Plaza Hotel
Building Historic luxury hotel overlooking Fifth Avenue
At Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, the Plaza Hotel is a landmark Beaux‑Arts building famed for its Palm Court and hotel restaurants. Visitors stop for afternoon tea, photos, and the hotel’s history next to Central Park.
The Plaza Hotel is a landmark luxury hotel on Fifth Avenue at Central Park South in Midtown Manhattan that opened in 1907. It was designed in a grand Beaux-Arts style by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and has been prominent in New York City social life.
Public highlights include the historic Palm Court and large ballroom spaces that have hosted ceremonies, teas and events for more than a century. The hotel combines hotel rooms, public dining and retail spaces and is notable for its ornate interior public rooms and frontage along Fifth Avenue.
The Plaza was built in the early 20th century as a purpose-built luxury hotel and has undergone multiple renovations and ownership changes while retaining its landmark character. It has been widely referenced in literature and film and remains an active hotel and events venue.
The building sits immediately adjacent to the southeast corner of Central Park, at the convergence of Midtown neighbourhoods including Midtown Manhattan and the Upper Plaza area, and is served by numerous subway and road links.
- Opening and architect: The hotel opened in 1907 and was designed by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in a Beaux-Arts/Parisian style, positioned at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South.
- Location advantage: The location faces the southeast corner of Central Park and sits at a major nexus in Midtown Manhattan, making it a common meeting point for visitors and locals.
What to See #
- Palm Court: The Palm Court - a grand public lounge and tea room historically used for afternoon tea and public events, located adjacent to the main lobby.
- Ballroom and public rooms: The Grand Ballroom and main public rooms - notable for ornate decoration and for hosting high-profile social events since the hotel opened in the early 20th century.
How to Get to Plaza Hotel #
The Plaza Hotel sits on Fifth Avenue at Central Park South (59th Street) in Manhattan. The nearest subway is 5th Ave-59th St (N, R, W); Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1) is a 5-10 minute walk west.
By car it’s on 5th Avenue at 59th Street in Midtown Manhattan; taxis and ride‑shares can drop you at the hotel entrance on Central Park South.
Tips for Visiting Plaza Hotel #
- Visit the Plaza mid‑afternoon on a weekday when the lobby and Palm Court are least crowded; booking the hotel's afternoon tea in advance is the most reliable way to guarantee access to the famous interior spaces.
- Enter from the Fifth Avenue/59th Street lobby to reach the main public areas quickly and check ahead for private events that can close off parts of the hotel to non‑guests.
Best Time to Visit Plaza Hotel #
For fewer crowds and better rates at this famous NYC hotel, aim for spring or fall; expect heavy crowds in summer and around the winter holidays.
Weather & Climate near Plaza Hotel #
Plaza Hotel's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1215 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.