New York City's Most Iconic Hotel Restaurant Is A Central Park Gem Making Diners Feel Like Royalty

New York City is home to over 700 hotels with options in a wide range of prices and experiences. From the tourist-friendly, affordable hotels near Times Square to a trendy, unique luxury hotel with Parisian elegance like Fouquet's New York, there's something for every traveler. If you're looking to get a taste of one of these famous hotels, without booking an expensive room, why not visit the hotel restaurant or bar? For those looking to treat themselves, the Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel is possibly the most iconic hotel restaurant in New York City.

Chowhound awarded the Palm Court the "most iconic" honor in their recent roundup of "The Most Famous Hotel Restaurant in Every State". Thanks to the children's book character Eloise and the popular film "Home Alone 2", people around the world are familiar with the Plaza Hotel. Located just steps from Central Park, on the world-famous shopping spectacle of Fifth Avenue, the Plaza has been a famous luxury destination since it opened in 1907. As for its restaurant, the Palm Court has been serving diners for over 115 years and is known for its stunning glass dome ceiling and greenery-filled room, as well as the swanky afternoon tea service.

If you'd like to experience the Palm Court without shelling out over $1,000 a night for a room at the Plaza, it's simple to do so. Anyone can make a reservation through OpenTable for the Palm Court's afternoon tea service (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily), for "lite fare & cocktails" (from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily), or for drinks only (from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the bar). Make sure you dress for the occasion as the dress code bans shorts, ripped denim, athletic wear, and some other types of casual clothing. The Plaza's website warns that "any guest who does not appear sufficiently well-presented may be refused entry."

As for the meal itself, at the time of writing, you can expect to pay $125 to $235 per person for the afternoon tea service, depending on which menu you choose, with additional charges for luxury teas and any alcoholic drinks. The Children's Eloise Tea offers a slight savings at $115 per person for children 12 years old and under. If you're looking to economize, your best bet might be to go in the evening, when you can order cocktails and light bites from an à la carte menu. Cocktails range from $28 to $34, with mocktails available for $26 and glasses of wine available from $19 to $150. The food prices range from $22 for the soup du jour to $295 for special reserve caviar.

While visiting the Palm Court is definitely an indulgence, for many, it's a highlight of their trip. "My visit to the Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel for their tea and cake experience was nothing short of magical — an indulgent blend of elegance, history, and impeccable hospitality," writes one Google reviewer. "From the moment I stepped into the iconic Palm Court, with its soaring stained-glass dome and lush palms, I felt transported into a timeless New York fantasy."