How much would Kevin McCallister’s ‘Home Alone 2’ NYC hotel stay cost in 2025?

WASHINGTON (TNND) — In 1992, “Home Alone 2” was released and audiences watched as Macaulay Culkin’s beloved character Kevin McCallister went on an iconic New York City adventure.

Now, 32 years later, little Kevin’s trip would likely cost his parents a pretty penny.

Using data from The Plaza Hotel (where Kevin stayed during his unplanned trip to NYC), historical records and present-day menu pricing, a study by travel insurance comparison service iSelect says Kevin’s trip would cost over $8,500 in 2025. That is a 303% increase from the $2,109 cost in 1992.

Kevin’s one-night New York stay would have increased to a massive $6,244 in 2025, a 467.6% increase from the $1,100 cost in 1992. iSelect crunched those numbers using the cost of the most expensive suite available at The Plaza Hotel.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 02: Macaulay Culkin attends the Los Angeles special screening of Amazon MGM Studios’ “John Candy: I Like Me” at The Montalban on October 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

For Kevin’s room service feast, featuring that giant ice cream sundae, lobster and cheese pizza, iSelect’s study found that what would have cost $967.40 in 1992, would cost a mind-boggling $2,233.89 (+130.9%) in 2025.

In the film, Kevin took a trip to Duncan’s Toy Chest and made a donation, which landed him a pair of turtle dove ornaments.

That donation in 1992 would have been $23.75. However, it 2025, that donation would equate to just $9.06.

We previously mentioned that massive ice cream sundae. Well, in 2025 it would cost $24, compared to $18 in 1992. That’s just a 33.3% increase.

And these calculations don’t include the taxis taken by Kevin or his donation at the very end of the film.

Would travel insurance have covered Kevin’s adventure?

iSelect said that while Kevin managed to check into The Plaza using his father’s stolen credit card, a child in real life running up these kinds of charges would likely raise some red flags with insurers.

The company said travel insurance would likely cover lost luggage. When Kevin arrived in New York City, he ended up with only his dad’s bag.

Most policies cover mishandled or lost luggage by typically up to $1-3,000, depending on the policy.

As for what wouldn’t be covered…that $6,200+ Plaza Hotel suite.

NEW YORK – MARCH 16: An architectural detail is seen on the exterior of the Plaza Hotel March 16, 2005 in New York City. The legendary Plaza Hotel, which opened in 1907 and hosted New York’s elite for decades, will close as a hotel April 30, 2005 and undergo conversion to condominiums. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

Insurance only covers necessary accommodations. They can also cover emergency accommodations, which is when a traveller is “genuinely stranded” due to circumstances out of their control. For example, airline cancellations or sever weather events.

Would a luxury suite at The Plaza be deemed ‘reasonable alternative accommodation?’ Absolutely not. Kevin, and his family would be liable for the full cost,” iSelect said.

Kevin wasn’t technically stranded, having boarded the wrong flight and checking into The Plaza without his parents’ consent.

Kevin’s room service orders also, unfortunately, wouldn’t be covered by travel insurance.

iSelect said insurers typically don’t cover racking up room service and food charges.

When it comes to spending, Kevin used his dad’s credit card without his permission, and insurance won’t pay out costs incurred by unauthorized spending, the company explained.

A pizza for home delivery is being packaged at the Caputo pizzeria in Naples, Italy, Monday, April 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

While Kevin’s donation to the toy store was a kind gesture, that also wouldn’t be covered by travel insurance and is considered “discretionary spending.”

So, how much would travel insurance cover?

The answer is…almost nothing.

The only plausible covered costs would be:

• Lost luggage reimbursement.
• Possibly emergency accommodation if he was genuinely stranded due to airline error.
• Necessary meals (not luxury room service). Reasonable meal expenses can be expensed if there are travel delays or cancellations.

Kevin’s real out-of-pocket bill in 2025 would still sit at around $8,000, iSelect explained.

Unfortunately, a minor travelling alone without a parent or guardian’s knowledge would invalidate most travel insurance policies. In Kevin’s case, the lack of consent, the unauthorised use of a credit card, and the luxurious choices he made on his New York stay would not be covered. And remember, the best way to enjoy the holiday season is together, so make sure not to leave anyone behind or home alone,” Adrian Bennett, General Manager – General Insurance, said.

Travel insurance tips for the holidays

Make sure children are correctly listed on your policy

• Some policies may not cover minors who aren’t properly added, to ensure they are covered you would need a group or family policy, provided you’re all travelling together.

Keep track of boarding passes, receipts, and baggage tags

• These are often required when making claims for delays, lost items, or missed connections.

Check the coverage for luggage, electronics, and accommodation

• Travel insurance does cover these but there will be limits and exclusions. So, if you’re travelling with expensive gadgets, it’s wise to add them to your policy. Accommodation is covered mainly under cancellation or delay benefits, while luggage is covered for loss, theft, or damage.

Understand what counts as “reasonable” expenses

• Insurers won’t reimburse luxury hotels or high-end meals. Emergency cover only applies to practical and reasonable expenses.

Contact the insurer before booking any new accommodation

• If you’re stranded due to delays or cancellations, calling the insurer first helps avoid disputes or rejected claims later.

Allow for plenty of time

Allow plenty of time when travelling during the festive season. Airports and transport hubs can be especially busy, and moving with a group often takes longer than expected. If you’re flying overseas, give yourself extra time at those busier airports to make the journey stressfree.