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The Czechoslovakian flag flies prominently over its main entrance. Roses beneath the colossal chandelier in the main lobby are a special breed called "Ivana pink," and The Art of the Deal is for sale in the gift shop.
Lest anyone forget, the Plaza Hotel is now owned by Donald Trump. Almost two years after Mr. Trump spent a steep $390 million to buy the 808-room New York landmark and turned it over to his Czechoslovakian-born wife to run, it's been restored both physically and financially.
Luxurious rugs have been imported from India, tapestries have been brought in from France, and the ubiquitous gold leaf restored by Italian craftsmen. Occupancy is up, room rates are higher and the banquet business is booming. A profit even seems within reach.
Ivana Trump, however, may just be beginning to earn her $1-a-year salary (plus "all the dresses she wants to buy"). Within the next two years, 4,000 hotel rooms are expected to open in New York, many targeted directly at the Plaza's customers.
Finding a balance between keeping the hotel filled and the need to raise room rates would test even the most skilled hotel professional, and Mrs. Trump's tenure has already been marked by the controversy of high staff turnover and complaints about autocratic management.
"There have been lots of people let go," concedes vice president and general manager Richard R. Wilhelm. "It takes a lot of desire to be the best and some people didn't have it." (Mrs. Trump declined to be interviewed.)
There's no denying that the Trumps have improved the venerable hotel on Central Park's southeast corner, which had been run by the Westin Hotels & Resorts chain since 1972.
Most observers agree the Plaza suffered under Westin's...