1

The Plaza Hotel, New York

Image: Harri Nieminen

The Plaza Hotel, located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in Manhattan, New York City, is one of the most famous hotels in the world . It was opened in 1907 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Known for its luxury, iconic architecture, and high-society clientele, it has a past of having hosted figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald (who immortalized it in The Great Gatsby ) and Marilyn Monroe.

The Plaza’s featuring in several films has gained international fame. Scenes from Home Alone 2 or North by Northwest , and Eloise at the Plaza have the iconic backdrop of the hotel as its setting. It was also the lodging The Beatles chose for their first stay in the U.S. in 1964, but the hullabaloo of the fan craze was such that they chose lower-profile hotels for their subsequent visits.

2

Willard InterContinental, Washington

Image: Pixabay

Just two blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. stands the Willard InterContinental. The same site has hosted a hotel since 1818, but the current building opened in 1901. It’s nicknamed the "Residence of Presidents" because nearly every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce has either stayed there or visited.

Its notable location granted the Willard other historical honors. For example, it’s said that President Ulysses S. Grant enjoyed spending calm moments in the opulent hotel’s lobby, but there he would be crowded by people who would seek favors or influence policy decisions. He coined the term "lobbyists" to refer to them. It was also where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. completed his famous "I Have a Dream" speech before delivering it.

3

The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Image: Luke Scarpino

If the sight of The Stanley Hotel makes you a bit uncomfortable, you are not alone. It is the very building that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining (1977). After staying there in the 1970s, King had a dream about his son running through the hotel’s halls, which led to the idea of the haunted Overlook Hotel featured in the book. Though the Stanley itself is not the setting for either the novel or Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation, the myth surrounding this 1909 hotel has made it a hotspot for paranormal tourism.

The hotel is said to be haunted, after all. Reports of mysterious piano music, flickering lights, and strange apparitions keep drawing fans to it. Room 217, where Stephen King stayed, is the most famous of these "haunted" rooms . Guests and staff have reported seeing Mrs. Wilson, a housekeeper who worked at the hotel in the early 1900s, tidying up the room.

4

The Bellagio, Las Vegas

Image: Antonio Janeski

Las Vegas Strip, an area bright enough to be visible from space, holds in its heart many impressive hotels. But The Bellagio probably takes the crown. It was the most expensive hotel ever constructed when it opened in 1998, having cost $1.6 billion. Its facade features the famous Fountains of Bellagio , which perform water shows synchronized to music and lights daily.

In its boastful style, the hotel also has an upscale casino, five-star restaurants, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art , which features rotating expositions but once featured works from Picasso, Monet, and van Gogh, among others. The hotel has also, since its opening, been home to Cirque du Soleil’s show "O", aquatic-themed and occurring in and around an on-stage pool.

5

Palace Hotel, San Francisco

Image: Pixabay

San Francisco’s Palace Hotel opened in 1875, so it was already around for the 1906 earthquake, which damaged it and demanded renovations. But it always remained a stunning hotel, featuring a grand lobby with a stained-glass dome and chandeliers. Many prominent guests walked its halls, including Mark Twain, Frank Sinatra, and Queen Elizabeth II .

In its inauguration in the 19th century, it was the largest hotel in the world. 19 presidents of the U.S. have been esteemed visitors, and most notably President Woodrow Wilson hosted luncheons at the Palace Hotel when he was building support for the Treaty of Versailles to end World War I.

6

Crescent Hotel and Spa, Arkansas

Image: Evgenia Basyrova

Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel and Spa is a top tier in many lists of "most haunted hotels." Its old age and eerie story are enough to earn it this honor. Opened in 1886, the Victorian in the 1930s functioned as a hospital for treating cancer patients. It is said that a con doctor called Norman Baker took patients in to allegedly cure them, but caused some untreated guests to pass away as a result.

Legend has it, that one of his patients, as well as Baker, still haunts the rooms of Crescent Hotel. Some TV shows, like "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Adventures", have explored the venue. Of course, the hotel also offers ghost tours .

7

Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia

Image: Pixabay

The Jekyll Island Club Resort is located on Jekyll Island, one of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. It was founded in 1886 as a winter retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families , including the Morgans, Rockefellers, and Pulitzers. This earned the place the reputation for being one of the most exclusive and prestigious social clubs in American history.

The hotel houses the Historic Jekyll Island Museum, which showcases the island’s past in the Gilded Age. To this day it is still praised for its beautiful natural landscapes and trails. The island offers stunning natural surroundings , and the hotel prides itself on its commitment to preserving its environment.

