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The Plaza’s most precocious resident is hitting a major milestone—and she’s throwing a birthday bash that’s, well, rawther fabulous.
To mark 70 years since Kay Thompson’s beloved children’s character first took up residence in the “room on the tippy-top floor,” the Plaza Hotel (which was just named one of the most pet-friendly in the country, by the way) is hosting a free, two-day celebration packed with sugary treats, scavenger hunts and serious nostalgia. Taking place Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event is open to the public and promises a taste of Eloise’s world for fans of all ages.
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The festivities will unfold throughout the iconic Fifth Avenue hotel, from the Grand Army Plaza-facing lobby to the Eloise Shop, where guests can enjoy sweet treats from Eleni’s, preview posh children’s fashion by Rachel Riley and cuddle up with plush toys from Yottoy Productions. The star attraction? A scavenger hunt across the hotel’s ground-floor boutiques and corridors that nods to Eloise’s own mischievous spirit.
Originally published in 1955, Eloise quickly became a cult classic thanks to Thompson’s sassy narration and Hilary Knight’s instantly recognizable illustrations. A cultural icon in patent leather shoes and pink bows, Eloise inspired everything from TV movies to luxury hotel suites—and her portrait still hangs proudly in the Plaza’s lobby.
While Eloise herself remains fictional, the celebration is very real and delightfully over-the-top. Expect photo ops, giveaways and the chance to play Plaza princess for the day, no booking required.
It’s free. It’s fabulous. And it’s just the kind of thing Eloise would absolutely demand.