Plaza Hotel

The Plaza opened in 1907 on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, facing Grand Army Plaza. With its white façade and green mansard roofs, it is one of the best known luxury hotels in New York City and a backdrop of the city’s social life for more than a century.

History

The hotel replaced an earlier Plaza on the same site. It quickly became the setting for society weddings, debutante balls and receptions. In 1966 Truman Capote held his Black and White Ball in the Grand Ballroom, one of the most famous parties of the 20th century. The hotel is also the home of Eloise, the girl who lives at the Plaza in the children’s books by Kay Thompson. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Part of the building was converted into private residences during a major renovation completed in 2008.

Architecture and design

The architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed the Dakota apartment building, gave the Plaza the look of a French Renaissance château rising above the park. The interiors are known for their gilded salons, the stained-glass ceiling of the Palm Court and the Terrace Room. The hotel has 282 rooms, including 102 suites.

Location

The hotel sits at the south-east corner of Central Park, steps from the shops of Fifth Avenue and a short walk from MoMA and Carnegie Hall.

Weddings and events

The Plaza is one of the classic wedding venues in New York, with the Grand Ballroom and the Terrace Room for receptions and galas. Send your date and guest count through the request form on this page: it goes directly to the events team.