Ok, this sounds like a strange request, but . . .are there any tours of NYC's "landmark" hotels, like the Plaza, Waldorf-Asotia etc? While in SanFrancisco I toured The Palace Hotel and it was really interesting. I know I can always go into he lobbys of these neat buildings, but a "behind the scenes look" would be great. Anyone know of anything like this? Thanks in advnace for your help.

Indeed a very strange request, and in light of tightened security, I question your actual motives.

Dottie: You're kidding - right? Not on the security issue (that is understandable), but "questioning my motives?" !! No, sorry to disappoint you, but I just have a love of architecture/older buildings, etc. and thought this would be an interesting tour. I have joined tours like this in other cities and had hoped that it would be available in NYC too.

Chris,
I certainly understand and appreciate your question. Sorry that I can not help you though. Just thought I'd let Dottie know that I just posted a similar question regarding the Arizona Biltmore on my post, "Scottsdale/February/Itinary."

Best Wishes and Happy Trails,
Paul

Phil, thanks for your post, I appreciate it! Hope you are able to find a tour of the Arizona Biltmore, and if you are ever in San Francisco, do take the tour of the Palace Hotel - it's really enjoyable. Have a great trip!

Doesn't seem like an odd question to me. However, the only hotel I've even seen advertising a behind the scenes historical tour is the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, so maybe you want to cross the border???
Well received architectural walking tours abound in NYC, and perhaps one of them includes hotels. Try contacting Big Onion tours, The Municipal Art Society or the 92nd Street Y. These groups sometimes go to places not open to the general public and/or you may find dome other tours you might want to join.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, and Paul, sorry about the typo! I discovered that The Municipal Art Society that NYer discussed has a wonderful website: http://www.mas.org and it includes some information on walking tours with an architectural focus. Just thought I leave a post incase there were others who are interested too.