Plaza Hotel Manhattan

The last time scores of ultra-rich Saudis took over a luxury hotel, it wasn't by choice. In November, some 200 ministers, princes and investors were herded into Riyadh's Ritz Carlton for several months and essentially shaken down for improperly attained lucre, part of an anti-corruption drive. The hotel was shut for other business.

Actor-producer Michael Douglas has denied there is a crisis in his marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones but admits to temporary separation.

The Indian flag is flying over a lot of prime Manhattan real estate these days. After the Taj group's acquisition of the Pierre on Fifth Avenue, it's now the turn of the Sahara Group, which has bought both the Plaza and a majority stake in the Dream Hotel.

The last time scores of ultra-rich Saudis took over a luxury hotel, it wasn't by choice. In November, some 200 ministers, princes and investors were herded into Riyadh's Ritz Carlton for several months and essentially shaken down for improperly attained lucre, part of an anti-corruption drive. The hotel was shut for other business.

Actor-producer Michael Douglas has denied there is a crisis in his marriage to Catherine Zeta-Jones but admits to temporary separation.

The Indian flag is flying over a lot of prime Manhattan real estate these days. After the Taj group's acquisition of the Pierre on Fifth Avenue, it's now the turn of the Sahara Group, which has bought both the Plaza and a majority stake in the Dream Hotel.