102. The Plaza Hotel

Headquarters: New York, NY
Bought By: Sahara India Pariwar
Headquarters: Lucknow, India

Overlooking New York City’s Central Park, The Plaza Hotel stands as an enduring symbol of luxury, elegance, and old-world charm. Since its grand opening in 1907, The Plaza has welcomed royals, celebrities, and dignitaries, securing its place in American cultural lore, from its mentions in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literature to its cinematic moments in films like Home Alone 2.

The Plaza Hotel ©Sean Pavone / shutterstock.com

However, in a testament to its global allure, The Plaza has changed hands multiple times, crossing international borders. One of its most notable ownership transitions occurred in 2015 when the hotel was acquired by Sahara India Pariwar, an Indian conglomerate, before a majority stake was later sold to Katara Hospitality, a Qatari state-owned hotel operator.