches on rainy days. A postcard version of the portrait was sold in the hotel. A publicity photo of Evelyn Rudie, who played Eloise in the 1958  For a few years, the hotel had an Eloise Room that was used as a sitting room for visitors on weekdays and an ice cream parlor named after the character. "I think there is a little bit of Eloise in everybody," Gathje said. "I think it goes beyond a 6-year old girl. It's about being rowdy in a public place, or acting up in a public place and being allowed to do it -- but in a very genteel way." In recent years, The Plaza has undergone many changes.  In 2005, Eloise’s home, The Plaza Hotel closes for a face-lift.  El-Ad Properties, who purchased The Plaza Hotel in 2004 closes the Plaza’s doors on April 30.   In May of that year, Content Liquidators holds a “tag sale” of everything from ice buckets to marble fireplaces.  Plans are underway to convert the Plaza to condominiums and a smaller hotel.  The Plaza remains closed for several years of renovations. Christie’s of New York auctioned the “very choice” contents of The Plaza Hotel on March 15, 2006.  These items were held back from the “tag sale” and range from monogrammed slippers to a Steinway baby grand piano. Among the 350 lots being offered from the hotel are candlesticks, mirrors, brass doorknobs and various bed linen. Christies reported that auction sales far exceeded a pre-sale estimate of $750,000, with proceeds totaling $1,760,760. 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.

For Further Details

The Eloise Menu

The Plaza Hotel - 1957 At the Plaza Published by St. Martin's Press, by Curt Gathje - 2000 Eloise is Back at the Plaza, M’Dear New York Times May 14, 2008