Last Days at The Plaza Hotel
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As We Once Knew It
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Anna and I checked in to the Plaza Hotel on the last day it was to be open in 2004 for several years. Its mystique would change forever. I booked one of the iconic rooms to test shoot several dresses designed by a friend in the fashion industry. The style of the clothing was most suitable to the grandeur that exuded history and class.
The Plaza Hotel, perched at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South in New York City, is one of the most storied landmarks in hospitality. Since its opening in 1907, the Plaza has stood as a symbol of opulence, hosting world leaders, celebrities, and cultural moments that shaped its legacy. But even icons must evolve, and in the early 2000s, the Plaza underwent a significant transformation that changed its history forever.
When the Plaza opened on October 1, 1907, it redefined luxury. Designed in the French Renaissance style by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, the 19-story hotel featured crystal chandeliers, lavish ballrooms, and unparalleled views of Central Park. Its suites catered to royalty, business magnates, and stars of stage and screen, while its Palm Court became synonymous with high society gatherings.
Over the decades, the Plaza became a cultural touchstone, immortalized in literature, film, and television. From its role in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby to its portrayal in Home Alone 2, the hotel remained an enduring symbol of glamour and sophistication.
By the late 20th century, the Plaza faced challenges as newer luxury hotels emerged. Maintenance of the historic building became costly, and ownership changed hands multiple times. In 2004, the Plaza closed its doors for a major redevelopment under its then-owner, El-Ad Properties. The plan was controversial: the iconic hotel would be partially converted into luxury condominiums, with only a portion remaining a hotel.
The decision sparked public outcry, with preservationists and New Yorkers mourning the loss of a beloved institution. Still, the redevelopment moved forward, balancing modern demands with the building’s historic charm.
After a three-year renovation, the Plaza reopened in 2008 with a new identity. Of its 805 original rooms, 282 were transformed into private residences, while 282 remained hotel rooms. The redesign preserved iconic elements, including the Palm Court and the Grand Ballroom, while introducing modern amenities to attract contemporary clientele.
Today, the Plaza Hotel remains a blend of its historic past and modern reinvention. Its transformation in the early 2000s reflects the evolution of New York City itself—a place where tradition and innovation coexist. Though its role has shifted, the Plaza continues to captivate, reminding the world of the enduring allure of Fifth Avenue’s crown jewel.
When I checked out of the hotel the next day a bellman came up to my room with a tearful eyes. I asked him what was wrong. He said, “Ive worked at this place for the last 50 years. It will never be the same.”
