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Luxury travel blog » Places » North America » USA » New York » Review: The Pierre hotel New York

Review: The Pierre hotel New York

October 29, 2015 by Carol Perehudoff 21 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

Searching for a New York luxury hotel? I splashed out and went 5-star, so here’s my review: The Pierre hotel

It may sound French and be the USA flagship of the luxury Indian Taj hotel brand, but The Pierre hotel is quintessential New York. No, wait. Let me clarify. The Pierre is quintessential insider New York. No, wait! Let me clarify again. The Pierre is quintessential insider luxury New York.

Review The Pierre hotel lobby

Lobby

 

If you want to rub shoulders with Billionaires Who Will Remain Nameless, this is the place to do it. Because this is where they live. In The Pierre hotel. Only it’s not a hotel to gawk in because everything is DISCREET and when you stay here you quickly get swept up in the hushed elegance of it all, and start believing deep in your heart that you are 1) a New Yorker and 2) very rich, even if you are neither.

The history of The Pierre Hotel New York

Located at the prime intersection of East 61st Street and 5th Avenue right across from Central Park south, The Pierre was a grand hotel from the get go, attracting the cream of the elite (hello, Coco Chanel!) when it opened in 1930. And then it went broke soon after. Then gazillionaire John Paul Getty bought it in 1938 and it became elegant all over again.

Review The Pierre Hotel New York Cotillion Ballroom

The Cotillion Ballroom

 

Why do billionaires live at The Pierre?

The reason Billionaires Who Will Remain Nameless live at The Pierre is because in 1959 it became a co-op and then wealthy investors and A-Listers such as Elizabeth Taylor and Yves Saint Laurent were able to snap up some of the best apartments with the most smashing views of Central Park while the rest of the space remained a hotel.

Today, in addition to private apartments, The Pierre has 189 hotel rooms, including 49 suites, which is a huge relief for visiting celebs and dignitaries such as Prince Philip and the Rolling Stones who need a hotel to stay in when they come to New York.

Review The Pierre Hotel New York from Central Park

The Pierre from Central Park

 

This is a review of The Pierre hotel so let’s talk about the building!

The Pierre, a Taj hotel, is a classic part of the upper east side skyline, its granite and pale brick exterior rising up like some glamorous New York needle.

Simplicity and refinement

The lobby isn’t large or flashy, but chic and tasteful with black and white tiles and all kinds of helpful concierges and receptionists and doormen.

All of the concierges at The Pierre are Clefs d’Or, which means they can arrange just about anything, such as having your name written in the sky over the Statue of Liberty, getting you an immediate appointment with a plastic surgeon or, perhaps most importantly, a personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman, the swanky department store just down the street.

I, however, was boring and just asked for a map.

Hotel review The Pierre New York view of Central Park from Tata Suite

View of Central Park from the Tata Suite at The Pierre

 

Note to self: Next time when staying at The Pierre dream up some challenging tasks for the concierges, such as ‘teach me how to walk 40 New York blocks in 5-inch heels’ or ‘please get me 100K new followers on Instagram.’ (PS: Follow me on Instagram @WanderingCarol)

Review The Piere Two-E-Bar-Lounge

Two E Bar

 

Back to my review: The Pierre hotel, New York

Just off the lobby is the Two E lounge. It’s named for the address of the hotel, which, quite obviously, is 2 East 61 st Street. There are no windows in the lounge, but it’s very luxe and intimate, with original columns and mouldings and a gleamy bronze bar. (High tea recommended.)

The Pierre New York hotel review exterior

Nice day for a stroll in Central Park

 

Why did I stay in The Pierre?

  1. I wanted to stay at The Pierre after I read it was the only hotel in New York that still employs gloved elevator operators, because pressing elevator buttons is just such a trial. (Probably all the Billionaires Who Will Remain Nameless feel the same.) I’ve since heard the Carlyle has elevator operators, too, so if having an elevator person is a deal breaker for you and The Pierre is full, you won’t have to go home crying.
  2. I’d also read The Pierre hotel has a car you can get complimentary rides in. (A Jaguar.) I really wanted to take it to my late father’s art opening in Chelsea, which is why I was visiting New York in the first place, but someone else beat me to it.
William Perehudoff at Berry Campbell New York

My father, William Perehudoff, at Berry Campbell Gallery

About The Pierre hotel car

You can’t reserve a ride, which I kind of love because it’s so democratic and means that if Mick Jagger is three seconds behind you he can’t cut ahead of you in line. (Then again, he probably has his own car.) If the car is there the driver will take you almost anywhere in Manhattan (certain boundaries apply). But. Because you can’t reserve The Pierre hotel car, you either have to sit around and wait for it, or give up and take a taxi or the subway.

