The Plaza Hotel in New York City has turned a childhood fantasy into a reality, offering guests a chance to step into the shoes of Kevin McCallister from the classic film Home Alone. The iconic venue’s “Home Alone: Fun in New York” package lets visitors spend a day emulating the 9‑year‑old’s adventures, a concept that has become especially popular during the holiday season.
The Experience Begins at the Lobby
Guests who book the package arrive at the Plaza’s Fifth Avenue lobby, where the revolving door and crystal chandelier set the stage for a day of nostalgia. The lobby’s Christmas trees and holiday décor echo the film’s festive backdrop. After checking in with a credit card—since the 1990s Talkboy cannot book rooms—the traveler is guided past the concierge desk and into the elevators that lead to the Royal Suite.
The Royal Suite: A 4,500‑Square‑Foot Palace
The Royal Suite, the Plaza’s most extravagant offering, is more than 4,500 square feet. It contains three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a grand piano, a dining room that seats 12, a full chef’s kitchen, a library, and a fully‑equipped gym. The primary bedroom features an extra‑large bed, a fireplace, picture windows overlooking Fifth Avenue, and a dressing area with leather and wood‑paneled closets. The primary bathroom boasts 24‑carat gold‑plated fixtures, plush bathrobes—including a tiny one for dogs—and an antique tub filled with champagne on ice.
A Limousine Ride Through Film Locations
After leaving the suite, guests board a stretch limousine that had once picked up Kevin McCallister. The limo’s back seat holds eight slices of New York cheese pizza and a can of Coca‑Cola poured into a champagne glass. The ride lasts about four hours and stops at landmarks featured in the film: Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park. In Central Park, the traveler can stroll past the bridge where Kevin gave the Pigeon Lady a turtle dove on Christmas morning.
Reenactments and Make‑A‑Wish Partnerships
The Plaza Hotel partners with the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation to bring the Home Alone experience to wish children during the holiday season. Daniel Brigano, the hotel’s guest experience director, and Benjamin Beraha, the food and beverage manager, dress as Harry and Marv to reenact scenes for a child who dreams of being chased through the hotel by the Sticky Bandits.
The Ultimate Sundae
The highlight of the stay is a 16‑scoop ice cream sundae served on a sterling silver platter for $350. The sundae includes whipped cream, M&M’s, rainbow sprinkles, brownie bits, maraschino cherries, and chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauces. In‑room dining server Mojib offers the traveler a choice of two, three, or more scoops. The traveler responds, “Two? Make it three, I’m not driving.” Mojib then fills a bowl with three generous scoops and hands it over.
From Talkboy to Credit Card
The narrator’s attempt to reserve a room using the 1990s Talkboy’s cassette tape and batteries failed. The pre‑recorded message from “Peter McCallister, the father” did not provide the necessary information, and online booking was not an option in Kevin’s era. The modern method required a credit card, highlighting the contrast between the film’s technology and today’s conveniences.
A Day in the Life of Kevin
The traveler followed Kevin’s footsteps: entering the lobby, wearing a green jacket, khaki pants, and a pom‑pom beanie, carrying a backpack and a Talkboy. The experience was guided by the advice of Macaulay Culkin, who was in the tri‑state area for a nostalgic Home Alone screening tour. Culkin’s insights ranged from pizza to ice cream, adding authenticity to the reenactment.
Key Takeaways
- The Plaza Hotel’s “Home Alone: Fun in New York” package offers a full day of immersive experience, including a stay in the Royal Suite and a limousine tour of film locations.
- The package is available year‑round and is popular with the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation during the holiday season.
- The ultimate indulgence is a 16‑scoop sundae served on a sterling silver platter for $350.
The narrator concludes the adventure with a simple statement that captures the spirit of the day: “This is a vacation.”
Closing
The Plaza Hotel’s Home Alone experience turns a beloved childhood film into a tangible, luxurious outing, blending nostalgia with modern luxury for guests of all ages.
