Founded in 1974, British Airways turns 100 next year – how exactly does that work?
Plus, new Dubai-based owner of New York’s Plaza Hotel hopes to turn it into a global luxury brand, like its famous Midtown Manhattan neighbours – Waldorf Astoria and St Regis
Although only established in 1974, British Airways will mark its 100th anniversary next year. The starting point from which the carrier measures this unlikely longevity is August 25, 1919 – the day a tiny airline called Aircraft Transport and Travel began the world’s first scheduled international air service, from London to Paris.
New York’s Plaza Hotel hopes to spawn a global chain, but there is one problem – its name
Two venerable old Midtown Manhattan hotels have given their names to international luxury brands that have spread around the world over the past couple of decades. Or at least they have had their names taken. Marriott’s St Regis Hotels & Resorts makes the dubious claim that the brand was founded by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904. That was indeed the year that Astor opened the original St Regis hotel, but he was long gone – the richest victim of the Titanic’s sinking in 1912 – by the time a second St Regis-branded property was opened, in Washington, in 1999.
Astor was also heavily involved with opening the first Waldorf Astoria hotel , on Fifth Avenue, in 1893, but the dozens of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts cropping up worldwide since that brand was launched (initially as the Waldorf-Astoria Collection) by Hilton, in 2006, are trading on the heritage of its successor, which was opened further uptown in October 1931. “Since 1930 [sic],” claims the brand’s website, “our legendary service has made each stay unforgettable.”
Opened in 1907, just four blocks north of the original St Regis hotel, The Plaza Hotel recently changed hands, and its new Dubai-based owner has already expressed an interest in transporting the name to either Dubai, Abu Dhabi, China or Europe.
“The Plaza is very unique,” he was recently reported as saying, “but has never been made into a global brand.”
And there’s probably a good reason for that. Unlike the actual hotel, the name is anything but unique. There are countless others, such as Argentina’s historic Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires and the 42-year-old Plaza Hotel Seoul. Then there’s Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hong Kong’s Harbour Plaza Hotels & Resorts, the Howard Plaza in Taipei, the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and The Plaza Macao.
So, however much money might be thrown at it, it’s hard to imagine The Plaza Hotel going the way of its two more fortunately named neighbours as a global luxury brand.
Cruise cuts – enjoy 30 per cent discounts on Mediterranean cruises
Deal of the week – two nights in Chiang Mai
A two-night trip to northern Thailand starts from HK$3,020 per person (twin share) with Jebsen Holidays’ Chiang Mai package. At this price you’ll be staying at the Dusit Princess, but rooms at the far superior Shangri-La Hotel are available from only HK$3,890. Topping the price list is the Four Seasons Resort, which starts from HK$6,830.