Plaza Hotel: NYC’s Icon vs Ireland’s 4-Star Options

The phrase “Plaza Hotel” can mean two very different things: the historic five-star landmark on Central Park South in New York City, or a group of independent four-star hotels across Ireland. This article separates the fame, the price tags, and the ownership stories so you can understand which Plaza is being discussed—and whether staying there fits your plans.

Last checked: 2026-08-18

Property Name: The Plaza Hotel Tallaght · Star Rating: 4-star · Location: Tallaght, South Dublin, Ireland · Key Feature: 122 ensuite bedrooms, conference facilities, mountain views

Why is The Plaza Hotel so famous?

The New York Plaza’s fame rests on three pillars: its 1907 Beaux-Arts architecture, its appearances in films and books, and its role in a historic economic agreement. The Eloise at the Plaza children’s book series, first published in 1955, introduced generations of readers to the hotel’s Palm Court and grand lobby. Wikipedia notes the hotel’s prominent cameo in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), where a young Kevin McCallister checks in using his father’s credit card. In 1985, global finance ministers signed the Plaza Accord at the hotel, an agreement that reshaped currency markets. (Wikipedia – Plaza Accord)

The Irish Plaza Hotels, by contrast, carry none of this geopolitical or film-culture baggage. Their reputation draws from regional hospitality markets. A TripAdvisor reviewer described the Dublin-area Plaza as “a solid mid-range option” rather than a destination landmark. The implication: the “Plaza” brand in Ireland operates on a local rather than global stage.

Did Donald Trump ever own The Plaza Hotel?

Yes. Donald Trump purchased The Plaza Hotel in 1988 for approximately $390 million, according to The Wall Street Journal. The hotel became a flagship property in his portfolio. But as Trump’s financial troubles mounted in the early 1990s, control shifted through a restructuring that transferred ownership to a group of investors that included Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding. Trump retained no ownership after 1995.

Fast forward to 2012: News18 reports that Sahara India Pariwar became majority owner in a deal valuing the property at about $575 million. Then, in July 2018, WealthManagement (via Bloomberg) reported that Katara Hospitality—a Qatari state-owned company—completed the purchase of 100% of the property for roughly $600 million. The pattern: each new owner paid a premium over the prior sale, reflecting the asset’s trophy status.

How much does it cost to stay at the Plaza Hotel?

Rates vary dramatically depending on which Plaza property you book. In New York, Kayak data shows standard rooms selling from roughly the low $500s per night on discounted dates to more than $3,000 per night including fees for premium categories. Average weeknight prices quoted are around $2,300, with weekend prices exceeding $4,000 in peak periods. An independent 2025 pricing guide on EatHealthy365 suggests a typical entry-level Plaza King room costs about $900–$1,500 per night, while large suites such as the Edwardian Suite range from about $2,500 to $4,500, and top-tier accommodations like the Royal Suite can exceed $40,000 per night.

In Ireland, rates are considerably lower. A 2023 search on Booking.com for Plaza Hotel Tallaght showed standard double rooms in the €80–€150 range per night, depending on season and advance booking. The gap reflects the different markets: NYC targets global luxury travellers and business elites; Irish Plazas serve regional business guests and families.

Guests at the NYC property commonly praise its location on Central Park South and the historic lobby, but Kayak reviewers also note high resort fees and occasional worn interiors relative to the price point. The trade-off: you are paying for brand history and location, not necessarily modern luxury fit-and-finish.

How many hotels does Trump actually own?

The Trump Organization currently operates or licenses the Trump brand to hotels and properties worldwide, including Trump International hotels in locations such as Las Vegas, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Vancouver. However, The Plaza Hotel in New York is not among them. As of 2023, The Wall Street Journal confirms that Trump’s ownership of The Plaza ended in 1995. The exact count of Trump-branded hotels is fluid, as several properties have been sold or rebranded in recent years.

Plaza Hotel properties in Ireland

Four main Plaza-branded hotels operate in Ireland, all rated four stars. They are not part of a single chain but share the “Plaza” name as an independent branding choice.

How much did it cost Kevin to stay at The Plaza Hotel?

In Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin McCallister uses his father’s credit card to book a room at The Plaza. The film never states a specific price. The Wikipedia entry for the hotel confirms the scene was filmed on location, though the hotel’s interiors were recreated on a soundstage.

Our pick: First-time visitors to Ireland

“Katara Hospitality, Qatar Investment Authority’s hotel division, completed the purchase on July 2, acquiring 100 percent of the property from Sahara India Pariwar and its minority partners.”

– Bloomberg report cited by WealthManagement, Financial news service

“Qatar has come to terms on acquiring the renowned Plaza Hotel in New York, formerly owned by President Donald Trump, for approximately $600 million.”

– Dmitry Zhdannikov (Reuters, quoted by Axios), Energy and commodities correspondent

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