NEW YORK (AP) – Hundreds of New Yorkers and tourists alike flocked to The Plaza Hotel on Saturday for the landmark’s reopening after a three-year, $400 million renovation.

“They say this place is the world’s most famous hotel,” said doorman Freddy Davila, who worked for the hotel for 15 years until it closed in 2005. “It’s wonderful to be back,” he said as he welcomed visitors up the red-carpeted steps.

“We just had to see inside,” said Owen Mathieu, visiting from Marblehead, Mass. “We’ve seen it in the movies. Everybody’s heard of it.”

The Plaza, a National Historic Landmark overlooking Central Park, first opened in 1907. Marilyn Monroe was photographed here, and guests included the Beatles and Frank Lloyd Wright. Its ballroom was the setting of Truman Capote’s “Black and White Ball” and the wedding of Richard Nixon’s daughter Julie. Scenes were shot at the hotel for movies including “North by Northwest,” “Barefoot in the Park,” “Crocodile Dundee” and “Home Alone 2.” Owners have included Conrad Hilton and Donald Trump.

Many fans also know the hotel from Kay Thompson’s children’s books about a naughty little girl named Eloise who lives at The Plaza. A portrait of Eloise hung in the lobby for nearly 50 years; hotel officials say it will be back later this spring.