The Pierre in NYC - crown jewel of The Taj Group of Hotels

16 March 2020: I am scheduled to visit the United States amid coronavirus outbreak on an invitation from the Yale University and also scheduled to speak at Princeton and New York University. I shall also deliver talks and attend a number of meetings pertaining to art, culture and literary activities in Bahar Bharat.

In front of The Pierre Hotel
in Manhattan, NYC

Once again, I shall be staying at The Pierre hotel in Manhattan’s Upper East Side which is currently owned by the Taj Group of Hotels or the Tatas. This unique and elegant hotel was started by Frenchman Charles Pierre Casalasco and opened to the public on October 1, 1930, after five years of planning and supported by a group of influential New Yorkers.

In 1940 a part of the property was converted into apartments and has since then become the address of the rich and famous. At present, the number of hotel rooms and apartments in each floor are evenly matched.

The Taj Group of Hotels took over the property in 2005. Before that, it was being managed by Four Seasons. The Hotel has a manned 24x7 lift. A rarity in New York. It brags the largest banquet in NYC. After staying at The Pierre over the years I am convinced that this hotel perhaps has the best housekeeping service in the world and is one of the best-run establishments. The minute detailing of housekeeping is worth mentioning and can’t skip regular traveller eyes. 

Diwali celebrations

The Pierre has been the centre of attraction over years for Hollywood stars. The last time I put up at The Pierre, I had met Karambir Singh Kang, Area Director-USA who was the General Manager of Taj Mumbai during the Mumbai terror attack in 2008. 

With Karambir Singh Kang, Area Director-USA, The Pierre

Karambir had taken me around The Pierre Hall of Fame Museum commemorating the completion of 90 years. Besides the grandeur, glory and history, the Museum also reflects the “Tajness” of the place.

With Karambir Singh Kang

While glamour, romance, history, fame and innovation have always been a part and parcel of The Pierre, the Hotel has continuously transformed itself over the years under different owners. Moving from the Cafe Society of the late 30s and 40s to usher in Big Band entertainment during the ownership of oil tycoon John Paul Getty. And from there, seamlessly blending into the jet-set age that replaced the Cafe Society culture and introduced supper clubs through its famous Cotillion Room.

The Hall of Fame at The Pierre

In 1959 Paul Getty sold over 70 cooperative apartments in the building to private owners. This continues till date. Among the permanent residents at The Pierre was Elizabeth Taylor, Greek shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis, Viacom Entertainment company chairman, Summer Redstone, Mohammad al-Fayed of Harrod’s fame and others.

Among the famous patrons of the hotel were Coco Charles, Henry Fonda, Aristotle Onassis, John Paul Getty, Pierre Cardin, Mohammad al-Fayed and so on. By 1956, The Pierre was the centre of Hollywood in New York. Audrey Hepburn was a regular. A ceremony to celebrate her Oscar for Roman Holiday was held in the hotel in 1954. Elizabeth Taylor married Eddie Fischer and bought an apartment at The Pierre in 1959.

Collection of memorabilia at The Pierre

In the 60s The Pierre Grill with an open kitchen was introduced where Indian curries were served by the tableside. Other innovations included Birdcage – a glass cocktail bar that was hung from the ceiling of The Rotunda – a large ballroom.

In 1967, Peter Dowling, who owned The Carlyle, took over The Pierre. Much of the classic look and elegance of the hotel can be traced to him. By the time the Beatles arrived in the United States, big bands and supper clubs were a passe. The Pierre adapted again and opened a nightclub called La Foret. The Cotillion and the Roof Garden Terrace were transformed into ballrooms.

Fashion superstars took over the hotel in the 70s. Rudolph Valentino made Pierre the centre of the fashion world in New York. Cher, Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Barbara Streisand and others were all regulars. Since then the ballroom and the entertainment spaces of The Pierre have remained the premier venue for corporate functions, galas, social events, fundraisings and weddings.

Isidor Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons Hotels, bought The Pierre in 1980. Years later in 2005, identifying The Pierre as an ideal property to enter North American market, Ratan Tata bought the Hotel and made it a part of his prestigious collections of Taj Hotels, Resorts, Palaces and Safaris, a subsidiary of The Tata conglomerate.

Some major renovations have taken place including the restoration of The Rotunda alongside Perrine, the latest restaurant to open. The Rotunda was hand-painted by renowned American Artist Edward Melcarth in 1967.

The Pierre lobby now reflects the Taj Hotel’s rich Indian heritage. A century-old handwoven paisley pashmina shawl by G R Santosh is one such signature piece of art. The Pierre’s Rajput Suite is inspired by India’s artistic traditions, including hand-carved furnishings and bronze statues of Indian deities. The Hotel also has a Tata Presidential Suite.

Artefacts and memorabilia from a bygone era

Many works of local contemporary artists have found a place at the Perrine French-American restaurant. Each day, Perrine features a classic dish from The Pierre’s vintage menu dating back to the 1930s.

Many famous films like The Volcano, Scent of a Woman, Joe V’s, Trainwreck and Oceans 8 have been shot in this Hotel.

The 160-metre tall Hotel has 189 rooms, of which, 49 are suites. Eleven of these suites are categorized as Grand Suites. The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated The Pierre as a historic landmark in 1981.

The other interesting part of the hotel is that they offer free drop-offs anywhere in Manhattan on a first come first serve basis in a Tata Jaguar car to all the guests staying in the hotel. If you happen to stay here don’t forget to eat aloo parantha which is perhaps the best in New York City.

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