What Are Met Gala Hotels
Met Gala hotels are luxury properties in New York City that host attendees of the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The event is organized by the Anna Wintour Costume Center and draws global celebrities, designers, and executives. Most guests stay in Midtown Manhattan, with the Plaza Hotel, The St. Regis New York, and The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park as top choices. These hotels are selected for proximity, brand prestige, and security arrangements around the museum on the first Monday in May. Forbes explains the Met Gala's scale and economic impact.
Average Room Rates and Booking Trends
Room rates at Met Gala hotels spike sharply during the event week. The Plaza Hotel, located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, typically lists suites above $10,000 per night around the gala, with penthouse packages exceeding $25,000. The St. Regis New York, at East 55th Street and Lexington Avenue, reports similar peak pricing for its King and Royal Suite categories. Booking windows open months in advance, with many rooms held by brands, fashion houses, and event organizers. Public filings show companies allocating travel budgets for major fashion events.
Top Properties and Their Offerings
Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel offers 196 rooms and suites, with its Met Gala proximity making it a perennial favorite. Standard rooms start near $1,500 per night in regular periods, while gala-week suites are priced based on demand and minimum stay requirements. The hotel is managed by the Taj Hotels group under the IHG Hotels & Resorts umbrella, with the property owned by Sahara India Pariwar via a long-term lease structure.
St. Regis New York
The St. Regis New York features 310 rooms and suites, including the 1,250-square-foot Royal Suite. During Met Gala week, the property commands premium rates and provides dedicated concierge services for high-profile guests. The hotel is operated by Marriott International under the St. Regis brand, with the building owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund through a real estate investment structure.
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, sits at Central Park South and offers 300 rooms with views of the park. Its proximity to the Met makes it a frequent choice for attendees seeking a balance of luxury and access. The property is part of Marriott International's Ritz-Carlton portfolio and is managed under a brand standards agreement that governs service levels, amenities, and guest experience.
How to Book and What to Expect
Booking Met Gala hotels requires early planning, with many properties opening reservations for gala week six to twelve months in advance. Guests typically need to provide event credentials or proof of attendance, and some hotels require a minimum stay of two to three nights during the event period. Rates are often non-refundable and include exclusive perks such as late checkout, in-room dining, and private car services to the museum. Forbes Advisor lists top-rated Met Gala hotels and booking tips.
Security and logistics are central to the Met Gala hotel experience. Hotels coordinate with the New York City Police Department and private security teams to manage access, vehicle traffic, and guest arrivals near the Metropolitan