8

Omni Parker House, Boston

Image: Patrick Foreman

The Omni Parker House from Boston, Massachusetts, opened in 1855 as the "Parker House", and is now the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States. It has hosted many notable guests, like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and John F. Kennedy. Babe Ruth and other baseball greats frequented its restaurant. The place also holds the separate honor of being the birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie , a chocolate-and-cream dessert that now symbolizes Massachusetts.

Of course, a hotel that is 169 years old cannot be free from haunted allegations. Reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises are common for the Omni Parker House, particularly around its historic rooms.

9

Chateau Marmont, Hollywood

Image: Edgar Colomba

Chateau Marmont, from West Hollywood, California, has been operating since its opening in 1929. It was designed in a French Gothic style, inspired by the Château d'Amboise in France. Its location has granted it a long history of receiving a large celebrity clientele and fame associated with glamour, legend, and scandal.

James Dean and Judy Garland would find refuge in the hotel, which soon became known as a haven for stars for its strict privacy policies . The Chateau has also appeared in Hollywood self-referential films like The Player or A Star is Born .

10

Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island

Image: Donhu Rickerby

The Hotel del Coronado, a.k.a. "The Del," is a historic beachfront hotel that opened in 1888. Its grand exterior with red-and-white striped roofs is easily recognizable, and it has been declared a National Historic Landmark. Many dignitaries have visited it, like Richard Nixon, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Thomas Edison, although, opposing popular belief, he had nothing to do with the early installation of electricity that the hotel boasted.

If you’ve seen Some Like It Hot , featuring Marilyn Monroe , you have spied places in the hotel. Many scenes were filmed there, which made it appear as the "Seminole Ritz Hotel" in Miami in the film.

1

Pulling out the good china

Image: Zoshua Colah

In the past, people often had a set of special dishes reserved for holidays or important guests to make meals feel more memorable.

Today, many people use just one set of dishes and often eat casually, sometimes even standing over the sink. Taking the time to create a pleasant dining experience can show respect not only for your guests but also for yourself .

2

Good table manners

Image: Noah Samuel Franz

Good table manners are often mistaken for being overly formal or pretentious, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The true purpose of practicing polite dining habits is to make sure everyone enjoys a relaxed and pleasant meal together , and it’s often easier to practice than most people realize.

3

Not taking off your shoes in public

Image: Beth Macdonald

Recently, there’s been a noticeable trend of people going shoeless in places like airplanes and restaurants. As society grows more casual, some even put their bare feet on seats, armrests, or tables.

However, it's best to keep your shoes on in public unless your host specifically asks you to remove them.

4

Standing when greeting someone new

Image: Musemind UX Agency

When meeting someone for the first time or welcoming someone into a group, it's polite to stand as a gesture of acknowledgment .

This simple act, expected of both men and women, conveys both warmth and respect.

5

Making introductions

Image: Elevate

Making introductions is becoming less common, yet it remains one of the most valuable social skills. Even if you forget someone’s name, it’s always better to ask than to risk letting them feel left out in a group.

Good manners are all about helping others feel at ease , and introductions don’t have to be uncomfortable or awkward when done with a little thought and effort.

6

Thank-you notes

Image: Kelly Sikkema

While everyone enjoys being thanked, it has become rare for people to express gratitude in a lasting way. Any form of thanks, including a text or email, is appreciated, but a handwritten thank-you card remains the most meaningful .

The personal touch of seeing your handwriting shows thoughtfulness, and many people cherish and keep these cards, something that’s much harder to do with digital messages.

7

Asking permission

Image: Dias ^

In a society where people often say, "It’s easier to apologize than to ask for permission," many act without asking, whether it’s hugging someone, posting their picture online, or taking a bite of their food.

However, it’s always more polite to ask before doing anything that involves or affects someone else . A simple question like "Are you okay with this?" can go a long way toward showing respect without taking up much time.

8

Opening doors for men and women

Image: Jan Tinneberg

Chivalry may have some outdated interpretations, but politeness is something everyone can practice, regardless of gender . Simple acts like holding the door open are easy to do and appreciated by everyone.

9

Holding the elevator

Image: Derrick Treadwell

In today’s world, many people are either too wary of strangers or adopt a "not my problem" attitude when seeing someone struggle in public. But as long as there’s no safety concern, it's important to continue practicing simple courtesies, like holding the elevator door for someone in a hurry .

