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To get to The Plaza Hotel from the airport, there are a variety of options to consider. First, depending on which of the three nearest airports you fly into — LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport — you can ride in a taxi, arrange for a car service, take a shuttle bus or train, or simply hop on the New York City subway. If you would like help making transportation plans, contact the concierge desk at this Four-Star hotel. The staff there will be happy to help with both car and limousine arrangements to ensure that getting to the hotel goes smoothly for you and your guests. And once you arrive, make sure to ask about The Plaza's Rolls-Royce Phantom. Available to guests based on availability, this luxury car offers another way for you to get around New York and explore.

The train station that is closest to The Plaza Hotel is either Grand Central or Penn Station. Grand Central is located on the east side of New York at 42nd Street between Lexington and Park avenues. Penn Station sits on the west side of the city at 34th Street and 8th Avenue, right next to Madison Square Garden. From either train station, it’s a short cab ride to The Plaza Hotel. Taxis are easy to come by, but if you’re arriving at Penn Station, be prepared to wait in line for a cab. If you feel a bit more comfortable navigating public transportation, after arriving at Penn Station, hop on the N, R or F trains and head uptown. From Grand Central, the best subway to take is the 6 train uptown to 59th Street, then transfer to the N or R train and go one stop to 59th Street and 5th Avenue. From there, you’ll step outside right next to The Plaza Hotel.

Five things we love most about The Plaza are:

1. All things Eloise. The Eloise Suite, designed by celebrated fashion designer Betsey Johnson is our tribute to our favorite (and most precocious) resident, Eloise. Resplendently decorated in an Eloise-approved palette of pink and black, it includes a signature Plaza chandelier fitted with pink-tipped lights, candy-striped walls, a white zebra print carpet, a king-sized bed with a sparkly pink headboard and custom-designed Eloise linens, and Eloise’s name scrawled in neon lights affixed to the wall above. The suite is equipped with a disposable Eloise camera so guests may snap photos of their stay, Eloise DVDs and books, an Eloise tea set, and Eloise robes and towels.

2. Afternoon tea at The Palm Court. A famous tradition at The Plaza, the afternoon tea blends an innovative menu with a formal tea to provide guests with a balance of service and flavorful cuisine.

3. Our Central Park backyard. It has miles of running and walking paths, fields for picnics, a carousel, a marionette playhouse and one of the few places in New York where you can see the change of seasons.

4. The Plaza’s rich history with movies and pop culture. Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest was the launch of The Plaza’s movie career in 1958. Since then, The Plaza has become one of New York City’s most popular movie locations and the set for films such as Barefoot in the Park, Plaza Suite, The Way We Were, The Great Gatsby, Arthur, Sex and the City, Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle, Crocodile Dundee and Bride Wars. The Plaza has also played host to many memorable moments in history: the Beatles’ first U.S. press conference and first trip to America, Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, and the debut of modern jazz with performances in the Persian Room by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday.

5. The Plaza family. The Plaza is a special place for visitors to New York, but is also just as special to the people who work here. We have scores of colleagues who have made The Plaza their home away from home for many years. Our longest-standing colleague, a server in The Palm Court, has been a loyal employee for 41 years.

The staff at the concierge desk at The Plaza Hotel is available to help with any — and every — request you may have during your stay. Reservations at the hottest restaurants, theater tickets, sporting events — you name it, the concierge will do his best to make it happen on your New York trip. Working with the concierges at The Plaza is a pleasure. During our stay, they not only helped with our requests, but they were friendly and exceptionally well-informed about the city. In fact, many of the concierges at the Four-Star hotel are part of Les Clefs d’Or, a program that accepts members not only based on their professional experience, but on their character, too. Keep an eye out during your stay for concierges who are a part of Les Clefs d’Or — you’ll recognize members by a small golden key on the lapel of their uniform jacket.

The Plaza Hotel can be described as many things, but here’s our list of the top five:

1. Modern: Despite it’s century old history, the $450 million renovation in 2008 left the Four-Star hotel with charming modern conveniences we’ve come to expect during our travels, such as iPads in the guest rooms to control the lights, the temperature and even to order room service.

2. Regal: There’s a reason why Eloise loved to call The Plaza home. The hotel’s grandeur décor, with its crystal chandeliers and soft pastel hues make it feel like a palace in the heart of the Big Apple.

3. Classic: Say what you will about ultra-modern hotels and avant-garde architecture, The Plaza Hotel oozes classic luxury, from its design to its white glove service. You might pay a pretty penny for a room, but you’re sure to get an iconic New York experience.

4. Family-friendly: Although the hotel’s Four-Star status and elegant décor might make you hesitant about bringing along the whole brood, The Plaza Hotel is extremely kid-friendly. Take your little girl to the Eloise at the Plaza shop for a dress-up session in the Fashion Room. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Tea Room inside, where family and friends can enjoy a cup of tea and celebrate birthday parties and other special occasions.

