10 Film and Television Filming Locations Open to the Public

6. The Plaza Hotel - New York's Cinematic Palace

The Plaza Hotel, an iconic luxury landmark at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in New York City, has served as both a filming location and a character in its own right across decades of cinema and television. This French Renaissance château-style hotel, opened in 1907, gained particular fame as the setting for the beloved "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," where young Kevin McCallister experienced the height of luxury while evading both hotel security and the Wet Bandits. The hotel's opulent Palm Court, with its stained glass ceiling and elegant afternoon tea service, has appeared in numerous productions including "The Great Gatsby," "Bride Wars," and "Sex and the City," each utilizing the space's inherent grandeur and old-world sophistication. Visitors can dine in the same restaurants, walk through the ornate lobbies, and even stay in suites where famous scenes were filmed, creating an immersive luxury experience that blends cinematic nostalgia with genuine five-star hospitality. The hotel's Oak Room and Oak Bar, though now closed, were featured in countless films as the epitome of New York's elite social scene, while the Plaza's exterior has served as a symbol of Manhattan luxury in establishing shots for numerous productions. The building's prime location overlooking Central Park provides the same stunning views that have been captured in romantic comedies and dramas, while the hotel's commitment to preserving its historical elegance ensures that visitors experience the same ambiance that attracted filmmakers for over a century. The Plaza's cultural significance extends beyond its film appearances, as it has hosted real-life events and celebrations that rival any Hollywood production in terms of glamour and spectacle.