I recently stayed at The Plaza Hotel and, overall, I really enjoyed my stay, but unfortunately I came away feeling underwhelmed and found the property to be quite beat up.
The hotel itself has an incredible history and so much potential, but it’s clearly in need of a significant renovation. Much of the property feels dated, with noticeable wear and tear, including damaged furniture in the room. For a hotel of this caliber and reputation, I expected a much more polished experience.
One of the main reasons I chose The Plaza was the size of the rooms, which are some of the largest you can find in New York City. That aspect definitely lived up to expectations and was appreciated, especially given how limited space can be elsewhere in Manhattan.
That said, the staff was outstanding. Every employee I encountered was warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming. Room service was excellent, prompt, and one of the highlights of my stay.
The fitness center was another disappointment. While the equipment was adequate, there didn’t appear to be any staff monitoring the space. During one workout, several young children were running around the gym, which made it difficult to focus. I love kids, but a fitness center should remain an environment where guests can exercise safely and without unnecessary distractions.
On my final morning, a personal trainer and what appeared to be a resident were carrying on an extremely loud conversation throughout my workout. I could hear them from outside the gym, and even with my headphones turned up to maximum volume, I could still hear their conversation and a phone repeatedly ringing. It was disappointing, especially from a fitness professional, who should understand basic gym etiquette and be mindful of other guests.
One thing I do want to highlight is that the tea service and dining experiences at The Plaza are truly exceptional. The service during these moments is where the hotel really shines and delivers on its iconic reputation. In fact, I’ve noticed that many reviews focus heavily on the tea and dining experiences, which are undeniably memorable. However, they don’t always reflect the actual overnight stay experience, which can be a bit misleading for guests booking a room expecting the same level of consistency throughout the property.
Would I stay here again? Probably not unless the hotel undergoes major renovations. I’ve stayed at other comparable luxury hotels in the area, paid less, and had a noticeably better overall experience. While The Plaza’s history, iconic status, and room size are undeniable, the guest experience simply didn’t meet the expectations that come with its reputation.
