The Plaza Hotel, one of New York City’s most recognisable landmarks, is set to close in January 2027 for restoration work on its historic Fifth Avenue facade, with the project expected to take at least four years.
Since opening in 1907, the luxury hotel has become a defining feature of New York’s architectural and cultural history. Its French Renaissance-inspired design, famous guests and appearances in films and books have made it a destination in its own right, beyond its role as a place to stay.
The planned restoration will focus on the building’s exterior, a prominent feature of the Manhattan streetscape. According to hotel management, the scale and complexity of the work mean the project will require extensive planning, coordination and compliance with historic preservation requirements.
In a statement, the management said the work reflects the challenges of caring for a property with significant architectural and historical value. It added that the plans take into account the building’s long-term preservation, as well as the safety of guests, employees and the wider community.
The Plaza is recognised as one of Historic Hotels of America, a programme of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The recognition places it among a select group of properties valued for their historical significance and preservation.
The hotel’s history has long extended beyond the hospitality industry. Designed in the style of a French Renaissance chateau, The Plaza opened its doors in 1907 and soon became a familiar name in American popular culture. It featured in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby and became the setting for the children’s book series about Eloise, the fictional girl who lives at the hotel.
Its connection to the entertainment industry has continued through the decades. The Plaza appeared in films including Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Crocodile Dundee and Sleepless in Seattle. The 1992 film Home Alone 2 also featured a cameo by Donald Trump, who owned the hotel at the time.
The property has also welcomed prominent figures from music, film and architecture. Among its famous past guests are The Beatles, Liza Minnelli and Frank Lloyd Wright, adding to its reputation as a gathering place for influential names across different fields.
For visitors, the hotel is known not only for its rooms and historic interiors but also for The Palm Court, where afternoon tea has become a longstanding New York experience. The restaurant and the hotel’s grand public spaces have helped maintain its appeal among tourists and residents alike.
The closure will mean a lengthy interruption for travellers hoping to experience the hotel during its restoration. With work scheduled to begin in January 2027 and expected to last at least four years, the project will keep the landmark out of operation for much of the period leading into the next decade.
The restoration marks a significant moment for a property whose identity is closely tied to New York itself. The challenge will be to preserve the architectural features that have defined The Plaza for more than a century while carrying out the work needed to protect the building for the future.