5. Charming: You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that The Plaza Hotel isn’t pretentious. In fact, the concierge and hotel staff is extremely charming and willing to help, whether it’s making dinner reservations or suggesting the best shops around the city.

Since The Plaza is managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, guests may participate in The Fairmont President’s Club loyalty program. Benefits include: complimentary Internet access, complimentary local calls, complimentary shoe shine, daily room delivery of a local or national newspaper, Fairmont Fit (in-room delivery of adidas shoes and apparel), a private reception desk offering express check-in and checkout, and a personal preferences profile.

The Plaza went through a $450 million renovation and restoration from 2005 to 2008.  During this time, the hotel was closed and the entire building went through a basement-to-roof reconstruction. The Plaza is a U-shaped building — part of it (the 59th Street and Fifth Avenue sides) was converted into private residences, while the 58th Street side remained a hotel. The entire infrastructure of the 100-year-old building was brought to the most up-to-date standards while all of the landmarked spaces were meticulously restored.

What makes The Plaza Hotel different from other hotels is the service. Expect to be given the royal treatment when you check into this New York hotel. During our stay, every person we interacted with was genuinely interested in how we were enjoying our experience at the hotel and if there was anything they could do to improve upon it. Also unlike other hotels of this kind, and despite the grand and elegant atmosphere of The Plaza, there was a noticeable lack of pretention. The Four-Star hotel is exceptionally family-friendly — maybe this is because it is the official home to the beloved children’s book character Eloise — and the staff’s overall goal seems to be an important one: making the hotel feel like a second home. Another difference you’ll find at The Plaza Hotel? The location. With Central Park as a backdrop, other hotels simply can’t compete.

There are so many different amenities to experience at The Plaza Hotel, it can be tough to remind yourself to get outdoors and explore the city itself. But for those stay-inside moments, you'll want to hit these five best spots:

1. The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English. The recently opened Plaza Food Hall by Todd English offers a variety of fine-dining options under the same roof. Watch as your food is prepared before your own eyes — there is a seafood bar, a grill, a pizza bar and more.

2. Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa. If relaxation is what you have in mind, Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa is the place to be. Book a service (or two) and experience the power of the vine- and grape-based treatments exclusive to this internationally known spa.

3. Eloise at The Plaza. If you’re traveling with kids, plan on spending a few hours in the hotel’s most famous shop: Eloise at The Plaza. The store pays homage to the children’s book character, whose home is at the hotel. Let your daughter be Eloise for the day and throw a birthday party or tea party in the shop for an experience she won’t ever forget.

4. The Plaza Shops. No trip to the Big Apple would be complete without a bit of retail therapy. The Four-Star hotel boasts its own high-end string of shops for you to peruse, including Douglas Hannant, Helen Yarmak and Ghurka.

5. The service. There are so many amenities to take advantage of at The Plaza, but the service is, without a doubt, the best one. Any request — large or small — don’t hesitate to ask. The staff is happy to accommodate, and if it can’t, it will work hard to find the next best person who will.

If you are staying at The Plaza Hotel and want your transportation to be as luxe as the accommodations, ask for car or limousine service. The New York hotel also offers a house car — a Rolls-Royce Phantom — available exclusively for guests based on availability. Let the hotel know you'd like to use this service as soon as you arrive. It’s a popular amenity at the Four-Star hotel, and the best way to explore New York in style. To arrange for any of these transportation services, contact the concierge desk at the hotel. It's more than happy to help get you navigate the city.

The design style of The Plaza Hotel is traditional and grand. Expect an interior filled with crystal chandeliers, gold and brass-plated fixtures, marble floors, fresh flowers and tall, stained-glass ceilings. There's a reason that films such as The Great Gatsby and The Way We Were used it as the setting for some of their most iconic scenes. Every room is so ornate in its design, The Plaza feels much more like a palace than a New York hotel. The rooms are illuminated with soft pinks, purples, blues and bright whites. Large floral displays — including purple and red roses, hydrangeas and orchids — provide added pops of colors against the beige undertones featured in the rest of the Four-Star hotel. Each area — be it the Rose Club, the lobby, the guestrooms or The Palm Court — has its own signature vibe, but the design scheme is connected throughout. Despite the opulence of The Plaza, don't be fooled by the regal décor. Since its latest renovation was completed in 2008, this iconic hotel has successfully combined its rich and century-old history with modern-day conveniences, charm and style.

