Does the interior of the Plaza Hotel look run down?
May 27th, 2000, 09:21 PM
#41
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Al's example is interesting, and one that I've often used in discussing the topic of disposable income. For people with a great deal of disposable income, a $4500 hotel room can be proportionately similar to someone with a $35K/year job spending $15 a night. So from a financial standpoint, it's hardly ridiculous to consider spending such a sum. (Of course to people like noname that automatically qualifies the spender as being boorish and pompous, but given his/her obvious hostility toward anyone with means, and lack of ability to comprehend other people's lifestyles, I guess that's understandable. I mean let's all be realistic. It's a given that anyone with a couple million dollars or more certainly couldn't live without butlers and chauffeurs and people to tie his/her shoelaces each morning, let alone have an interest in reading a travel forum written by and for working class slugs. You know, noname, the saying is quite true that money does not buy happiness. Hope you're able to figure out someday what will make you happy in life).
For "middleclass", merc appears to be from the UK, so may not just 'pal around' with lots of people who frequent the suites at the Plaza NYC. And there are many people who read these boards not 'looking for bargains' but to find information which will help them decide whether or not they want to visit a particular city or restaurant, etc. Sure there are lots of bargain hunters here. But if you search the number of posts about various Four Seasons or Ritz hotels, first class air travel and such, you'll find there are a number of posters discussing (or "bragging" as you say, about)those issues. Funny thing, this money-hating bitterness just doesn't ever appear on the non-USA forums. Hmmmm.
Sorry, merc, for all the bad feelings dredged up on your thread. Europeans and Asians have stereotypical views of Americans which are, in many ways, confirmed here.
For "middleclass", merc appears to be from the UK, so may not just 'pal around' with lots of people who frequent the suites at the Plaza NYC. And there are many people who read these boards not 'looking for bargains' but to find information which will help them decide whether or not they want to visit a particular city or restaurant, etc. Sure there are lots of bargain hunters here. But if you search the number of posts about various Four Seasons or Ritz hotels, first class air travel and such, you'll find there are a number of posters discussing (or "bragging" as you say, about)those issues. Funny thing, this money-hating bitterness just doesn't ever appear on the non-USA forums. Hmmmm.
Sorry, merc, for all the bad feelings dredged up on your thread. Europeans and Asians have stereotypical views of Americans which are, in many ways, confirmed here.
May 28th, 2000, 06:08 AM
#42
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Middleclass, since when is this forum for bargain hunters only?! Anon, you are the one person who is speaking some sense around here! Coming from London, my friends don't frequent The Plaza that often, I wish you'd think before making some ridiculous statements. I am gradually coming to the conclusion that some American people have a problem with the "money" issue and as Anon says it certainly doesn't occur on the European pages.I will say again, I was not boasting "middleclass" and if you don't have the intelligence to understand the reason as to why I mentioned the price (I stated the reason in an earlier post - to compare what is being offered at the Plaza with other establishments)then that's just unfortunate!
May 28th, 2000, 07:05 AM
#43
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I refer you to your earlier post, Merc, in which you state you already know the suite is outstanding because you have a brochure and you have spoken at great length with the hotel. What, they wouldn't discuss the reception area with you? Again, it seems the only point of your post is to let a whole forum of listeners know that you are spending a bundle on a hotel suite. Interesting that you accuse me and other Americans (thanks for assuming I'm American, by the way) of having "a problem with the 'money' issue," yet you don't respond to my comments about charity and proportion. Who's got the problem here?
May 28th, 2000, 08:44 AM
#44
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We walked through the Plaza last May because someone advised us the closest ATM was located there. Actually, it was through the lobby, down a corridor, down the stairs, and around the corner. I would describe the "carpets/upholstery" as worn for sure. And, the ATM was out of order. There's no telling when the photo you received of the suite was taken. Have you considered the Elysee or the Peninsula? Or, are you hoping to convince the Plaza of something?
May 28th, 2000, 11:13 AM
#45
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Teacher: All right, Class. Listen up. Today's lesson will be mathematics. Assume that Traveler is willing to pay $4500 for one night at a hotel. Assume that a regular Joe making $35,000 annually is willing to spend $15 for one night at a hotel. If each person is spending the same proportion of his annual income on lodging, what is Rich Traveler's annual income? Anyone? Anyone?
Yes, Middle Class?
Middle Class: Rich people suck.
Teacher: Now, now, Middle Class. How will you ever marry up with that attitude? Anyone? Anyone? Yes, Merc?
Merc: It's nobody's business, and Traveler is not rich.
Teacher: Sorry, Merc, but we're not here to make a value judgment. Anyone? Anyone? Yes, Laura?
