The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel

The Plaza Hotel has been a New York City landmark and cultural touchstone for over 100 years. This book traces its complete history, from its 1907 opening through multiple owners, economic cycles, and social transformations. The narrative follows key figures who shaped The Plaza's legacy, including business titans, eccentric millionaires, Hollywood stars, and the workers who kept the hotel running behind the scenes. Through extensive research and interviews, Satow reconstructs pivotal moments and eras in the hotel's evolution, from the Gilded Age through the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, and beyond. The book moves into the modern era with accounts of Donald Trump's ownership in the 1980s and the hotel's later transformation into luxury condominiums. Satow examines both the glamour and the grit of The Plaza's operations, revealing previously untold stories about its financial dealings, labor issues, and famous guests. By chronicling The Plaza's history, the book illuminates broader themes about wealth, power, and social status in American life. The hotel serves as a mirror that reflects changing definitions of luxury and the ongoing tension between preservation and progress in New York City.

Readers found the book balanced history with celebrity gossip while exploring ownership changes, financial dealings, and cultural significance. Many appreciated the behind-the-scenes stories about employees, guests, and owners rather than just focusing on famous names. Positives: - Deep research and thorough documentation - Human interest stories about staff members - Clear explanations of complex real estate deals - Details about the building's architecture and design Negatives: - Some sections about financial transactions drag - A few readers wanted more about day-to-day hotel operations - Organization feels scattered at times - Limited photos included Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) Sample review: "Fascinating look at NY history through the lens of this iconic hotel. The Trump chapter alone is worth the price." - Amazon reviewer "Too much focus on deals and bankruptcies rather than the glamour and intrigue I expected." - Goodreads reviewer

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🏨 In 1988, Donald Trump purchased the Plaza Hotel for $407.5 million, calling it his "Mona Lisa." He sold it just four years later after declaring bankruptcy, losing hundreds of millions in the process. 🍰 The Plaza's iconic Palm Court was temporarily converted into a Trader Vic's tiki restaurant in the 1960s. Regular patrons were outraged, and the classic tea room was eventually restored. 📚 Author Julie Satow spent over four years researching the book, conducting more than 150 interviews and combing through thousands of pages of documents, including some that had never been made public before. 👑 When the Plaza opened in 1907, rooms cost $2.50 per night. The hotel's construction cost $12.5 million, making it the most expensive hotel ever built at that time. 🎬 The Plaza has appeared in over 30 major films, including "North by Northwest," "The Way We Were," and most famously, "Home Alone 2." The hotel's appearance in movies and TV shows has significantly contributed to its cultural status.