[2] Designed in Renaissance Revival style by Walker & Eisen,[3] the hotel consisted of ten stories in a T-shaped layout, was built with reinforced concrete and artificial stone, and cost $750,000 ($13.4 million in 2024) to construct, $250,000 more than was budgeted.

[4] When the hotel opened, it consisted of 198 rooms and a ground floor that included a restaurant, beauty parlor, barber shop, ballroom, two garden plazas, and a lobby designed by George G.

[4] Considered one of Hollywood's most glamorous nightspots, It Cafe drew clientele that included Gene Autry, Milton Berle, and Pat Buttram.

[2][6] In 1928, Edward Everett Horton had his newly purchased convertible delivered to his suite on the fourth floor of Plaza Hotel, as a publicity stunt for the dealership.

Those who stayed at the hotel include Jackie Gleason, Doris Day, Joe Frisco, Edward Everett Horton, Harry James, Paul Whiteman, Hal McIntyre, and more.

[5] Other notable hotel guests include Joe Di Maggio, Babe Ruth, Howard Hughes, and Ernest Hemingway.