The Plaza Hotel's story is inextricably woven into the fabric of New York City. It was once said, "Nothing unimportant ever happens at The Plaza," and its history proves this true. From its debut as the greatest hotel in the world to its status as a National Historic Landmark, The Plaza has been a silent witness to over a century of social, cultural, and political history.
The Vision and The Debut (1907)
The Plaza was the dream of financier Bernhard Beinecke, hotelier Fred Sterry, and Harry S. Black, President of the Fuller Construction Company. They purchased a 15-year-old hotel of the same name on the site and set out to replace it with an unparalleled symbol of elegance. Architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed the Dakota apartments, was tasked with creating a French chateau in the heart of Manhattan. No cost was spared: the largest single order for gold-encrusted china was placed, and 1,650 crystal chandeliers were purchased. The new 19-story Plaza opened on October 1, 1907, to immense fanfare, with young millionaire Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt as its first guest.
The Social Epicenter (1910s-1940s)
From its earliest days, The Plaza became the social hub of the city. The Champagne Porch (now The Champagne Bar) opened along Fifth Avenue, patronized by the likes of Diamond Jim Brady. The 1920s saw the construction of a ballroom and a 300-room annex. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II, the hotel remained a constant, even enforcing a three-day maximum stay during the war years. In 1943, Conrad Hilton acquired the hotel for $7.4 million, installing the now-famous Oak Bar a few years later.
Mid-Century Glamour (1950s-1970s)
This era solidified The Plaza's place in pop culture. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright took up residence in a suite for six years. In 1955, Kay Thompson introduced the world to Eloise. The hotel was prominently featured in Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 classic, North by Northwest. The Beatles caused a frenzy during their stay in 1964, and Truman Capote hosted his legendary "Black & White Ball" in the Grand Ballroom in 1966. The hotel was designated a New York City Landmark in 1969 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Preservation and Restoration (1980s-Present)
The 1980s brought new ownership, including Donald Trump's acquisition in 1988. The hotel celebrated its 75th and 100th anniversaries, but its most significant modern chapter began in 2005 when it closed for a comprehensive $450 million restoration. The project, completed in 2008, meticulously restored the hotel to its original glory while integrating modern comforts and private residences, ensuring its legacy for the next century.
The Plaza's history is a mirror reflecting the story of New York itself—a tale of ambition, glamour, resilience, and timeless elegance. For a look at the famous faces and films that have contributed to this legacy, explore our article on The Plaza Hotel in pop culture.
Photo courtesy of The Plaza.