Laura: Can Rich Traveler pay by the hour instead?
Teacher: I'm serious, people. Anyone? Anyone?
Al: 2,080 major league pitches?
Teacher: Excellent, Al. You are right. Rich Traveller earns $10,714,285 annually in our example, which is 2,080 major league pitches, including balls, strikes, balks, and beanballs. Al, you just might keep that athletic scholarship after all.
Yes, Middle Class?
Middle Class: Rich people suck.
Teacher: Now, now, Middle Class. How will you ever marry up with that attitude? Anyone? Anyone? Yes, Merc?
Merc: It's nobody's business, and Traveler is not rich.
Teacher: Sorry, Merc, but we're not here to make a value judgment. Anyone? Anyone? Yes, Laura?
Laura: Can Rich Traveler pay by the hour instead?
Teacher: I'm serious, people. Anyone? Anyone?
Al: 2,080 major league pitches?
Teacher: Excellent, Al. You are right. Rich Traveller earns $10,714,285 annually in our example, which is 2,080 major league pitches, including balls, strikes, balks, and beanballs. Al, you just might keep that athletic scholarship after all.
May 28th, 2000, 04:46 PM
#46
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I've just stumbled on this message out of curiosity and from what my friend was talking about earlier as he mentioned about one message in partiular that was creating a bit of a storm in the forum. He was exaggerating....more like a hurricane...and prompted me out of deep lurker mode here.
From reading Merc's original question, fair enough, the guy wanted to know about the place, to subsequent replies, his clarification about the money, I admit I am surprised and disappointed with the mental abilities of some of these people. Noname and Anon and some others are the only ones who seem to talk a bit of sense.
Cindy and Amy, and one or two others....you are plain downright nasty. You've successfully turned something around from a question to an issue designed to provoke, insult, and furthermore insinuate about class and money....something one should never do in this present day....regardless of cost of suites. Britain, America and Europe have moved on from the first half of the twentieth century. Regardless of wealth, a good job pays a lot sometimes, and the stress associated with that job deserves its rewards and the freedom to choose where and how to live your life. Something that Russia and other countries have just started to learn.
So this email is to cindy and amy and the other people, take a chill pill! cindy, your last email....just the mere concoction of that scenario suggests you've got way too much at your hands!
A final note, before I take a bow, I hope you and your friend enjoy your stay in New York.....carpe diem.
From reading Merc's original question, fair enough, the guy wanted to know about the place, to subsequent replies, his clarification about the money, I admit I am surprised and disappointed with the mental abilities of some of these people. Noname and Anon and some others are the only ones who seem to talk a bit of sense.
Cindy and Amy, and one or two others....you are plain downright nasty. You've successfully turned something around from a question to an issue designed to provoke, insult, and furthermore insinuate about class and money....something one should never do in this present day....regardless of cost of suites. Britain, America and Europe have moved on from the first half of the twentieth century. Regardless of wealth, a good job pays a lot sometimes, and the stress associated with that job deserves its rewards and the freedom to choose where and how to live your life. Something that Russia and other countries have just started to learn.
So this email is to cindy and amy and the other people, take a chill pill! cindy, your last email....just the mere concoction of that scenario suggests you've got way too much at your hands!
A final note, before I take a bow, I hope you and your friend enjoy your stay in New York.....carpe diem.
May 28th, 2000, 09:09 PM
#47
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Cindy, while I applaud your attempt to interject a bit of humor into this otherwise contentious thread, I must offer a correction. If you read the 'proportionate cost' example carefully, I did not state that the ratio of $35K/$15 was to be set against "X"/$4500. What I stated was that "for people with a great deal of disposable income, a $4500 hotel room can...." The point being that as most people accumulate wealth, a larger and larger proportion of their annual income is left over as 'disposable'. Thus, there is not a linear correlation between the relative cost at $35K/year versus, say, $750K/year.
Even if you use your example, though, there were a few thousand Americans who made >$10 million last year (particularly due to the effect of the stock market). I'm sure noname has them hitlisted.
Even if you use your example, though, there were a few thousand Americans who made >$10 million last year (particularly due to the effect of the stock market). I'm sure noname has them hitlisted.
May 29th, 2000, 11:04 PM
#49
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Merc,
I have never stayed in a suite at the Plaza, but did stay in a Deluxe room. The bedroom itself was a huge disappointment, but the general service (or lack thereof) throughout the hotel was even worse. Little things like a long line for check-in, slow room service etc. etc.
I'm sure that the residents of suites are treated better than we were, but I was underthe impression that 5 star hotels gave 5 star service regardless of room rate.
