The Pierre Hotel, New York

The 41-story Pierre is easy to recognize across Central Park.

Travelers don’t have to go to museums to learn about the history of a destination.

Perfect example: I love the sublime ambience of The Pierre Hotel in New York City. When I stay there, I feel that – in addition to great accommodations –The Pierre provides an authentic glimpse into bygone eras.

The lavish 700-room Georgian style hotel opened across from Central Park on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 61^st Street in 1930.  The managing director Charles Pierre Casalasco, who had sailed into New York as a 25-year-old immigrant, presided over a gala dinner attended by “the top tier of society.” None other than 85-year-old Auguste Escoffier served as guest chef. The Pierre quickly became the toast of New York.

The Pierre is New York’s most fashionable hotel address.

The Pierre’s fortunes have risen and fallen over the years. The Great Depression caused the hotel to be sold at auction, and it subsequently has had various owners and management companies.

In 1959, seventy-five apartments were sold to private residents, including Elizabeth Taylor, Mohamed al-Fayad (then the owner of Harrods), and the designer Yves Saint-Laurent. Over the years, The Pierre has welcomed guests ranging from Britain’s Prince Phillip to the Rolling Stones.

Since 2005, The Pierre has been managed by Taj Hotels, Resorts, and Palaces. The India-based group oversaw a $100 million renovation and restored the grand dame to her former glory and level of service – including white-gloved elevator attendants.

The Rotunda is the “signature room” of The Pierre. Do you see Jackie in the red dress?

The Murals of the Rotunda

I enjoy the elegant surroundings throughout The Pierre, and one of my favorite places to linger is the Rotunda where notable trompe l’oeil murals echo the romantic themes of Renaissance painters. Even these 1967 works by American artist Edward Melcarth reflect an earlier time in New York.

If you look carefully at the murals, you’ll see that classic mythological figures like Neptune and Venus are intermingled with a woman and who resembles famed New Yorker Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, as well as a man in a Nehru jacket, a clothing style popular in the late 1960s.

Other mythological figures, such as River Gods and Minerva, share space with a young Adam and Eve. The model for Adam was actor Erik Estrada in his younger days.

The Pierre Today

Prior to its 80^th birthday in 2010, the iconic hotel underwent a US$100 million renovation. Today, guests have a choice of 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites – all exude luxury and charm while offering modern amenities and services.

Like all lodging at The Pierre, the Coral Guestroom, is spacious and elegantly furnished.

In addition to its status as a “hotel with history,” I appreciate The Pierre’s thoughtful guest services. The concierge helpfully matched several nights of theatre tickets with conveniently located restaurants and sent us off in the hotel’s courtesy car. He also recommended a nearby doctor when illness struck and found a late-night pharmacy when one was needed.

The beautiful Conservatory Garden is my favorite part of Central Park.

Since I love to walk, the location of The Pierre is perfect for me. On a recent trip, my favorite day started with a gorgeous breakfast served in our suite, followed by a long walk through Central Park to the beautiful Conservatory Garden. At the end of our trek, we were welcomed “home” by The Pierre’s congenial doormen.

I love “living in the past” at this hotel.

Get the best rate at The Pierre.

Cheers,

The concierge at The Pierre is remarkably helpful. During our stay, he recommended
restaurants and a doctor, as well as finding a late-night pharmacy.

Tags: accommodation, Central Park, elegant, great concierge, hotel with history, hotels, luxurious, luxury, New York City, places to stay, The Pierre, travel

Category: garden visits, Hotels, USA Eastern States