#165 -The Plaza in Las Vegas, NM

​New Mexico?
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I have always wanted to stay at the famous Plaza Hotel! In June, Don and I did spend a night at The Plaza, but the town and state was a little mixed up.

Our Plaza Hotel, wasn't the famous one in New York City... and our Las Vegas wasn't the famous gambling city in Nevada.  

​The Plaza, Since 1882
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​This lovely hotel opened up in New Mexico, a half century before the famous gambling hotels hit Nevada's Vegas.

There were only 6,000 residents, but the town was growing rapidly.

Today

​There are nearly 15,000 residents today..

...but it felt like a step back in time when we visited the historic Old Town Plaza area, where the hotel was located. 

Historic Old Town
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​The hotel sits on the north side of the historic Plaza Square.

The park, with its bandstand and statues was quiet when we arrived, but that changed a little later.
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Lobby Desk
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​We were greeted by Sean at the front desk. I wish I'd gotten a photo of this friendly guy, with his black tie and vest. He was pretty delightful.

Sean said we were booked to stay in room 204, but he was going to move us to a third floor room, since it was Karaoke Night. That was thoughtful. Sean gave us our key and said he hoped to see us at the bar for a little singing later. That was an amusing thought.
 

Up the Stairs
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​We had a choice of 2 stairways. One set was by the front desk and the other was across the lobby.

The lovely walnut stairway across from the desk was clearly the more dramatic of the two. 

In The Movies
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​The Plaza Hotel in NYC has been used for many movies, but the Las Vegas hotel has been in film since the silent movie days.

Ten years ago, the dramatic staircase was used during the filming of "No Country For Old Men." 

Finding Our Room
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​We enjoyed wandering the halls while searching for our room.

There were some curious antiques and about 30 bookshelves filled with old books. It was fun passing each guest room, since each was named after a celebrity. 

Coen Bros or Bailey Chase?
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​I was eager to find out what famous person our room would be named for. First we found the room we had originally booked. It was room 204 and there was a photo of the famous director brothers, beside the door. I love their movies!

We arrived at our room, which was named for Bailey Chase. Who? Sadly, I had no idea who that was. Looked it up later and learned he was an actor who was born when I was in high school. I should have asked my daughter, since she used to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

​Recent Renovation

​The hotel was purchased and renovated just a few years ago. I liked the colorful updates and southwestern touches.  

It was nice to see how much of the old charm was preserved. Liked having regular old keys, for a change. 

Simple and Sweet
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​Our room (with The Plaza view) felt calm and comfortable.

There was nothing fancy about the bathroom, but it was nice having a little dressing area and a fridge. 

​Books or TV
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We hardly needed the TV, with all the book options on the shelf. 

It really made me wonder how many books they have in this hotel?

​Windows on the Plaza
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I do love windows and our view of the Plaza was entertaining.

We had been told not to park on the square, since the streets would be blocked off at midnight in prep for huge July 4th festivities. Too bad we weren't staying a few days longer.

​Hotel Entertainment
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I made a little of my own festive entertainment inside the hotel. For a reason I can't explain, I happened to be traveling with my favorite childhood book, about Eloise and her adventures living in New York City's Plaza Hotel.

I decided I needed to pull off at least one of Eloise's stunts. I chose one that I could do in the room, without embarrassing myself. This was my first head-standing hotel adventure... as far as I can remember.

​Enjoying the Afternoon
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Don and I stepped out to explore.

We browsed through a couple of antique stores around the square. Then we stopped to see some artwork in the park.

​Dinner Options
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​There was a restaurant on the property.

The dining room looked festive, with the painted pillars and colorful rugs.

The Plaza Saloon
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​The hotel's saloon was quiet at 4, but when we stopped by for a drink at 6, we were joined by a few bikers.

I was too intimidated to take a photo, but they were a scary bunch, slugging down their drinks like cowboys before roaring off on their bikes. The crowd at Karaoke night was pretty delightful.  Cheery locals encouraged us to sing.  Even Sean from the desk took the mic. I was too shy to sing, but I did take lessons from an encouraging local, who couldn't believe I didn't know how to do the 2-step.

​All Lit Up
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We dined across the Plaza, at a family owned Mexican restaurant.

Then we headed through the park, back to our lit up hotel. A very polite man asked Don for some change. Don handed him a couple dollars and then received a compliment on his bolo tie.

Morning
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​In the morning, I got up at 6 to snap some photos of the hotel. I knew the streets would be free of cars, since the roads were blocked.

But there were already trucks and vehicles arriving to set up for the huge festival. I wandered around enjoying the activity.

What's Notable?
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The Plaza Hotel was a great example of a grand and historic hotel, with a young spirit.

There was something warm and welcoming from the moment we stepped inside. I wasn't sure what it was that made the hotel feel so comfortable. Maybe it was all those flags greeting us.

Then I noticed a note in the hallway... and I had to smile!
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