6 luxury NYC hotels to visit while The Plaza Hotel is closed

The Plaza Hotel, one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks, will close in January for at least four years while its historic facade undergoes restoration, its operators, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, announced Wednesday. Rooms are available for select dates in November starting at $2,090 per night.

Known for its role in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" and the "Eloise" books, the 119-year-old hotel is a premier destination for afternoon tea, classic cocktails and fine dining amid grand, turn-of-the-century interiors.

While The Plaza will temporarily close its doors, visitors seeking that iconic taste of Manhattan luxury can still find it across the city, where historic architecture, elegant lounges and refined dining experiences keep New York's grand hotel traditions alive.

Baccarat Hotel New York

28 W. 53rd St.; baccarathotels.com; 212-790-8800

Midtown

Best alternative for: Afternoon tea, elegant surroundings and special occasions

January rates: Starting at $1,230 per night

For more than a century, The Plaza's Palm Court has been a signature destination for afternoon tea in New York. Baccarat Hotel New York offers a similarly opulent experience in its Grand Salon, where crystal accents and plush seating set the scene.

The tiered tea services are named for historical figures associated with the French crystal house. The Prince of Wales menu pairs traditional teatime fare with more indulgent bites, including lobster caviar and coronation chicken. Younger guests can opt for Le Petit Prince, a children's tea service that includes a mini lobster roll and apple cider doughnuts.

The St. Regis New York

2 E. 55th St.; stregisnewyork.com; 212-753-4500

Midtown

Best alternative for: Classic New York glamour, signature cocktails and personalized service

January rates: Starting at $1,045 per night

Opened in 1904, The St. Regis New York is known for its Beaux-Arts architecture, formal service and place in Manhattan's luxury-hotel history. One of its best-known attractions is the King Cole Bar, where a large mural by artist Maxfield Parrish, "Old King Cole," hangs above the bar. The hotel also claims a connection to the Bloody Mary, which was adapted for American tastes and became its signature Red Snapper cocktail.

Guests can stop in for cocktails and light fare or book a table at Astor Court, the hotel's restaurant. The St. Regis is also known for its butler service. Accommodations also include assistance with unpacking, packing and other personalized requests.

Waldorf Astoria New York

301 Park Ave.; waldorfastorianewyork.com; 212-355-3000

Midtown East

Best alternative for: Afternoon tea, historic glamour and fine dining

January rates: Starting at $915 per night

Like The Plaza, the Waldorf Astoria is a New York hotel landmark known for its history and high-profile guests. After an eight-year, multibillion-dollar restoration, the hotel reopened last July with restored Art Deco interiors and new dining experiences.

At Yoshoku, guests can book a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea that puts a different spin on the tradition. Peacock Alley, the hotel's signature bar and lounge, offers another way to experience the property, with seating beside Cole Porter's piano and the iconic Art Deco clock that once stood in the hotel lobby.

Lotte New York Palace

455 Madison Ave.; lottenypalace.com; 800-804-7035

Midtown East

Best alternative for: Gilded Age architecture, historic interiors and cocktails

January rates: Starting at $400 per night

Travelers drawn to The Plaza's historic grandeur can find a different expression of New York's Gilded Age at Lotte New York Palace. The hotel combines modern accommodations with the historic Villard Mansion, a collection of residences built in the 1880s. The mansion's ornate rooms and architectural details offer a glimpse of the era, while the adjoining hotel occupies a prominent Madison Avenue address.

Guests can explore the property's history through guided tours and also visit the Gold Room, an ornate setting for drinks and private events. Dining options include Villard, which serves seasonal American cuisine in the mansion's historic setting, and Pomme Palais, a French-inspired cafe and patisserie offering pastries, sandwiches and coffee. The hotel also has Trouble's Trust, a cocktail bar.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

35 E. 76th St.; rosewoodhotels.com; 212-744-1600

Upper East Side

Best alternative for: Afternoon tea, classic hotel bar and live music

January rates: Starting at $1,200 per night

On the Upper East Side, The Carlyle is known for its classic New York atmosphere and Bemelmans Bar, named for artist Ludwig Bemelmans, whose murals depicting scenes from Central Park cover the walls. The bar serves classic cocktails and features live entertainment. Hotel guests receive priority seating consideration, while a limited number of reservations are available to nonguests through Resy. Most seating is reserved for walk-ins.

Afternoon tea is served in the Gallery, an ornate room inspired by The Sultan's Room at Istanbul's Topkapi Palace and designed by Renzo Mongiardino. The menu pairs traditional scones with Devonshire cream with savory offerings such as Hudson Valley foie gras torchon and house-made pâtés.

The Pierre

2 E. 61st St.; thepierreny.com; 212-838-8000

Upper East Side

Best alternative for: Classic New York glamour, fine dining and cocktails

January rates: Starting at $610 per night

Overlooking Central Park at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 61st Street, The Pierre opened in 1930 and has long been associated with New York's grand-hotel tradition. Its landmarked interiors and formal service offer a more traditional take on luxury, with several spaces that invite visitors to experience the hotel without booking a room.

The Rotunda, known for its elaborate murals depicting scenes from New York's history, is one of the hotel's most distinctive spaces and offers select fine-dining experiences with a tasting menu that includes specialty Welsh rarebit. For an evening out, Two E Bar & Lounge serves cocktails and features live jazz Tuesday through Saturday evenings. At Perrine, the hotel's restaurant, the menu draws on French and Indian influences.