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Even the most famous hotel in New York needs occasional work. But the Plaza’s upcoming appointment will take much longer than a lunchtime facial.
The hotel announced yesterday that the Fifth Avenue landmark will close in January 2027 for at least four years while repairs and restoration work on its historic exterior takes place, giving New Yorkers a few more months to squeeze in afternoon tea before one of the city’s grandest addresses takes an extended breather.
Opened in 1907 at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the 18-story property has welcomed everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to the Beatles. (It’s also the famously fancy home of fictional troublemaker Eloise—to be determined if she'll need to start browsing StreetEasy.)
Is the Plaza closing?
Yes. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which operates the Plaza, announced the temporary closure on October 14. The hotel hasn’t specified an exact closing date in January 2027.
Why is the Plaza closing?
The work will focus on repairing and restoring the building’s landmark-protected facade. Management cited the project’s complexity, preservation requirements, disruption to hotel operations, and the safety of guests, employees, and the surrounding community. Details about the specific repairs and the project’s cost haven’t been released and hotel management declined to comment further.
When will the Plaza reopen?
There’s no confirmed reopening date. The announcement specifies at least four years, meaning January 2031 would be the earliest return under that timeline. Planning and execution details are still under review, so don’t pencil in a celebratory suite reservation yet.
Will the Palm Court close, too?
Yes, according to The New York Times, which reported that receptionists at the Palm Court and the hotel’s event rooms said those venues would also close in January.
What happens to the Plaza’s residents and staff?
That remains partly unresolved. The building contains 282 hotel rooms and 181 condominiums and Fairmont hasn’t said whether condo residents will need to leave during construction, the Times reported.
The Hotel & Gaming Trades Council told the newspaper that its 378 members working at the Plaza will have the right to return to their jobs at the same pay when it reopens. The union plans to help them find other work during the closure.