Murder! Scandal! Bankruptcy! The History of the Plaza Hotel

Money Talking | Jun 14, 2019

The Plaza Hotel is a New York City icon. The eighteen-story white marble building is the home of Eloise, the mischievous six-year-old who lived in the "room on the tippy-top floor" in the classic children's book series. Both the Beatles and the taxicab made their statewide debuts outside the Plaza. And it’s had a featured role in more movies and television shows than some actors in Hollywood, from Home Alone 2 to The Sopranos.

Since it opened in 1907, the story of the Plaza has been the story of New York. Its history is littered with colorful guests, financial uncertainty, and a controversial transformation from hotel to a multimillion-dollar condominium.

This week on Money Talking, Charlie Herman talks to journalist Julie Satow about the past and present of the Plaza Hotel. In her new book, The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel, Satow shares never-before-told stories about the iconic hotel from its murderous origins to its bankruptcy under Donald Trump.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

Why single domestic violence survivors can't get shelter in NYC despite empty beds

More than half the callers to the city’s domestic violence hotline are single people, but few are getting shelter.

Gothamist |

The History Wars and America at 250, with the Historian Jill Lepore

Three prominent historians discuss a national milestone arriving in the midst of a politically charged conflict over how Americans see the past. It’s a “goat rodeo,” Lepore says.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

What Péter Magyar's Election in Hungary Says About 'Strongmen' Today

Andrew Marantz talks about the new prime minister of Hungary, and OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Mayor Mamdani says he's balanced NYC's budget

WNYC News |

How they handle crises in Brownsville, often without police

At least twice a year, nonprofit workers from the neighborhood spend a week calming disputes and responding to most 311 and 911 calls on certain blocks in the neighborhood.