One of New York City's most recognisable landmarks, The Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue, is set to close its doors in January 2027 for a major restoration of its iconic facade. The works are expected to take at least four years, during which the hotel will be completely shut to guests.
In a statement, The Plaza's management explained the scale of the project: “The undertaking reflects the complexity of maintaining a property of such architectural and historical significance, with careful consideration given to preservation requirements and the building’s long-term care, as well as the safety of our guests, employees, and the wider community.” They added that the “scope and complexity of the facade works require detailed planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders, alongside adherence to applicable historic preservation requirements.”
A century of history
Since opening in 1907, The Plaza has been more than just a hotel. Its French Renaissance château style, designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, made it an instant architectural icon. It has appeared in countless films, including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Crocodile Dundee, and Sleepless in Seattle, and has been referenced in literature, most famously in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and the Eloise children's books.
The hotel has long been a magnet for celebrities and dignitaries. Past guests include The Beatles, Liza Minnelli, and architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Its ballrooms and restaurants have hosted everything from debutante balls to political fundraisers, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
The Plaza is one of only 288 properties recognised as a Historic Hotel of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. That designation brings with it strict guidelines for any renovation, ensuring that the building's character is maintained even as it is modernised.
The closure will have ripple effects beyond the hotel itself. The Plaza's retail spaces, restaurants, and the famous Palm Court are likely to be affected, though management has not yet detailed the full scope of the restoration. The project will also be watched closely by preservationists and architects, as the facade is a prime example of early 20th-century Beaux-Arts style.
For European travellers, The Plaza has long been a symbol of New York's Gilded Age grandeur, often featured in European media and travel itineraries. Its temporary closure may prompt some to seek alternative historic hotels, such as France's highest hotel, which recently reopened in the Pyrenees, offering a different kind of alpine charm.
The restoration comes at a time when many historic hotels are investing in preservation. According to Expedia's 2027 travel trends, there is growing interest in heritage and gothic-style accommodations, suggesting that The Plaza's closure may actually increase demand for similar experiences elsewhere.
While the hotel will be missed during its hiatus, the restoration is seen as a necessary step to ensure its survival for another century. As one industry analyst put it, “You can't put a price on history, but you can invest in its future.”
The Plaza's management has promised to keep the public informed as plans develop. For now, guests have until January 2027 to book a stay in one of the most storied hotels in the United States.