There are so many better, more personal hotels (Pierre etc.)with an equally good location - I would give the Plaza a miss (even at $400/night).
I have never stayed in a suite at the Plaza, but did stay in a Deluxe room. The bedroom itself was a huge disappointment, but the general service (or lack thereof) throughout the hotel was even worse. Little things like a long line for check-in, slow room service etc. etc.
I'm sure that the residents of suites are treated better than we were, but I was underthe impression that 5 star hotels gave 5 star service regardless of room rate.
There are so many better, more personal hotels (Pierre etc.)with an equally good location - I would give the Plaza a miss (even at $400/night).
May 30th, 2000, 07:42 AM
#52
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I'm sorry too. I'm sorry that the Plaza seems to be run down. And I'm sorry that Merc is not a super humoungus zillion trillionaire. And I'm also sorry that I'm not one too. I'm sorry that the ATM downstairs didn't work. And I'm sorry that the Plaza is located in New York, and not here in Bumkiss, TX. And I'm sorry that I can't type faster, and that I didn't buy DELL stock in 1986 when it first went public. And I'm sorry that I bumped this forum back to the top. I'm sorry that AMS posts to Fodors, and that I feel compelled to read his billious schmata. And I'm sorry that I don't know how to spell billious schmata.
May 30th, 2000, 08:47 AM
#53
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Merc, in re-reading your responses, you’ve made one factual error that may make it worth going back to your hotel sources. I believe the likelihood that a hotel suite has a Jacuzzi is fairly proportional to the date a hotel was built or underwent a substantial renovation. The Plaza, having gone through its re-building in the mid-80s, is actually pretty far down on the probability curve for in-room Jacuzzis. It’s no wonder that you found one only in a suite charging $4500.
Did you query the Peninsula or the St. Regis? Both date from the 1910-25 era (and have a Beaux Arts classical façade), but both were gutted and re-built in the early 1990s, six or seven years after the Plaza. As such, both were more likely to have included Jacuzzis in their suites than the Plaza. Also, the Rhiga Royal was built from scratch in 1990, and so is likely to have included Jacuzzis in their higher-end rooms. Another possibility is the Mark, rebuilt into a very high-end property within the past decade. They’re part of the Small Luxury Hotel collection.
(In an attempt to get this thread down into the bowels of Fodors, I attempted to email this directly to Merc, but the message came back as undeliverable... which may or may not mean anything)
Did you query the Peninsula or the St. Regis? Both date from the 1910-25 era (and have a Beaux Arts classical façade), but both were gutted and re-built in the early 1990s, six or seven years after the Plaza. As such, both were more likely to have included Jacuzzis in their suites than the Plaza. Also, the Rhiga Royal was built from scratch in 1990, and so is likely to have included Jacuzzis in their higher-end rooms. Another possibility is the Mark, rebuilt into a very high-end property within the past decade. They’re part of the Small Luxury Hotel collection.
(In an attempt to get this thread down into the bowels of Fodors, I attempted to email this directly to Merc, but the message came back as undeliverable... which may or may not mean anything)
May 30th, 2000, 10:48 AM
#56
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Neal,as I stated in previous messages,I have phoned all the top hotels eg. The Four Seasons, The Regis, The Peninsula, The New York Palace etc. and none of them have jacuzzis, not even in their more expensive suites. The reason for this - pass. For first class, luxury establishments you would expect better, wouldn't you? As for your message not getting through, I apologize and shall explain fully. On Aol, there is a facility to accept e mail of named addresses only. This way, I am able to control my post and block out any junk/unwanted mail that I may otherwise receive.Therefore,to answer your question,it means nothing - it is a genuine address. So Cindy, it won't be necessary to withdraw your apology. As for you noname,well what can I say, wrong again - you're just a lost cause who just will not face up to the fact that this is not a put-on! Neil,I shall turn a blind eye to your subtle attempt of stirring more agro and place your address on my list, just to prove that I'm for real! Now can we stop this childish and pathetic banter!
May 30th, 2000, 11:01 AM
#57
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Merc--this won't help you a bit, but an article a few moths ago in the WSJ talked about the Peninsula's redone bathrooms and the availability (as I recall) of bathroom butlers, who I think bring you fruit and mineral water or some such. Why management decided people would prefer a visit from a stranger to a jacuzzi is unclear, but perhaps you could have your bath butler swirl the water in your tub with a hand mixer. Or you could hire some of the mole people to blow bubbles with straws.
