Hotels in New York:

If there’s one thing I love about traveling, it’s the idea that I’ve specifically chosen to put myself in a place and moment that is not the everyday norm for me.  It requires me to remember that it’s my responsibility to soak it all in and take advantage of the opportunity to experience something new and different.  While I try to take in those “little moments” in life every day, it’s easy to get swept into a routine and caught up in life.  This is where a trip out of town often helps me to reset the way I see things… both at home, and away.

Since I worked in Manhattan during the start of my professional career in marketing & advertising (back before Peachfully Chic was established), it’s always a special time when I get to travel back and actually explore the city in new ways.  On a recent weekend trip to New York, I was graciously hosted by the iconic Plaza Hotel.  I was so excited to explore the famous hotel and experience all the history and glamour first hand.

Located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the Plaza Hotel was built over 100 years ago in the most fashionable residential section in New York.  The opulence unveiled to the world in 1907 carried the Plaza through the 19th century into it’s $450 million dollar restoration in 2008 and continues to make it one of America’s most celebrated and famous hotels in the world.  If you know me well, you know I adore all things that embrace history and tell special stories of a time long ago.  The charm of such a long history at the Plaza was extremely enchanting.

The moment I walked through the doors of the Plaza, my nose immediately fell in love.  No joke.  I absolutely love being greeted by a wonderful scent and the Plaza smelled of a gardenia-filled garden that beckoned me to relax and unwind.  The beautiful bouquets of stunning flowers adorned all tables in the lobby and added to the charm and elegance that the Plaza is so well known for having.

I took an earlier flight so that I could make the most of my vacation, and after checking into the room early, I stopped by the Plaza’s Palm Court for a quick cocktail and then toured the hotel a bit more with a personal tour from our room’s butler.  Between the beautiful mosaic tiles that adorned the bathroom floors and the giant soaking tub, it was a miracle I made it out of the room at all.  For a moment I considered just enjoying the peace and quiet and taking it all in, but then realized I needed to continue exploring instead.

After settling into my room and exploring the hotel, I enjoyed a bit of site seeing and meeting up with friends while I waited for the hubby to fly in later in the day.  I loved knowing that at the conclusion of our escapades throughout the city each day, we would be snuggling into our cozy room at one of the most historied hotels in the world.  It was incredible to think about how many celebrities had graced the building and the legacy of notables who have hosted parties or filmed movies within the hotel.  Of course, it was even better to decompress in our room that smelled of my favorite scent, gardenias, as well.

The hotel was immaculate and designed with such a timeless elegance that it truly was a one of a kind experience staying at the Plaza.  Beyond seeing all the typical highlights of the Palm Court, the Guerlain Spa, Todd English Food Hall and more, I realized there was no shortage of amenities within the Plaza.  In fact, the Plaza Food Hall on the bottom floor of the hotel featured many different dining options that were absolutely perfect for a quick bite of snacks on the way to our next adventure.

After our fabulous weekend concluded and we checked out of our room, I bid farewell to the lovely hotel and only one thought crossed my mind as my taxi turned down 5th Ave away from the Plaza… until next time.