One possible drawback to The Plaza Hotel is that there isn’t a pool located onsite. But there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, including The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English, the wine-themed Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa, and the upscale Shops at The Plaza. If swimming is your workout, take advantage of the hotel gym in lieu of the pool. Closed for renovations until early 2012, the gym has been temporarily relocated to the 19th floor of the Four-Star hotel. There are only a handful of machines available to use, but if you are looking to squeeze in some exercise during your travels, this is your best bet.

Expect the mini-bar in your room at The Plaza to be fully stocked. Choose from half bottles of either red or white wine, champagne, and beers like Budweiser and Heineken, in addition to a variety of vodka, whiskey, soft drinks, water and more. You’ll also find a range of snacks, including caramel nut popcorn, chocolate-covered almonds, chocolate-chip-shortbread cookies and various candies, too. Anything you eat will be charged to your room when you check out. The prices are the same as the in-room dining menu, with snacks costing anywhere from $10 to $14 and drinks starting at $7 (for soda) and going up to $58 (for champagne). If there is anything missing from your mini-bar that you would like to drink or eat, call room service at this iconic New York hotel.

For over a century, The Plaza has been the ideal location for the who’s who of CEOs, politicians and dignitaries. Offering an all-encompassing business travel experience, The Plaza provides every necessary luxury desired by travelers, including world-class amenities, sumptuous décor, impeccable white-glove service, and the latest in in-room technology and comforts. Each guestroom and suite at The Plaza also functions as an individual in-room business center that includes wireless Internet, laptop-compatible flat-screen televisions, iPads that provide touch-screen access to personal butler and concierge assistance, and a wide range of hotel and travel services. Additional business travel features include: complimentary 24-hour business center access, 24-hour white-glove butler service for suite guests, 24-hour in-room dining, power breakfast at The Palm Court includes complimentary use of iPads and daily periodicals, coffeemakers upon request, The Palm Court Chef’s Table for business lunches, Rolls-Royce Ghost courtesy car (based on availability, 10-block radius), complimentary Internet access and local telephone calls (with Fairmont President's Club membership), Fairmont Fit provides adidas workout apparel and shoes (with Fairmont President's Club membership), suit pressing and shoe shine upon request, fitness center La Palestra, and a Clef's d'Or Concierge team to assist with restaurant reservations, tickets for events and more.

If you have time to spare, enjoy the best that The Plaza and our surrounding area has to offer. After you close the deal, treat yourself to a treatment at the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa with Caudalie Under an Hour. Central Park is our backyard. Join front desk agents Hugo and Bill for Running with the Guest, an early-morning run in Central Park every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 6:30 a.m. Take a walk up Madison Avenue or down Fifth Avenue for world-renowned shopping.

The Grand Ballroom and The Terrace Room are the two main locations for weddings and receptions. These rooms are two of the most storied wedding locations in New York City that have seen the likes of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julie Nixon and David Eisenhower, and Donald Trump and Marla Maples tie the knot.

As a guest at The Plaza Hotel, expect a turndown service that includes a fresh bottle of Fiji Water with a clean glass placed on the nightstands on either side of the bed in your room. In addition, a mat will be laid out with a complimentary pair of slippers sporting the New York hotel's logo right next to the bed for every guest. You also will find a useful chart containing information about the next day's weather forecast, the temperature and a fun fact about New York. And because bedtime ambience is key, when you return to your room after an evening out, housekeeping will dim the lights and close all the blinds and curtains, too. The television will be on, tuned to The Plaza's closed-circuit station, which plays soothing classical music.

The Plaza has 282 guestrooms, 150 of which are suites with the largest overall square footage of any luxury property in New York City. The rooms were all renovated in 2007 during the building renovation and restoration. Our specialty suites are The Royal Terrace Suite and The Royal Plaza Suite. The Royal Terrace Suite is a 2,200-square-foot two-bedroom duplex suite on the top floor with stunning views of Central Park and an original fireplace. It also boasts a 400-square-foot terrace with magnificent city views. The Royal Plaza Suite is our version of a presidential suite, a 4,400-square-foot spread on the fourth floor of the building. This three-bedroom suite overlooks Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain. The suite has 13-foot ceilings, a 12-person dining room, a great room with grand piano, a fitness room, a chef's kitchen and a library.

The Plaza Hotel features wall-mounted LG flat-screen TVs in its rooms for you and your guests to enjoy. Each television is hooked up to a DVD player in a room or suite, so pack a DVD or two if you think you may have some downtime during your stay. If you forget, just contact the concierge at this Four-Star New York hotel and let him know. The Plaza offers access to a music and video library so that you can watch movies in your room if you so desire. Each TV also is equipped with a video-on-demand system featuring new releases. But be prepared — the fee for ordering a movie on demand is steep at approximately $14.95 a pop.