May 30th, 2000, 11:29 AM
#58
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Careful there, Martha. Merc has no sense of humor and takes his jacuzzis mighty seriously. You'd better apologize. Neal, Merc wishes to apologize for treating you with anything less than the utmost respect you deserve for your many, many fine and detailed posts on this board and continuing attempts to help others.
May 30th, 2000, 12:06 PM
#59
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On the contrary 'snip', i quite liked
Martha's sense of humour as it was meant in jest.I have read many of Neal's posts on this website and I agree 'snip', they are very detailed and helpful;it's just that his comment regarding the forwarding of his message and the failure of it's deliverance was bound to entice people such as noname to respond with further unintelligible and unwanted comments.
Martha's sense of humour as it was meant in jest.I have read many of Neal's posts on this website and I agree 'snip', they are very detailed and helpful;it's just that his comment regarding the forwarding of his message and the failure of it's deliverance was bound to entice people such as noname to respond with further unintelligible and unwanted comments.
May 30th, 2000, 12:20 PM
#60
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Merc, my aside regarding the returned email wasn’t intended as a gibe; rather it was the most polite way I could think of to say that an off-line conversation is frequently more productive than an on-line one. I tried sending this message to your AOL account but again had it sent back as undeliverable.
I still suggest you contact the Mark; below are two Jacuzzi-specific references found at a useful New York web site: http://www.stayinnewyorkcity.com/midtown.htm.
I’ve been to the Crown Plaza at the UN (formerly the UN Plaza Hotel) sufficient times to have a high regard for it. The Lyden House is, I think, part of Manhattan East Suites, a so-so chain, though I’m not familiar with this hotel in particular.
Crown Plaza at the United Nations
304 E. 42nd Street First and Second Avenues Midtown East
NY, NY 10017
This hotel is great for corporate travelers. Rooms are furnished with classic English reproductions. There is a large and inviting marble bath. Rooms feature hair dryers, dual-line speaker phones, data ports, and voice mail. Some suites have Jacuzzi tubs and terraces with views of the Chrysler Building.
Located A short walk to the United Nations & many corporate offices. A few minute cab ride to Midtown’s tourist attractions.
-314 rooms, 20 floors
Lyden House
320 East 53rd Street (between 2nd & 3rd) Midtown East
NY, NY 10022-5240
The charming marble & brass lobby of the Lyden House foretells the understated elegance of the hotel. All suites are spacious & tastefully decorated. The hotel offers a choice of a Junior, one or two-bedroom suite. A full kitchen with a dining table, microwave oven, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, large walk in closets, & an automatic coffeemaker are all standard amenities in each suite. The two bedroom suites feature sunken Jacuzzis & an outdoor patio. The hotel staff offers impeccable service.
Located in a tree lined upscale tranquil neighborhood. Walking distance to the Citicorp Center, St. Peters Lutheran Church, Lever House, & the Seagram Building. Six & a half blocks to Rockefeller Center. Five blocks to the Museum of Modern Art.
81 suites, 11 floors
I still suggest you contact the Mark; below are two Jacuzzi-specific references found at a useful New York web site: http://www.stayinnewyorkcity.com/midtown.htm.
I’ve been to the Crown Plaza at the UN (formerly the UN Plaza Hotel) sufficient times to have a high regard for it. The Lyden House is, I think, part of Manhattan East Suites, a so-so chain, though I’m not familiar with this hotel in particular.
Crown Plaza at the United Nations
304 E. 42nd Street First and Second Avenues Midtown East
NY, NY 10017
This hotel is great for corporate travelers. Rooms are furnished with classic English reproductions. There is a large and inviting marble bath. Rooms feature hair dryers, dual-line speaker phones, data ports, and voice mail. Some suites have Jacuzzi tubs and terraces with views of the Chrysler Building.
Located A short walk to the United Nations & many corporate offices. A few minute cab ride to Midtown’s tourist attractions.
-314 rooms, 20 floors
Lyden House
320 East 53rd Street (between 2nd & 3rd) Midtown East
NY, NY 10022-5240
The charming marble & brass lobby of the Lyden House foretells the understated elegance of the hotel. All suites are spacious & tastefully decorated. The hotel offers a choice of a Junior, one or two-bedroom suite. A full kitchen with a dining table, microwave oven, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, large walk in closets, & an automatic coffeemaker are all standard amenities in each suite. The two bedroom suites feature sunken Jacuzzis & an outdoor patio. The hotel staff offers impeccable service.
Located in a tree lined upscale tranquil neighborhood. Walking distance to the Citicorp Center, St. Peters Lutheran Church, Lever House, & the Seagram Building. Six & a half blocks to Rockefeller Center. Five blocks to the Museum of Modern Art.
81 suites, 11 floors
