From Central Park to Abu Dhabi…
We’re not short of a luxury hotel or two here in the UAE, but we can always stand another.
From the looks of things, we might be in luck, too. The Dubai-based businessman who’s just purchased New York’s iconic Plaza Hotel has plans to bring the brand back home.
Read:
What we know about Dubai’s Zaha Hadid-designed hotel
Here’s the latest swanky hotel coming to Dubai…
White City Ventures’ Shahal Khan told The National that the US$600 million purchase was a precursor to bigger moves.
“My dream has been to build a brand of Plazas globally like the Ritz Carlton but with uber luxury and brands unique to the Plaza like the Palm Court and The Oak Room,” Khan told the paper.
“We are ready to close and I look forward to opening a plaza in Abu Dhabi soon thereafter. By 2020 I’ll open one in UAE. Also one in China.”
Set on Fifth Avenue at the south west corner of New York’s Central Park, the Plaza Hotel has a firm place in pop culture history. It’s featured in films like Almost Famous, Funny Girl, Barefoot in the Park and Sleepless in Seattle.
The Beatles took over an entire wing in 1964 on their first visit to the USA, and reportedly took all the coat hangers with them when they checked out.
The 302-room hotel opened in 1907, and in 1966 played host to author Truman Capote’s Black & White Ball.
US President Donald Trump bought the Plaza in 1988, before being forced to sell it due to bankruptcy in 1992.
It’s home to some very noteworthy dining options, which Khan plans to bring to his UAE venture.
We’re already mentally checking in…
Images: The Plaza Hotel/Instagram
