Located on both Central Park and Fifth Avenue, The Pierre opened its doors in 1930, and is a unique place with the extra soul we love so much, a “historic monument” in New York.
This iconic hotel, with 189 rooms including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces in 2005 to become the luxury hotel group’s flagship property in the United States.
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, The Pierre reopened on June 1, 2009 following a US$100 million renovation.
During our recent stay in New York, we were able to visit it and discover what makes this legendary hotel different from the rest.
Overlooking Central Park, The Pierre, the emblematic hotel of the Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces chain, located on Fifth Avenue in New York, was completely renovated in 2009. The renovation project, entrusted to architects James Park Associates, involved the creation of new Suites – the Grand Suites – upgraded bathrooms and the redevelopment of the first floor, which features a lounge bar – the Two East – and a reception area to welcome guests in optimal conditions.
Rooms and suites
The 189 rooms, including 49 suites, are designed by James Park Associates. They have been transformed to offer a warm, discreetly luxurious setting that makes guests feel right at home. Very high ceilings and abundant natural light create a feeling of spaciousness, which the new decor takes full advantage of. Soft tones of ivory, taupe, coral and blue contrast with wooden elements and upholstered leather headboards. Silks and brocades in upholstery fabrics, cushion covers, wall hangings and sofa throws lend elegance to the space, while hand-woven carpets ensure comfort and excellent soundproofing.
Mortimer Chatterjee, a former Christie’s Londoner turned Bombay gallerist, personally selected all the objets d’art displayed in the rooms. This passionate connoisseur of new talent had already assembled an impressive art collection at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in 2003 to mark the establishment’s centenary.
All rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and accessories that reflect the TAJ Group’s mission of well-being.
On the first floor, the decor respects the neo-Georgian architecture of the Pierre’s public spaces: the improvements are subtle, and the new layout meets the needs of an increasingly demanding clientele.
The lobby features a central area dedicated to check-in and concierge service, with easy access for guests and floral decoration by Atelier Floral L’Olivier.
The Grand Suites
Each of the 11 one- or two-bedroom luxury suites, or Grand Suites, is individually decorated. Silks, brocade fabrics, Murano glass chandeliers and hand-woven carpets sit side by side with the most advanced technology: Bang & Olufsen audio equipment, Sony home video and high-speed Internet connections.
Every detail evokes the heritage of Taj hotels: the sparkling jewelry and traditional decorative motifs are a tribute to the Rajput dynasty, the founders of India’s mythical palaces, which today welcome Taj guests. Contemporary pieces selected by Mortimer Chatterjee highlight emerging Indian artists. Many suites are decorated with woodcuts depicting historic scenes from old New York.
Among the most prestigious Suites:
The Tata Suite (the Presidential Suite), named after the parent company of Taj Hotels, enjoys a privileged location on the 39th floor of the palace, with panoramic views over Central Park. The two bedrooms and large living room are decorated in gold and silver, with porcelain ornaments. The black-and-white photographs decorating the walls of the dining room offer a journey back in time, recounting the history of the Tata house from its very beginnings. Precious objects handcrafted by the artisans of Paramparik Karigar, an organization dedicated to the preservation and defense of India’s artistic heritage, supported by Taj Hotels, complete the décor.
The Rajput Suite will delight connoisseurs of India’s artistic traditions and lovers of Rajput works of art in general. The furniture, inspired by the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, is inlaid with stones and pearls. In a palette of ruby colors, the decor is rich and sumptuous, from Zardosi embroidery to a royal loom covered in gold and silver thread motifs.
The Charles Pierre Suite is dedicated to Corsican hotelier Charles Pierre Casalasco, who opened the Pierre in 1930 in partnership with Wall Street investors. Woodcuts evoking 19th-century New York financial life adorn the Suite’s bedroom and living room. The splendidly landscaped terrace provides the ideal setting for the most sumptuous private receptions.
The Getty Suite pays homage to John Paul Getty, philanthropist and heir to the famous oil company, who bought The Pierre in 1938 and remained its sole owner until it became a cooperative. The Getty Suite boasts a sumptuous terrace, one of the palace’s two terraces, which lends itself perfectly to the organization of large-scale receptions.
Le Two E bar & lounge
The name of the new bar refers to the address where it is located – 2 East 61st Street. The Champalimaud interior design firm has highlighted all the architectural details that characterize the columns and ceiling of the space, formerly occupied by offices and the hotel’s reading room. The warm, elegant space features a magnificent bronze-colored bar and custom-made wooden furniture.
Run by a team of mixologists, Le Two E offers a tempting cocktail menu, has a coffee bar, and becomes a tea room in the afternoon. Every day until midnight, Chef Stephane Becht offers a selection of light dishes.
Open daily from 11am to 1am, Le Two E is managed by Irfan Haque and can accommodate up to 80 people.
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