Description: A special occasion....or......just want to "feel" special - then, the Fairmont Plaza at 5th Avenue on Central Park should be your choice. After months of renovations, this historic landmark welcomes you in all it's splendor - luxurious and elegant, but not pretentious. The staff is extremely pleasant, professional, always smiling and willing to help in any possible way to make your stay not only enjoyable but memorable.
The entrance is very regal - steps covered in red carpeting lead you to revolving doors that open into a sunny lobby area with sofas, chairs, tables and a Champagne Bar - very inviting and comfortable looking - a nice spot to meet friends or to rest your legs after a day "On the Town".
On the lobby periphery, are the concierge and reception desks. check-in is efficient, informative and all requests are reviewed - If you inform the hotel that you are arriving early - more than lilkely, your room will be accessible - we checked in at 11AM. Stop by at the concierge desk for the "Where" magazine to find the newest offerings of NYC - they don't have one in your room.
The renovations to the rooms were quite successful in bringing about a new look without compromising the classic features of this building. I usually find older hotels rather dark and dreary in spite of upgrades - not so at the Plaza. Our 19th floor - 550 sq. ft. room felt very comfortable and inviting is spite of the narrow windows and Victorian decor. The 12 foot ceiling with deep molding, all white bathroom, white decor on walls and carpeting and use of lighting all helped brighten the room.
The Plaza "Dream Bed" is the centerpiece of the room - all dressed in white and fluffed up with down pillows, soft comforter and decorated with a fur throw - it really was a comfy bed to dream in. The headboard, desk and chair were definitely Victorian with lots of gilding. The two tall, narrow windows were flanked with long bronze colored draperies and covered with room darkening Roman shades. Lots of closet space - a large coat closet as you entered and a double closet in the bedroom area - one side a hanging closet and the other conceiling a three drawer chest, a safe, a laundry hamper and ironing board.
The walls and floor of the all white bathroom are covered in 1/2 inch tiles with a large golden leaf designed into the flooring. A long shiny white dressing table is home to a Shirl Wagner gold etched sink. A large shower stall and separate toilet are entered through long frosted and etched glass doors. Interesting that you can sit in the deep soaking tub overlooking NYC !!!...... Amenities galore - I counted at least 16 - shaving kit, comb, bath salts, scale,large size shampoo etc.etc.etc......
A narrow marble topped pantry galley is equipped with a sink, micro, fully stocked minibar and the closet is filled with an array of wines, crackers and snacks - Good quality wine and cocktail glasses are provided, but no bowls or silverware for chees or snacks - but I'm sure that our private butler would be able to provide them.
Electronics: Certainly not Victorian Era - Plasma TV, I-Pod docking station, radio, DVD Player, wi-fi access (tip: $14.95 day, but complimentary if you join the President's Club prior to your stay). A touch control panels allows you to dim the chandeliers (both in the bedroom and bathroom), adjust room temperature and summon the butler.
A couple of minor things taht I noticed as unusual for a hotel of the quality......many tangled wires hanging from the TV - single ply toilet paper.....and lack of a full length mirror. Probably finishing touches not yet applied.
The retail shops are starting to open - they are high end and beautiful. Palm Court will re-open in early March. One room that I loved was Rose Court - roses are the flower of choice for decor at the plaza - huge arrangements are everywhere. Rose Court is a cocktail lounge overlooking the Champagne bar in the lobby - but dont thhink soft and girlie.....It's on two levels, - a bar - sofas and low tables - some dining seats if you prefer.......Think exotic with dim lights, dark wood and animal skin accents - More like Morocco or African Safari.....lots of mood up there.
Considering the location fo the Fairmont Plaza, the elegance and great service - you'll be very happy with this choice. Enjoy!!
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