10

Returning phone calls

Image: Hassan OUAJBIR

As society evolves, so does etiquette, especially with the rise of new technology, but some shifts aren't always for the better. A common example is responding to a phone call with a text message.

While some people may prefer texting over speaking on the phone, it’s still considered polite to return a call with another phone call , particularly when someone has taken the time to reach out to you.

11

No sunglasses indoors

Image: Lucas George Wendt

These days, it’s common to see people wearing sunglasses everywhere, even in places like movie theaters, but it raises a question: Are we avoiding others, or simply hiding behind our shades?

Eye contact is essential for effective communication, as it demonstrates respect and facilitates understanding. While it's fine to wear sunglasses outdoors, it’s best to take them off indoors to engage properly with others.

12

RSVP’ing promptly

Image: Artsy Vibes

With the rise of casual invites, often sent by email or social media, RSVPing has become increasingly rare. Failing to respond to an invitation is not only poor etiquette but also inconsiderate.

Hosts put significant time and effort into planning events, from buying food to organizing entertainment. Not RSVPing or waiting until the last minute only makes their job harder.

1

A bar hidden in plain sight

Most visitors know the famous Oyster Bar, but few stumble upon The Campbell, an elegant lounge tucked inside Grand Central. Originally the office of 1920s finance tycoon John W. Campbell , this spot sat forgotten for decades until 1999, before being restored to its former Jazz Age glory. Step inside today, and you’ll find velvet couches, grand rugs, and cocktails that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the roaring 1920s.

2

Two clocks worth a fortune?

Grand Central has one of the most valuable clocks in the world , although there’s a myth that says there are two. The Tiffany clock outside towers 14 feet across, framed by Roman gods carved in stone. This clock is worth around $20 million. Inside the terminal, the four-faced opal clock crowns the information booth. Contrary to popular belief, this clock was not made of an actual opal, but out of opal glass, so there’s nothing priceless about it.

3

Hidden oaks and acorns

Take a closer look around, and you’ll start spotting oak leaves and acorns carved into chandeliers, railings, and stonework. These aren’t random designs. They’re a nod to the Vanderbilt family’s symbol: The acorn. The family funded the terminal’s construction in 1871 and wanted everyone to know it. Now, their family symbol quietly decorates every corner of their legacy.

4

The mysterious whispering gallery

If you whisper into one corner of the tiled archway near the Oyster Bar, someone standing diagonally across can hear you perfectly. The "Whispering Gallery" is one of Grand Central’s quirkiest secrets . The Guastavino tiles that make up the arched ceiling carry sound in an odd way, creating an intimate little magic trick, though no one really knows whether it was designed that way or just a happy accident.

5

A sky painted backward

Look up, and you’ll see the breathtaking celestial mural that covers the concourse ceiling. But here’s the kicker: the constellations are painted backwards . Whether it was a mistake or an artistic choice remains debated, but the Vanderbilts claimed it was intentional—to give us the "divine perspective" of looking down at the heavens. Either way, it’s still one of the most photographed ceilings in the world.

6

Game, set, match (inside a train station)

If you think tennis in a train terminal sounds impossible, think again. The Vanderbilt Tennis Club, perched on Grand Central’s fourth floor, is open to the public . You can book a court, take a lesson, or just peek inside to see this unexpected slice of luxury tucked away above the bustling commuters below.

7

Secret walkways above the windows

Those grand arched windows in the main concourse aren’t just decorative; they hide narrow walkways used by staff to move unseen between offices . These catwalks give a bird’s-eye view of the terminal, though they’re strictly off-limits to the public. Only a select few with key passes get to experience the view from up there.

8

A hidden entrance to the Waldorf

Deep beneath Grand Central lies Track 61, a secret passage that once connected directly to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It was used by VIPs who preferred to travel without public attention —most famously, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it to conceal his polio and wheelchair from the public eye. Today, it’s sealed off, but the legend remains.

9

Almost lost to the wrecking ball

In the 1960s, plans were made to tear down Grand Central and replace it with skyscrapers. After the destruction of Penn Station in 1963, New Yorkers were not having it. Thanks to the efforts of preservationists , Grand Central was saved and officially declared a landmark in 1967. Their fight ensured we could still enjoy one of the city’s true architectural gems.

10

A 21st-century makeover

While much of Grand Central dates back to 1913, its evolution continues. The massive East Side Access Project, completed in 2023, added a new terminal for Long Island Rail Road passengers, complete with 40 miles of new track buried beneath Park Avenue. It’s a modern expansion of a century-old masterpiece.