Yes, portions of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York were indeed filmed at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City, forever solidifying its place in cinematic history and holiday nostalgia. However, the extent of the filming and its reality often get blurred with the movie’s fictional narrative, leading to many misconceptions.
The Plaza: A Star in Its Own Right
The Plaza Hotel isn’t just a backdrop in Home Alone 2; it’s a character, embodying luxury, opulence, and the very essence of Christmas in New York. Director Chris Columbus expertly utilized the hotel’s grandeur to highlight Kevin McCallister’s unexpected experience. From the moment he steps inside, the sheer scale and lavishness are palpable, creating a stark contrast to his previously unassuming suburban life.
Several key scenes were genuinely filmed within the Plaza, showcasing its recognizable features. We see Kevin checking in at the grand lobby, indulging in room service delicacies, and even taking a dip in the (fictional) indoor pool. The hotel’s exterior is also prominently featured, contributing to the movie’s overall New York City ambiance.
However, it’s crucial to understand that not everything portrayed was real. Movie magic played a significant role in bringing the story to life, meaning some scenes were shot on sets designed to resemble the Plaza or incorporated elements of the hotel within a soundstage environment.
Unraveling the Filming Truths
Distinguishing between what’s real and what’s fabricated can be tricky. Understanding which scenes were truly filmed at the Plaza and which were created for the movie provides a clearer picture of the hotel’s role in Home Alone 2.
Key Plaza Scenes
The following scenes were verifiably filmed at the Plaza Hotel:
- The Lobby: The grand entrance and registration desk are undoubtedly real, showcasing the hotel’s iconic architecture and bustling atmosphere.
- Some Hotel Rooms: While not every room shown was genuinely inside the Plaza, certain suites were used to capture the opulent interior design and luxurious amenities.
- Exterior Shots: The iconic facade of the Plaza, especially during the Christmas season, is a staple of the movie and was filmed on location.
- Oak Room (briefly): A glimpse of the Oak Room, a historic bar and restaurant within the Plaza, appears in the film.
Scenes Not Filmed at the Plaza
It’s important to note that the following scenes were most likely NOT filmed inside the actual Plaza Hotel, and were created either on sound stages or at different locations:
- The Indoor Pool: The large indoor swimming pool Kevin enjoys does not exist within the Plaza. This scene was likely filmed on a separate set.
- Extended Room Service Scenes: While some room service scenes were filmed in genuine Plaza rooms, extended sequences showcasing elaborate spreads were likely filmed on a set for logistical and budgetary reasons.
- The HVAC chase scene: This sequence was not filmed in the plaza.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the filming locations and the Plaza Hotel’s involvement in Home Alone 2:
1. Was Donald Trump actually in Home Alone 2?
Yes, Donald Trump, who owned the Plaza Hotel at the time, makes a cameo appearance in Home Alone 2. He can be seen briefly directing Kevin towards the lobby. It’s a short but memorable part of the film.
2. Can you stay in the Home Alone 2 suite at the Plaza?
While there isn’t a specific “Home Alone 2 suite” that replicates Kevin’s exact experience, the Plaza offers luxurious suites that evoke the movie’s ambiance. They frequently offer special holiday packages inspired by the film, but the decor does not exactly match.
3. How much did it cost to film at the Plaza Hotel?
The exact cost of filming at the Plaza has never been officially released. However, considering the hotel’s prestige and the length of the filming schedule, it’s safe to assume it was a substantial sum. The film’s overall budget was $28 million, and the Plaza segment would have constituted a considerable portion.
4. Was the Plaza decorated for Christmas during filming?
Yes, the Plaza was genuinely decorated for the Christmas season during filming, enhancing the movie’s festive atmosphere. The production crew also added additional decorations to amplify the holiday spirit.
5. Did the staff at the Plaza really serve Kevin McCallister?
No, Kevin’s interactions with the hotel staff were fictionalized. The actors portrayed employees of the Plaza, and the elaborate service sequences were staged for the movie.
6. Is the Oak Room, featured in the film, still at the Plaza?
The original Oak Room closed in 2011. However, the Plaza offers various bars and restaurants with a similar opulent and historic atmosphere, paying homage to the original.
7. Where else was Home Alone 2 filmed in New York City?
Besides the Plaza, Home Alone 2 was filmed at various iconic New York City locations, including Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Queensboro Bridge, and John F. Kennedy International Airport. These landmarks contribute to the film’s authenticity and New York charm.
8. Did Macaulay Culkin actually eat all that ice cream in his hotel room scene?
Macaulay Culkin did eat some of the ice cream, but not all of it. Multiple takes were required, and the amount of ice cream was adjusted to ensure he didn’t become ill. The crew cleverly used camera angles and editing to create the illusion of him consuming a large quantity.
9. Is the Plaza Hotel still as luxurious as it appears in the movie?
Absolutely! The Plaza Hotel remains one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotels in New York City, attracting discerning travelers and celebrities from around the world. It has undergone renovations and modernizations while retaining its historic charm and opulence.
10. What happened to the limousine Kevin used in the movie?
The fate of the limousine used in Home Alone 2 is unknown. It was likely a rental vehicle provided by a transportation company for the duration of the filming. After production wrapped, the limousine was likely returned to its owner.
11. Did filming Home Alone 2 cause any disruptions at the Plaza?
While the production crew aimed to minimize disruptions, filming a major motion picture inevitably caused some inconveniences for guests and staff. However, the Plaza worked closely with the filmmakers to manage these disruptions and ensure the hotel continued to operate smoothly.
12. How did Home Alone 2 impact tourism to the Plaza Hotel?
Home Alone 2 undoubtedly boosted tourism to the Plaza Hotel, particularly during the holiday season. The movie’s popularity inspired many fans to visit the hotel and experience its grandeur firsthand, creating a lasting association between the Plaza and Christmas in New York. Many fans consider the hotel a location in the movie just as important as any actor.