'Eloise' returns to The Plaza

NEW YORK — Eloise, the Plaza hotel's most famous fictitious resident, officially has returned to the storied landmark following a $400 million renovation with a portrait of the mischievous 6-year-old prominently displayed near its famous Palm Court dining room.

On hand for the unveiling Wednesday was Jordana Beatty, the 9-year-old Australian actress who will play Eloise in the upcoming feature film adaptation of "Eloise in Paris," opposite Uma Thurman.

"Children of all ages have been asking for Eloise, and it is our pleasure to have her call The Plaza home once again," said Shane Krige, the hotel's general manager.

Eloise, known to fans worldwide from the children's book by Kay Thompson, is an endearing fixture at the hotel.

An "Eloise" bubble bath, accompanied by milk and cookies, is available to all guests, and a children's menu, which pictures Eloise on a tricycle, is available in all of The Plaza's restaurants.

Jordana, who did not address the gathering, struck a similar pose for photographs as her character in the painting, who stands with an outstretched hand resting on a Corinthian column of the Palm Court.

The portrait was returned to its original spot on a wall out- side the sumptuous restaurant, whose stained-glass ceiling, covered with plaster in the 1940s, was uncovered and restored during the two-year renovation.

The Plaza, a National Historic Landmark, first opened in 1907. It officially reopened to the public Sunday after its new owners, Elad Properties, converted the hotel's original 805 guest rooms into 282 hotel rooms and 181 condominiums.

The hotel has a colorful and iconic past.

Marilyn Monroe was photographed there, the Beatles stayed there and architect Frank Lloyd Wright lived there. The hotel ballroom was the setting for Truman Capote's "Black and White Ball," and the wedding of Richard Nixon's daughter Julie.

Many movies have been shot there, including "North by Northwest," "Barefoot in the Park," "Crocodile Dundee" and "Home Alone 2."

Room rates start at $1,000 a night.