4. It was One of the First Pet Friendly Hotels

Few may remember Princess Elisabeth Vilma Lwoff-Parlaghy of Russia, but her infamous stay at the Plaza Hotel in 1908 raises eyebrows even today. Well-regarded as the epitome of spoiled royalty, Princess Elisabeth was turned away from the Waldorf Astoria when she attempted to bring in her 12 servants, dogs, cats, owl, guinea pig, ibis, bear, and alligators. She turned then to the Plaza, who welcomed her and even offered extra space for her pets. Just like that, the Plaza became one of the first pet-friendly hotels in the city. One of her pets was a lion cub that she purchased from the Ringling Bros. shortly after moving into the Plaza. The lion’s name was Goldfleck.