Top estate agent threatens to sue Plaza

The reopening at the weekend of one of the world's most famous hotels - the Plaza in New York - after a three-year, multi-million-dollar renovation has been marred by an incident involving one of New York's top estate agents, Joanna Cutler.

The hotel now comprises 180 apartments (one of which was sold for $50m) as well as hotel rooms (starting at $1,000 a night). Cutler was renting an apartment from one of the new owners when, within days of the opening, she became trapped in the garbage disposal room, unable to push open a stuck door. She claims her cries were not heard for seven hours and despite a grovelling apology from the Plaza, she's threatening to sue.

In its heyday, the Plaza ballroom was the setting for Truman Capote's Black and White Ball and the wedding of President Nixon's daughter Julie. Films with scenes shot at the Plaza include North by Northwest and Barefoot in the Park.

The Beatles stayed there, Marilyn Monroe was photographed there. However, its most famous guest was fictional - Eloise, from Kay Thompson's children's books; a portrait of Eloise which used to hang in the lobby will be back in the spring, the hotel has promised.