Trazee In-Depth: Iconic Hotels

There is a short list of iconic hotels everyone knows by reputation and name, but may not know why. Luxury hotels play a large role in books, films and movies and are integrated in our society as pop culture references.

The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan is arguably the most famous hotel in New York City. Opened in 1907, The Plaza was designated an official landmark in 1969. Located on Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the 20-story building is the setting of the 1950s film, Eloise, a popular children’s book series, and the backdrop for classic films such as Funny Girl, The Great Gatsby and Barefoot in the Park.

More recently, The Plaza Hotel provided the setting and contributed to the storyline in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and in recent films including Bride Wars and American Hustle.

A post shared by The Plaza Hotel (@theplazahotel) on Apr 13, 2017 at 2:31pm PDT

The legacy of The Plaza Hotel is perpetuated in the media and society thanks to its glamorous history. The status and high-class symbol of the landmark hotel is ingrained in us from a young age.

Specifically in Bride Wars, The Plaza Hotel is a main focal point of the film as the two brides, and best friends, fight for the wedding space to host each of their weddings — always a dream of theirs.

Plaza guests have always included the rich and famous with some of the wealthiest guests opting to live in the hotel. Notable guests span from F. Scott Fitzgerald and Cary Grant to kings and presidents. Now managed by Fairmont, the stunning hotel offers weekly tours of its interior to the public, led by an architectural historian.

A post shared by Hotel Bel-Air (@hotelbelair) on Apr 18, 2017 at 5:49pm PDT

Across the country, the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, Calif., has been deemed one of the most beautiful properties on the West Coast and possibly in the world. The property is famous for its canyon location in Los Angeles, natural oasis and lush gardens. Iconic guests from Grace Kelly to Howard Hughes, Lana Turner and Marilyn Monroe graced the Bel-Air suites, adding to the Hollywood appeal of the famous property.

The Hotel Bel-Air blossomed during the golden age of Hollywood and, when revamped in 2011, the hotel brought back glamour from a bygone time to the modern era.

More infamously remembered, but still iconic, is the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo., famous for inspiring Steven King’s novel The Shining. Named the Overlook Hotel in the book and the film, the Stanley Hotel reported paranormal activity since the 1970s and embraced the haunted charm. The hotel offers nightly ghost tours and an on-site psychic, while the film is played on specific TVs on a continuous loop. The Stanley Hotel has even gone so far as to install a miniature tree maze in front of the property, just like in the film. Guests can stay in one of several reportedly haunted guestrooms.

A post shared by The Langham London (@langham_london) on Dec 22, 2016 at 5:10am PST

Another hotel with a famous reputation is the Langham Hotel in London. This historic building opened in the late 1800s and was the first luxury hotel in the city. Famous guests from celebrities to royalty have stayed in the Langham with frequent reports of ghost sightings.

Guests of the Langham reported seeing the ghost of a German soldier and doctor who was said to have killed his wife and self on their honeymoon in the hotel. According to Langham guests, room 333 is said to be the most haunted in the entire hotel, challenging brave travelers to test the theory for themselves.

Many iconic hotels possess a luxurious allure in addition to their interesting and assorted history. The history behind a hotel’s legacy is often the most attractive aspect of a stay. Whether boasting a glamorous history, top-notch service or intriguing infamy, these iconic hotels stand out from the throng of beautiful accommodations around the world.