The Plaza Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Midtown Manhattan, announced on Oct. 14 that it will temporarily close its doors in January 2027 for a minimum of four years as the building undergoes restoration work on its facade.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Located on Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the Plaza first opened its doors in 1907; since then, the hotel has become part of New York City\u2019s cultural history, appearing in films such as \u201cHome Alone 2: Lost in New York\u201d and \u201cThe Great Gatsby.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A recent Department of Buildings inspection<\/a> deemed the building\u2019s facade unsafe, citing the 119-year-old landmark\u2019s natural material deterioration and aging stonework.\u00a0<\/p>\n According to hotel management, the restoration project needs extensive planning and coordination due to the building\u2019s historic significance and preservation requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, the project\u2019s cost and scope of work have not been publicly disclosed.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstanding the unique place in New York City\u2019s architectural heritage and cultural history it holds, The Plaza Hotel is advancing plans for repair and restoration works to its landmark-protected fa\u00e7ade,\u201d the statement said<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe undertaking reflects the complexity of maintaining a property of such architectural and historical significance, with careful consideration given to preservation requirements and the building\u2019s long-term care, as well as the safety of our guests, employees, and the wider community,\u201d the hotel management continued.<\/p>\n The closure will affect more than<\/a> just hotel guests; the Plaza\u2019s Palm Court restaurant and event spaces are also expected to close alongside the hotel.\u00a0<\/p>\n The announcement has particularly affected couples who booked weddings at the Plaza, leaving many no choice but to scramble for alternate venues.\u00a0<\/p>\n Christine Carney, who planned to have her 200-guest wedding at the hotel on May 1, 2027, told<\/a> the New York Post that she learned about the closure through a friend\u2019s text rather than directly from hotel management.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe haven\u2019t yet had anyone from the Plaza reach out to tell us what next steps are and what happens with our money,\u201d Carney said. \u201cI\u2019m definitely frustrated and disappointed that this happened, and I\u2019m anxious to figure out what the next steps will be.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The shutdown will also affect the hotel\u2019s employees. According to NBC New York<\/a>, nearly 400 people work at the Plaza.\u00a0<\/p>\n Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said he is \u201cconcerned about the workers who will get health care and benefits but likely to be without wages for the entire duration.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, residents of the building\u2019s 181 condominium units will not be forced out, but instead will temporarily lose access to all hotel amenities and services while the construction takes place.\u00a0<\/p>\n