New York City has so much to offer, from great food and culture to great architecture. One iconic hotel I’ve always admired is the Plaza, but I never got to see it up close until a recent trip.

The Plaza has been the backdrop of countless movie scenes, and it’s famously-known as the setting of the children’s book series, “Eloise.” My daughter Nicki is no longer into them, but we still want to have tea at the Plaza some day.

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Living in Hawaii, with all of our fabulous resorts, it’s sometimes easy to forget the deep sense of history that a hotel like the Plaza can impart. The Plaza has undergone many renovations since it was built in the French Renaissance-style more than a century ago, but I love that throughout they’ve made sure to keep its Old World charm. There’s the famous Palm Court with the marble staircase and chandelier. The air smells of bouquets and the detailing of the molding, extremely high ceilings, domed glass and lighting is breathtaking.

Even if you’re into clean, modern lines and the latest hotels, the Plaza is definitely worth a visit for high tea, at the least — and a photo with Eloise, of course!

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