The Plaza Hotel offers in-room DVD players for you and your guests to take advantage of during your stay. Plan ahead and pack a movie or two to watch, but in the event that you forget, simply call down to the concierge — the Four-Star New York hotel offers guests access to a music and video library. Another back-up if you forget DVDs? Order a movie from the Four-Star hotel’s video-on-demand system. After you select the flick you want to watch, sit back and relax — it’s a great way to unwind at the end of a long day exploring New York.

Each room at The Plaza Hotel features a variety of cool in-room technology for you to enjoy. The most modern convenience is an iPad that helps you control not only the temperature of your room or suite, but also turn the lighting on or off, order room service and more. In addition, each room is equipped with high-speed Internet access (both wireless and wired for a fee of $14.95 for every 24 hours of use), a high-definition video-on-demand system, and a DVD player so that you can watch movies on your LG flat-screen TV. If you forget to pack DVDs for your visit, the Four-Star hotel offers a music and video library to all guests. Just call the concierge at this New York hotel for help getting the film you would like to watch.

The rooms at The Plaza Hotel are elegant and modern at the same time, designed to mimic the rich and regal style that pervades the rest of the hotel. Based on the number of people in your party and your personal needs, choose from a variety of different-sized rooms. The Plaza Rooms have a king bed, a comfortable sitting area with a table and one or two armchairs, and a writing desk or chair. The Deluxe Rooms offer more of the same. The only difference is that Deluxe Rooms are also available with a set-up that includes two double beds. If you’re looking for a room with a view during your stay in New York, opt for either a Deluxe Courtyard Room or a Signature Room, which has its own private terrace. Each style is a bit more spacious and also features views of the Four-Star hotel’s interior courtyard. As for the décor, expect fresh, colorful flowers and custom-made furniture that perfectly matches the Beaux Arts style throughout the hotel. Our favorite part of the rooms has to be the bathroom. The mosaic tiling on the wall features inlaid leaf and floral designs — an homage to the New York hotel’s neighbor, Central Park.

The Plaza is known for its incredibly comfortable beds — plush mattress, crisp linens and cloudy-soft pillows — so much so that our guests often remark that they are hard to get out of and that it was the best night’s sleep they’ve ever had. We’ve received such great feedback that now mattresses, pillows and linens can all be purchased to take home at The Plaza Boutique.

The Royal Terrace Suite, a two-bedroom duplex on the 20th floor, has a 400-square-foot terrace that overlooks the stunning Manhattan skyline. Five Terrace Suites also located on the 20th floor have smaller terraces that look out onto 58th Street. Each terrace is furnished with a table and chairs so that guests may dine outside in the privacy of their terrace if they choose to.

The closets are custom-built of dark wood and truly have a residential feel, which is a nice surprise to our guests. Special features include a column of drawers that include an in-drawer safe with electrical outlet to charge items while being stored and a linen laundry basket.

The Plaza was a legendary venue for musical performances throughout the 20th century, showcasing a wide variety of talent. Bob Fosse, Lesley Gore, Ethel Merman, Miles Davis, Eartha Kitt, Liza Minnelli and Duke Ellington are some of the names that have performed at The Plaza. In keeping with this tradition, every Wednesday and Thursday night, The Rose Club hosts live jazz performances by the Kat Gang Band and Lapis Luna. DJ Brian Christopher spins on Friday nights.

Yes, there are many options for brunch within the building. The Palm Court is the traditional location for brunch at The Plaza, while The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English offers a new option for a more modern dining experience.

La Palestra is a state-of-the-art fitness center. Adhering to the belief, “A sound mind in a sound body,” La Palestra aims to improve the quality of people’s lives through exercise, education and community. A hybrid between the medical and fitness industries, the facility offers state-of-the-art aerobic and strength-training equipment, Pilates’ rooms, massage and treatment rooms, and steam and sauna rooms. A longtime favorite of health-conscious celebrities, including John McEnroe, Howard Stern, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Liam Neeson, La Palestra offers a wide range of programming, from marathon training to weight management, pre- and post- natal, to low back pain, as well as the La Palestra Kids’ program, which caters to children ages 5 months to 5 years.

Central Park is The Plaza’s backyard, offering many options for joggers. There are three optimal places to run in Central Park:

1. Park drives. Circling the entire park, the drives provide three long-distance routes: 6.1 miles, 5.2 miles or 1.7 miles, or shorter distances, if you cross the park at a number of scenic locations.

2. The Reservoir. A soft surface, the Reservoir track is 1.58 miles around and offers some of the best skyline views in the park and many scenic opportunities. In spring, cherry trees alongside the track are in bloom, and in summer, the evaporating water cools the surrounding air.

3. Bridle paths. There are three conjoined soft-surface bridle paths to choose from. The Reservoir loop, adjacent to the Reservoir, totals 1.5 miles, the North Meadow loop totals 1.1 miles and the southern spur totals 1.5 miles.