Kevin McCallister won’t be staying at the Plaza Hotel this Christmas…or for the next four years. The famous Fifth Avenue hotel, one of New York’s most legendary landmarks, is preparing to shut its doors for four years starting in January of 2027 to repair its historic 18-story façade.
While this isn’t the first time the 119-year-old building has undergone renovations, it’s certainly the most drastic. To safely repair and restore its landmark-protected 18-story exterior, the property must halt hotel operations entirely.
If all goes according to schedule, the lavish destination will welcome guests back in 2031.
A massive architectural undertaking
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the hotel’s operators, did not give the specifics on exactly what the restoration will consist of, but noted the sheer scope of the project makes staying open impossible.
The closure 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.”
Because of the extreme noise and significant intrusion on operations, the operators ultimately decided a full closure was the best path forward for guest and community safety.
As for the hotel’s workforce, a spokesperson for the Hotel & Gaming Trades Council confirmed that the 378 unionized Plaza staff members will have the guaranteed right to return to their jobs at the exact same pay rate when the building reopens in 2031, according to the New York Times.
In the meantime, the union is stepping in to help place them in alternative roles.
Over a century of NYC history
Since first opening its doors in 1907, The Plaza has been an undeniable pillar of New York City’s cultural fabric.
Designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh—the same architectural mind behind the Dakota on Central Park West—the hotel has long been a symbol of local luxury, recognized for its architectural character, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring presence.
Perfectly positioned at the corner of 5th Avenue and 59th Street, right across from Central Park, it has served as a playground for everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Beatles to Truman Capote.
It’s also deeply ingrained in pop culture, acting as the stomping grounds for the fictional children’s book heroine Eloise and serving as the glamorous backdrop for countless TV shows and films–most famously Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
When will The Plaza Hotel reopen?
If all goes according to plan, The Plaza should reopen in 2031.
In the meantime, New Yorkers and tourists alike have until the end of 2026 to grab a drink at the Champagne Bar, have tea at the Palm Court, and soak in the historic elegance before it goes dark for the rest of the decade.
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