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Imposing. Elegant. Classic. The Pierre New York, a Taj Hotel has a long-standing reputation of impeccable service, stunning interiors, and sumptuous dining, all within a prime Central Park location.

The palatial Pierre stands the test of time, and through the decades has hosted A-listers from Coco Chanel to Elizabeth Taylor as well as runway shows, galas, and social events — even Broadway premieres.

Ever since Charles Pierre Casalasco collaborated with Wall Street financiers in 1930 to realize a dream of opening a grand French chateau on Fifth Avenue, The Pierre has been synonymous with European-style elegance.

Initially modeled after Versailles by prominent architects Schultze and Weaver, the 41-story Pierre boasts stately neo-Georgian accents, black and white checkered marble floors, a magnificent ballroom with grand staircases and a rotunda with ornate hand-painted murals.

The hotel can also be found on the big screen: Pierre interiors have featured in Love Story, Scent of a Woman, First Wives Club, Arthur, and in the case of Joe Versus the Volcano, actor Tom Hanks declares, “Then we’re off to The Pierre”!

[The hotel’s Santa Maria Novella boutique is the fifth in the US and the first to recreate the original design from Florence’s Via della Scala]

Through several renovations over the years, the hotel has retained both its charm and opulence. From white-gloved doormen at the entrance to the Les Clefs d’Or concierge team at the front desk, The Pierre’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to ensuring a flawless stay, offering stellar service from check-in through departure.

Upon arrival, I am greeted by gorgeous fresh flower arrangements and a friendly doorman who’s already taken my suitcase out of the cab before I’ve finished paying my fare, and calls me by my name. Check in is smooth and luckily my room is all ready for a luxurious three-night stay in the heart of Manhattan.

A white-gloved elevator attendant greets me with a smile as we ride the ornate wooden elevator, complete with red velvet stool in the corner. It’s a beautiful and welcoming experience every time I ride in it.

[Elevator detail]

Since it’s still morning, I decide to take a well-deserved rest on the super comfortable king-sized bed with pillow-top mattress and soft, yet supportive duck down pillows. Speaking of pillows, guests can select from a range of options including synthetic down and buckwheat filled. Body pillows are also available upon request.

Once unpacked and refreshed, I immediately walk over to Central Park, literally across the street. What a wonderful way to get some fresh air into my lungs after an overnight flight!

Rooms

The Pierre’s guest rooms offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with cream and off-white wallpaper plus a variety of lighting, several with dimmer switches for a calming effect following busy days of sightseeing.

Sleeps are deep and cozy here, though the airco system could be a bit quieter (I’m a light sleeper). Luckily the windows open a little to allow fresh air in, making for a fitful rest.

[Park View room with a fresh dusting of snow over Central Park]

My Park View room on the 39th floor overlooks Central Park and an expansive view of the city’s architecture, some buildings containing period decor and flourishes.

The walk-in closet has ample room to store an extra suitcase, with an electronic safe, handy shelf above a rack with wooden and satin hangers, Pierre slippers, and to the left, a shoeshine and laundry service kit.

Floris of London bath amenities are placed throughout the marble-tiled bathroom. Both soaker tub and rain shower are accented with silver fixtures. Each room offers free high-speed WiFi for up to five devices. Unlimited local (and domestic long-distance phone calls) are included.

A wall-mounted 50” 4K Smart TV (with HOTstream) is located above a beautiful wooden armoire where the minibar is housed. The large wooden work desk, complete with outlets, table lamp, and phone are ideal for getting work done.

A Tivoli Audio Bluetooth-enabled clock radio at the bedside matches the wooden decor, combining classic, stately design with modern tech.

[The Pierre’s fitness center]

Housekeeping can set you up with in-room coffee and tea service at an additional charge; iron and ironing board are available by request.

[Honey-lavender roasted chicken served with Fingerling potatoes and grilled vegetables]

Dining

Perrine

Cream walls accented with dark wood, large framed artwork and soft lighting creates an elegant, yet comfortable space to showcase Perrine’s classic French-American dishes, with Indian options, to honour the Taj Hotel’s roots.

[Gluten-free warm chocolate cake, Crème Brûlée ice cream]

A seasonal menu offers small plates (aperitifs), side dishes, and entrees, prepared with sustainably-sourced ingredients, by Executive Chef Vincenzo Garofalo.

Having grown up on the East coast, I have a particular fondness for black and white cookies. When the chef learned how much I’d missed them from my youth, he baked a batch and had them delivered to my room!

It’s these kind of personal touches that made me feel especially welcome during my stay, and places The Pierre in the spotlight for high-level service.

Renowned chef Auguste Escoffier originally helmed the Perrine culinary team in the early 1930’s. A few of Escoffier’s original dishes can still be found on the menu, as well as a few pieces of his equipment in the present-day kitchen.

[Breakfast at Perrine]

Perrine is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, and afternoon tea on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Rotunda

An instant sense of enchantment comes my way when I discover The Rotunda, a charming room adjacent to Perrine, containing painted ceilings and walls, graced with golden wall lighting all around. Tables with chairs and velvety banquettes line the circular palatial room, ideal for afternoon tea or a special event.

Renowned artist Edward Melcarth, whose work is displayed in the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MoMA, and Forbes Collection, painted the Rotunda murals in 1967. There are a few famous faces to be found within the murals, including Jackie Onassis and Liz Taylor.

Two E Lounge and Bar

Open daily, the Art Deco Two E Lounge and Bar marries gourmet light bites such as East coast oysters, mini tuna tartare tacos, and homemade samosas with a varied selection of hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails, plus an extensive beer, wine, and spirits menu.

The intimate room was originally designed as the Gentleman’s Library and smoking lounge. It contains a decorative ceiling with ornate moulding, a bar in back with atmospheric fuchsia lighting and a combination of small round tables and banquettes for the enjoyment of beautiful music and food.

Live music ranges from soothing jazz to soul and timeless classics. On the evening of my visit, the talented duo of New York’s Break Out The Crazy performed a collection of original and well-loved tunes. Break Out’s Chris Hierro and Katya Diaz began a collaboration while performing as backup musicians on Spanish pop star Alejandro Sanz’s 2012 tour.

[Enjoying an in-room lazy Sunday breakfast at The Pierre]

Room service is available all day, and what better way to enjoy a lazy Sunday than with a full breakfast served in your room!

[MarieBelle, a local chocolatier, sells hand-crafted gourmet sweets at The Pierre]

The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel is located at 2 East 61st Street at 5th Avenue in New York City.

I was graciously hosted by The Pierre New York for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own. Top image courtesy of Taj Hotels.