New York City’s Iconic Plaza Hotel to Close for Four Years for Major Historic Restoration

Don’t expect to indulge in afternoon tea at the Plaza anytime soon.

The legendary New York City hotel is preparing to close its doors for at least the next four years to undergo a massive, complex restoration of its historic exterior. The intensive process is officially scheduled to begin this upcoming January, marking one of the most significant closures in the nearly 120-year history of the landmark destination.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the operator of the grand hotel, emphasized the profound architectural and cultural weight of the property in a press statement released regarding the upcoming project.

“Understanding the unique place in New York City’s architectural heritage and cultural history it holds, the Plaza Hotel is advancing plans for repair and restoration works to its landmark-protected façade,” Fairmont said in the statement. “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.”

While the exact operational details, logistical blueprints, and engineering complexities of the project have not been fully revealed to the public, the impending closure will halt all standard hotel operations. The hotel itself, along with its 282 guest rooms and suites, will be entirely closed to visitors starting in January. However, questions remain regarding the building’s residential component. Fairmont did not immediately clarify whether residents living in the Plaza’s 181 private condominiums—such as units that have famously commanded luxury prices, including an $8 million listing a few years back—would be required to vacate the premises during the multi-year construction and exterior overhaul.

The extensive nature of the undertaking means that thorough preparation is required before physical work can begin on the structure.

“The scope and complexity of the façade works require detailed planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders, alongside adherence to applicable historic preservation requirements,” Fairmont added.

Standing majestically at 18 stories high, the Plaza Hotel has maintained its prominent perch on Fifth Avenue since opening its doors in 1907. Designed by renowned architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the building quickly cemented itself as a masterpiece of the French Renaissance chateau style. Over the decades, it has evolved from a luxury lodging into a pivotal cultural anchor of the Big Apple, holding a revered place in the global imagination.

Throughout its storied existence, the hotel has served as a temporary home away from home for an extraordinary roster of celebrated figures, ranging from cultural icons like the Beatles to legendary fashion designers such as Christian Dior. Its opulent interiors and grand exterior have also earned it a starring role on the silver screen, featuring prominently in classic and contemporary films alike, including The Way We Were, the 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, and the beloved family favorite Eloise at the Plaza.

The esteemed address is no stranger to major construction projects and transformations. The most recent major overhaul occurred in 2005, when the landmark icon underwent a partial conversion that integrated private residential condominiums into its historic framework. This upcoming closure, however, will bring a temporary halt to timeless traditions enjoyed by both locals and international travelers. Most notably, the restoration forces the closure of the legendary Palm Court, which has hosted its signature afternoon tea service for more than a century, serving as a quintessential New York social ritual.

The temporary shuttering of the hotel also raises significant labor and employment concerns for the hundreds of individuals who keep the grand property running day-to-day. According to reports from The New York Times, the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council union, which oversees the 378 dedicated staff members currently working at the Plaza, will be actively working to place affected employees in alternative positions during the closure.

As the historic property prepares to step back from public hospitality operations for the next several years, city preservationists, hoteliers, and New Yorkers alike will be watching closely. Here’s hoping the meticulous restoration goes smoothly and that the project doesn’t extend far beyond its projected timeline into the next decade.