That’s what happened to me. In fact, that Jag must be the most elusive car in New York, because I tried and tried but never even saw it much less caught a ride in it. And if I ever open a hotel I’m going to discreetly mention that there are 87 Rolls for guests to use, and then tell everyone they just missed them.

PS: The Pierre doesn’t make stuff like this up. I fully believe there really is a car. I also believe I am blessed with bad timing.

Review: The Pierre hotel’s Rotunda, the centrepiece of the hotel

Not to exaggerate but The Pierre has the most beautiful rotunda in the world. It’s completely covered in trompe l’oeil murals and has floaty clouds in the sky. It’s very Renaissance looking, although it was actually only painted in 1967, which is why, in addition to classical visions of Neptune, Venus and Minerva, you’ll find Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Erik Estrada (masquerading as the biblical Adam) and the artist’s cat.

Gossip alert: I read that Aristotle Onassis had an apartment at The Pierre.

WanderingCarol.com review The Pierre hotel

The Rotunda

 

What do you do in the Rotunda?

Until recently the Pierre Rotunda was an event space or a place to walk through to get to the ballroom or to the hotel’s Perrine Restaurant but now it’s back to it’s former glory and you can stop there for selfies cocktails and all-day dining.

Gossip alert: Speaking of event spaces, Mary Tyler Moore and Barbara Walters held their wedding receptions at The Pierre.

Review The Pierre Hotel New York chandelier

Fine fixtures

Perrine New York

The Perrine Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant that pairs seasonal dishes with classic favourites and has a menu that ranges from French fare such as Chicken Paillard with arugula and baby artichokes to vintage picks such as The Pierre Burger with  grass-fed beef, grilled onion spicy remoulade and Rupert cheese.

New York Hotel review The Pierre Tata-Suite

Tata Suite

Rooms at The Pierre

After a $100 million renovation, you can imagine that the guest rooms and suites at The Pierre are very nice. Designed with the hotel’s signature ‘quiet luxury’ in mind, colour schemes are muted ivories and taupes with soft accents of green or coral, tufted leather headboards and lots of silk and brocade.

While my room wasn’t large, not like the Tata Suite above, it was certainly comfortable.

Review The Pierre my classic room

My room

 

And I didn’t have a view of Central Park. Not like the Tata Suite does.

Review The Pierre Hotel New York view from Room 618

My view

 

Nor did I run into Mary Tyler Moore, Victoria Beckham, Mick Jagger or any Billionaires Who Will Remain Nameless at all, but, just like the elusive hotel car, deep in my heart I felt certain they were all there.

 

Travel tips for my review: The Pierre hotel, New York

Pin me!

The Pierre hotel New York is one of Manhattan's top addresses. For discreet luxury and elegance it's an unbeatable 5-star hotel option

 

How much does The Pierre cost? The Pierre is not cheap, even for a luxury New York hotel, and I went during a busy time. After much desperate searching, I got a rate of $614 USD per night including tax. I stayed 4 nights, which in shopping terms equals a small Louis Vuitton bag and a Burberry scarf. Or FOUR All Saints leather jackets.

About Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces: The Taj brand is ultra luxe and if you’ve ever seen a Taj hotel in India, you’ll know what I mean.

For more info: Visit The Pierre, a Taj hotel, New York.

Interested in other luxury hotels in New York? Check out my New York luxury hotels blog review.

Just FYI: The Metropolitan Club next door to The Pierre. If you are the nosy type of traveller who likes to peer into windows (of course that’s not me) you will see into the very swanky private Metropolitan Club right next to The Pierre. You may mistake it for a Florentine cathedral because of the putti (cupids) and gilt on the ceiling. You may also think it’s part of The Pierre, but it’s not.

