Once a beloved institution within the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City, The Oak Bar holds a special place in the hearts of many patrons. However, an unfortunate turn of events led to its closure in the summer of 2011, leaving a void in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. But what exactly happened to The Oak Bar at The Plaza? Let’s take a closer look at the chain of events that led to this unexpected closure.
Back in 2004, Elad Properties acquired The Plaza Hotel with ambitious plans to renovate and revitalize the historic landmark. As part of their vision, The Oak Room and Oak Bar underwent extensive renovations and were reintroduced to the public, beautifully restored to their former glory. For several years, these spaces thrived, attracting both locals and tourists alike with their timeless charm and exquisite ambiance.
However, in the summer of 2011, The Oak Bar suddenly shuttered its doors, leaving many puzzled and disappointed. The closure came as a surprise to patrons who had come to cherish the bar’s rich history and elegant atmosphere. Speculation ran rampant, with various theories emerging about the reasons behind this abrupt closure.
It was not until later that the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place. In July 2012, Elad Properties made the decision to sell The Plaza Hotel’s hotel portion to Sahara for an astonishing $570 million. While this transaction garnered significant attention, it was the involvement of Sant Singh Chatwal that played a pivotal role in nudging the deal forward.
Chatwal, a prominent hotelier and friend of both Elad and Sahara, played a crucial role in facilitating the purchase. His influence and connections helped bridge the gap between the parties involved, ultimately leading to the acquisition of The Plaza Hotel. The sale marked a turning point for the iconic establishment, as new ownership took the reins and decisions were made that would shape the future of The Oak Bar and other parts of the hotel.
Unfortunately, under the new ownership, The Oak Bar did not find a place in their vision for The Plaza Hotel. The cherished institution was left in darkness, a symbol of an era gone by. The closure of The Oak Bar was met with disappointment and a sense of loss amongst those who had frequented the venue for years.
It is important to acknowledge the significance of The Oak Bar within The Plaza Hotel’s history. This iconic watering hole had been a meeting place for notable personalities, a hub of creativity and intrigue. The bar’s closure not only left a void in the hearts of its dedicated patrons, but it also marked the end of an era for The Plaza Hotel.
While we may never know the exact reasons for the decision to close The Oak Bar, it is clear that the dynamics of ownership and the shifting visions for The Plaza Hotel played a significant role. As with any establishment, the evolution of businesses and the changing tides of the industry are inevitable.
Nevertheless, let us cherish the memories and pay homage to The Oak Bar, which holds a special place in the history of New York City’s nightlife. Though it may no longer grace The Plaza Hotel with its presence, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to experience its unique charm.
