The Plaza Hotel Awarded Prestigious 2010 AAA Five Diamond Rating

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2009 -- New York City's legendary Plaza Hotel (www.ThePlaza.com) has been awarded a 2010 AAA Five Diamond Rating by AAA, an independent federation of not-for-profit automobile clubs that provide comprehensive travel services to its 51 million members, joining the ranks of an elite group of hotels across the United States. This is the first time in The Plaza Hotel's 102-year history that the AAA Five Diamond Rating was awarded to the hotel, recognizing The Plaza Hotel as one of most distinguished hotels in the world.

The AAA Five Diamond Rating is considered North America's premier ratings system, with the organization reviewing more than 60,000 hotels annually. Less than one percent of the over 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this prestigious designation. The Plaza Hotel was awarded Five Diamonds based on an extensive list of criteria that recognizes the hotel's superior guest service, spacious guest rooms, luxury furnishings, exceptional architecture, fine dining, excellent shopping and unmatched hotel services and amenities.

"We are honored to have received such a prestigious award from an organization as influential as AAA," says Shane Krige, General Manager of The Plaza Hotel. "The Plaza Hotel's Five Diamond Rating illustrates our ongoing commitment to providing an outstanding luxury experience for our clientele."

The Plaza Hotel also includes The Shops at The Plaza, occupying 160,000 square feet including a Caudalie VinotherapieŽ Spa, featuring an 800 square foot wine lounge that is unique to the Plaza Hotel, Fitness Center by Radu Physical Culture and a Warren-Tricomi Salon; and culinary options including the elegant Champagne Bar offering an incomparable selection of Champagnes; The Rose Club, a stylish new cocktail lounge; and The Oak Room and Oak Bar, originally opened in 1945, providing a quintessential New York experience for hotel guests and residents alike.

Additionally, The Plaza includes the Grand Ballroom, a New York City landmark retaining the neo-classical decor of its original design. The meticulous restoration of the Grand Ballroom includes the elaborate chandeliers, balconies featuring curved ornamental railings and attached iconic columns, and six landmark murals. Offering 21,000 square feet of meeting space with seven new meeting rooms, including the Grand Ballroom and the Terrace Room, The Plaza is the premier location for events and meetings in New York City.

About The Plaza Hotel

Timeless, captivating and unforgettable, The Plaza has undergone a $450 million, three-year, lobby to roof renovation and restoration. The passion and uncompromising service which made the hotel a legend has returned with a new and contemporary spirit. The Plaza is an extraordinary hotel and a luxury lifestyle destination that offers guests every indulgence featuring a world-class retail collection with a Caudalie VinotherapieŽ Spa, Warren-Tricomi Salon and Fitness Center by Radu Physical Culture. The Oak Room and Oak Bar provide quintessential New York experiences, and the opulent Plaza Grand Ballroom continues to host the world's most memorable events. New additions include the elegant Champagne Bar and stylish Rose Club. Designated a New York City Landmark in 1969 it is also the only New York City hotel to be designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Plaza Hotel is jointly owned by New York-based El Ad Properties, a subsidiary of the El Ad Group, and Kingdom Holdings, a Saudi Arabia-based corporation. It is managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. For reservations and additional information, please call 888-240-7775 or visit www.ThePlaza.com.