The Pierre hotel reopens after 100-mil makeover by Taj Hotels, says Travel + Leisure



First, The Mark (click here to read more), now another Upper East Side classic reopens. And the August edition of Travel + Leisure did a great piece on it, filled with interesting tid-bits, which says "The Pierre-by-Taj refreshes the luxury and exclusivity that have long defined the hotel. From that unparalleled location—at the southeast corner of Central Park—to a reputation for quality and discretion that has attracted and coddled guests of wealth and taste from Britain’s Prince Philip to the Rolling Stones, the Pierre has always been one of New York’s top-tier hotels."

"We're extremely pleased with the results of our transformed residential-style interiors. The designs perfectly complement The Pierre's classic ambiance of quiet refinement and restore a sense of the property's original grandeur," said Heiko Kuenstle, General Manager.

All guestrooms and suites have been transformed to feature high ceilings and abundant natural lights. Color palettes, comprised of soft neutrals in pale ivory and taupe with tones of corals or blues, are contrasted with rich woods, tufted leather headboards and matching benches. Richly textured silk and brocade fabrics in elegant neutrals with tasteful accents of color adorn upholstery, pillows, draperies and bed throws. Fine arts consultant Mortimer Chatterjee, a former Christie's UK auction house executive turned Mumbai gallery owner known for recognizing emerging talent and who researched the extensive art collection at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in preparation for its centenary in 2003, selected artwork to complement the designs.

All bedrooms feature an interactive 40-inch flat screen television, a Bose Wave Studio with iPod docking station, WiFi, a working desk with built-in data and power outlets, comfortable upholstered chairs and large new sound-insulated, energy efficient windows with both blackout draperies and sheers.

A significant portion of the renovation focused on updating all guest bathrooms. New Turkish marble-clad guest bathrooms will feature a glass-walled shower with oversized showerhead and steam-free makeup, shaving and wall mirrors. A majority of the baths have been enlarged to also incorporate a separate soaking tub and a flat panel television.


The new designs for the first floor respect the neo-Georgian character of The Pierre's grand public spaces. The main attracton of the lobby level will be the first American outpost of London hotspot Le Caprice

Le Caprice first opened in 1947 and was re-done in 1981 with contemporary black and white décor, David Bailey photographs and a long bar to break the mold of established restaurants and offer flexibility in the menu, but with a high level of quality and service. Long-said to be one a popular theatre and celeb haunt -- "For nearly two decades a table at Le Caprice has been the stock exchange for the arts," said AA Gill, Sunday Times restaurant critic -- it is now part of Richard Caring's Group (The Ivy, Annabel's, Daphne's, Wentworth Golf Club and Soho House). The setting of the NY branch of Le Caprice will be convivial modern brasserie.

Click here to read the full Travel + Leisure story.