After the iconic and luxurious Plaza Hotel closed since March last year, it’s finally reopening as the city wants to welcome more tourists.
Tea and champagne will flow again on Thursday and the historic hotel overlooking Central Park is taking reservations for rooms, the spa and the famous Palm Court.
“Generations of New Yorkers have been here for afternoon tea with their uncles, aunts, and grandmothers since childhood and as adults, and they keep coming back,” said hotel manager George Cozonis.
The plaza reopens just a day after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an ordinance abolishing the 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax rate for three months beginning June 1. With this move, hotels can reduce the cost of their rooms. said de Blasio, which could push tourists to return.
“As our COVID rates continue to drop and we all continue to recover, tourists will return to New York in droves. We are ready for them, ”said the mayor in a statement on Wednesday. “By abolishing the hotel room occupancy tax this summer, we are accelerating our economic recovery, saving jobs and relieving one of our worst-hit industries.”
A number of industries around the world have been hit by the ongoing health crisis, with the hotel industry being hardest hit not only due to travel restrictions but also due to fear of travel amid an ongoing pandemic.
“The temporary occupancy tax relief is a much-needed lifeline that is warmly welcomed by the beleaguered hotel industry,” said Vijay Dandapani, CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City.
Since it opened on October 1, 1907, the Plaza Hotel has been a New York landmark and film location (Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle) featuring world leaders, dignitaries, industry captains, Broadway legends, and Hollywood royalty.
