The Pierre, A Taj Hotel

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. The new Pierre—lighter, more contemporary, but still an assured grande dame—was unveiled in stages while the building, which also houses 74 privately owned apartments, continued to operate, its white-gloved elevator attendants always on duty, its housekeeping staff busy. First, Taj hired designer Alexandra Champalimaud to refresh the Grand Ballroom and the Cotillion Room. She brought in Portuguese artisans to restore hand-painted relief ceilings. Then, every room and suite was redesigned by James Park Associates of Singapore. They now hint at Taj’s ownership with Indian-made window treatments and handwoven carpets and South Asian art chosen by a Mumbai gallerist. The Pierre has also installed state-of-the-art electronic systems in every room, and bathrooms have been enlarged and equipped with wall-to-wall marble, deep tubs, and glass showers with rain heads.