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Netherland Plaza Hotel

Netherland Plaza Hotel

Carew Tower complex

W.W. Ahlschlager Architect, John Emery Developer

1931


The Netherland Plaza hotel is an outstanding example of French Art Deco.  Much of the hotel's original features remain, making this one of the finest historic hotels in America.  “When the Netherland Plaza opened in 1931, critics raved that it challenged the splendor of King Solomon’s Temple.’ The hotel featured the lavish use of rare Brazilian rosewood, marble, and metalwork in brass; nickel-silver and bronze for ornate light fixtures, air vents and doors.   


The Netherland offered cutting-edge accommodations including luxurious bathrooms, high-speed elevators, an automated parking system, and eight Louis Grell murals on the bottom floor. Guests also enjoyed six unique restaurants and a ballroom designed to resemble an ocean liner. 


The Hall of Mirrors banquet hall was inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. Art Deco themes can be seen throughout, particularly in metalwork and grillework,  Rookwood pottery floral tiles adorn the east and west entrances. New York architectural sculptor Rene Paul Chambellan executed sculptures on the interior and exterior of the building.


After a major renovation in the early 1980’s, the Carew Tower and Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza were awarded National Historic Landmark designation by the National Park Service in 1985.  Four years later the Netherland became a charter member of Historic Hotels of America.


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