What to do near The Pierre, a Taj hotel, New York:

  • With Central Park south right across the street you can walk, rent a bike, visit the zoo, etc.
  • Very near is the ultra marvellous Frick Museum, my very favourite museum in New York, at 1 E 70th St, New York. Don’t miss the wonderful portraits by Gainsborough. (Or anything else. It’s all good.)
  • The world class Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art is a 10-minute walk away at 1000 5th Ave, New York. I recommend strolling there through Central Park. If, obviously, you can’t get the hotel car.
  • Bergdorf Goodman is a short skip away from The Pierre at 745 5th Ave, New York.
  • If you want a bit of downtown in your uptown experience, I recommend checking out the galleries in Chelsea.

Filed Under: Hotels, New York, USA

About Carol Perehudoff

A former freelance travel columnist for the Toronto Star, Carol has won more than 20 writing and blogging awards and honours. A spa and luxury travel expert, she's written for top travel publications around the globe.

Comments

  1. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 4, 2015 at 10:51 am

    The scones are to die for, NYC Style Cannoli. Enjoy! I’ve got a high tea in New York post coming soon.

  2. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 3, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    They never go out of style, do they, Girl Out of Bounds.

  3. Girl Out-of-Bounds says

    November 3, 2015 at 3:49 pm

    What a lovely place!! I love those shiny checkered floors so much.

  4. Catherine Fowler says

    November 3, 2015 at 9:47 am

    A stay at this hotel will definitely be on my wish list!

  5. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    Oh-la-la is right, Melody!

  6. Melody Pittman says

    November 2, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    Oh-la-la! I’ve been to NYC dozens of times and never stayed at the Pierre, but it certainly looks fab. Your review and pictures are the best I”ve ever been on the hotel. My husband and I took our daughters to the Macy’s Parade every year as they were growing up and always hotel hopped but never ended up here. I certainly hope to now.;)

  7. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 2, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Thanks Traveling Mom – Oh, you were so lucky to live in New York for awhile. I’ve always wanted to.

  8. Philadelphia Traveling Mom says

    November 2, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I lived in New York for 7 years and never thought to even pop into the lobby of the Pierre for a look. Next visit I will, since it is beautiful and swank, and what fun to swan around pretending you live there. A shame you didn’t get to take the Jaguar out for a spin, but at least you got to peer into the otherwise verboten Metropolitan Club. Fun to get your insider’s view of super-luxe NY!

  9. Himanshu says

    November 1, 2015 at 11:11 pm

    Lately i have been reading a lot of reviews so that i can also start this for my blog. Great review. It looks a great property.

  10. Jenna says

    November 1, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    What a cool spot! Love the history of the hotel. I am super curious about who those billionaires are now though! :) Even though you didn’t have a view of Central Park, it looks like it was still a pretty view and a nice room-how fun!

  11. Carol Perehudoff says

    November 1, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    The Pierre is a great property, Himanshu. Good luck with your blog.

  12. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie says

    November 1, 2015 at 9:24 am

    Such extravagance!! I’ve passed this hotel many times and I loved your photos allowing me a glimpse inside. I love that even in the concrete jungle the jaguar is elusive! I’ll let you know if I spot it.

  13. NYC Style Cannoli (@nycstylecannoli) says

    November 1, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Great post I am actually having afternoon tea here in a few weeks. I have heard it’s excellent so excited to try for the first time. Such an iconic NYC hotel !!

  14. 2aussietravellers says

    November 1, 2015 at 4:28 am

    That’s one fancy hotel and gorgeous views over Central Park although I hate to think what the suite with the great views is worth a night.

  15. Paula McInerney says

    October 31, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    We gave a lot of thought about staying at The Pierre when we go to NYC but opted for a different and new kid on the block player. I love that you have referred to it as ‘quintessential insider New York’.

  16. Carol Perehudoff says

    October 31, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    Hi Heather, Thank you so much. Here’s to all the wonderful hotel concierges around the world. May we utilize them more.

  17. lesleycarter says

    October 31, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    Although it’s not cheap, it looks worth it. And the views!

  18. heather843 says

    October 31, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Brilliant review, love your style! And I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t make the most of hotel concierges, most of the time I’m too timid to even ask for the map! We’re thinking of heading to NY next year, though possibly need longer for our budget to stretch this far. One day, sigh…

  19. sandysilly says

    October 29, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    Hi Tea still exists in NYC? Or ever? Weird.

  20. