The iPad at The Plaza

Give Eloise some lipstick and she would know what to do with hers

Drawing by Hilary Knight

Starting in September, The Plaza -- which bills itself as New York's "ultimate luxury destination" -- will be offering its guests Apple (AAPL) iPads.

According to a press release issued Tuesday, the devices will come pre-loaded with newspapers and other business-friendly apps, including a "virtual conceirge" that gives guests fingertip control of such services as ordering room service, making restaurant reservations, communicating with the concierge, requesting wake-up calls, exploring NYC destination guides, checking airline schedules and printing boarding passes.

The release doesn't say what happens if guests leave the hotel with an iPad and an extra towel or two tucked in their luggage. Presumably the cost will be added to their bill, along with the usual mark-up.

With rates that start at $845 a night, the folks who hang out at the old stomping grounds of Kay Thompson's Eloise can probably afford it.

Below: An image of the prototype.

[Follow Philip Elmer-DeWitt on Twitter @philiped]