Police Look For Armed Man Who Robbed Business Inside Plaza Hotel

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The famed Plaza Hotel was the site of an armed robbery Monday.

A man armed with a gun robbed the Travelex currency exchange counter inside the hotel at around 11 a.m., police told CBS2's Alice Gainer.

The counter is tucked away in the corner of the food hall downstairs.

No one was injured. The man made off with about 3,000 euros -- the equivalent of about $3,350.

Police late Monday released surveillance images of the suspect. He was described as a black male with a bald head and glasses, standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing brown shoes, and was in possession of a black bag.

After the robbery, police cars sat outside The Shops at the Plaza as officers went in and out.

Inside, employees were seen working with police. Later, a sign on the door at Travelex said it was closed due to "unforeseen circumstances."

Most people CBS2 spoke with had no idea something had even happened. It was business as usual.

The luxury hotel is a hot spot for tourists for many reasons, especially for Eloise goods.

"My little granddaughters, they know all about Eloise," said April Hornsleth, of Florida. "They had to have something from The Plaza."

The food hall was also bustling with people coming and going.

"We were going to eat there, but it's a bit busy, so we're going to have to look for somewhere else," one woman said.

And even though word about the robbery is now out, many tourists don't seem bothered.

"We didn't feel threatened at all," said Cheryl Wood, of Australia.