Eloise at the Plaza: Story, Suite, and Movie Guide

Every kid who has ever stayed in a fancy hotel has wondered what it would be like to live there. For more than half a century, that fantasy has had a name: Eloise. This guide untangles the real story behind the fictional six-year-old who took up residence at New York’s Plaza Hotel, from the books and the 2003 TV movie to the actual suite you can book today — and settles the long-running rumor about whether Eloise was based on Liza Minnelli.

First Eloise book published: 1955 ·
Eloise at the Plaza movie released: 2003 ·
Plaza Hotel opened: 1907 ·
Number of Eloise books in original series: 7 ·
Eloise’s age: 6

The pattern: six core facts define the Eloise phenomenon — from a 1955 book to a 2003 movie to a real suite at a historic hotel.

What’s the story behind Eloise at the Plaza?

The origin of the Eloise books by Kay Thompson

Kay Thompson, a singer, dancer, and vocal arranger, introduced Eloise to the world in 1955 with the book Eloise. The character — a precocious six-year-old living with her nanny in a suite at The Plaza Hotel — was an instant hit. Thompson wrote and illustrated the series alongside Hilary Knight, who drew the iconic pink-and-black illustrations. The original series spans seven books, published between 1955 and 1960 (Wikipedia).

Plot summary of the 2003 TV movie

Disney’s Eloise at the Plaza aired in 2003, starring Sofia Vassilieva as Eloise and Julie Andrews as her nanny. The film follows Eloise as she navigates life at the hotel, befriends staff, and helps a young guest overcome her shyness. Directed by Kevin Lima, the movie brought the character to a new generation (IMDb).

Connection to The Plaza Hotel

The Plaza Hotel, which opened in 1907 at 5th Avenue and Central Park South, is the literal and symbolic home of Eloise. The hotel embraced the association by launching the Eloise Suite as part of its “A Room in History” program in 2014 (The Plaza Hotel New York). The real-life hotel has been owned by various magnates, including Donald Trump from 1988 to 1995 (Wikipedia).

Who is Eloise The Plaza?

Character description and personality

Eloise is a wealthy, imaginative, and mischievous six-year-old who lives with her nanny on the “tippy-top floor” of The Plaza Hotel. She is known for her catchphrase “I am Eloise, and I am six!” Her adventures involve exploring the hotel, ordering room service, and charming guests and staff alike. The character’s blend of independence and innocence made her a beloved figure in children’s literature (Wikipedia).

Eloise’s daily life at the hotel

In the books, Eloise’s routine includes visits to the Palm Court for tea, walks in Central Park, and interactions with the hotel’s staff — from the bellmen to the manager. The nanny, who remains unnamed, gently guides her while Eloise’s mother is frequently away. This setup gave children a fantasy of unsupervised hotel living.

Why she is a cultural icon

Eloise has inspired merchandise, costumes, and themed experiences. The Plaza Hotel’s gift shop sells Eloise dolls, books, and apparel daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (The Plaza Hotel New York). The character’s influence extends beyond books: she is a symbol of childhood whimsy set against a backdrop of old-world luxury.

The implication: Eloise turned a fictional address into a real brand — few children’s characters have achieved a hotel suite bearing their name.

Is there an Eloise suite at The Plaza?

Details of the Eloise Suite

Yes — The Plaza Hotel offers a dedicated Eloise Suite, a 625-square-foot one-bedroom king suite on the 8th floor. The room features custom Eloise-themed bedding designed by Betsey Johnson, a pink-and-black color palette, and decor that includes Eloise and Weenie dolls, Eloise robes and towels, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV (The Plaza Hotel New York). Guests also receive an Eloise book and a Plaza robe to keep.

Amenities and decor

Beyond the themed furnishings, the suite includes pay-per-view movies (Fairmont Hotels & Resorts), a separate sitting area, and a marble bathroom. The Plaza’s official page emphasizes that the suite is designed to make children feel like they have stepped into Eloise’s world.

How to book

Guests can book the Eloise Suite directly through The Plaza’s website or via Fairmont’s reservation system. It is part of the hotel’s “A Room in History” collection, which includes other historically themed accommodations.

How much is the Eloise Suite at The Plaza per night?

Six facts, one pattern: the price of the Eloise Suite is anything but fixed.

Pricing varies by season and occupancy. The Plaza does not list a fixed public rate on its official site; interested guests must inquire directly or check availability on booking platforms. For the most accurate and current price, always consult The Plaza’s official booking page.

The pattern: reported rates have ranged from under $1,000 to over $3,000 — no single number captures the cost of this fantasy.

Is Eloise at the Plaza based on Liza Minnelli?

The persistent rumor

A long-standing myth claims that Eloise was modeled after a young Liza Minnelli, who lived at The Plaza Hotel with her mother, Judy Garland, for a time. The rumor gained traction because of the resemblance between the fictional character and the real-life child star.

Kay Thompson’s inspiration

Kay Thompson consistently denied the connection. She stated in interviews that Eloise was a purely fictional creation. The character’s name, personality, and story were not inspired by Liza Minnelli or any other real child (Wikipedia).

Why the myth persists

The rumor may endure because Liza Minnelli did indeed live at The Plaza as a child, and because both she and Eloise share a certain plucky, theatrical quality. But the facts are clear: Eloise is not Liza Minnelli. Thompson’s own words and the timeline of the books support this.

Timeline of Eloise and The Plaza

• 1907 – The Plaza Hotel opens at 5th Avenue and Central Park South.
• 1955 – First Eloise book published by Kay Thompson.
• 2003 – Eloise at the Plaza TV movie premieres on Disney Channel.
• 2014 – Eloise Suite officially launched as part of “A Room in History.”

What else you should know

“I just thought it would be fun to write about a little girl who lives in a hotel.”

— Kay Thompson, creator of Eloise

“The Eloise Suite invites families to step into the pages of a beloved story, with custom decor and amenities designed for children.”

— The Plaza Hotel New York, official description

For travelers and fans alike, the Eloise phenomenon is a rare case where fiction and hospitality merge into a tangible experience. Whether you book the suite, enjoy the Children’s Eloise Tea at the Palm Court (starting at around $155 per person per a 2025 report, though current pricing should be verified with the hotel), or simply watch the movie, the character’s legacy endures. For parents planning a New York trip with young children, the choice is clear: invest in the full Eloise experience, or enjoy the story from the comfort of your living room — but either way, the magic of a six-year-old hotel dweller is here to stay.

Frequently asked questions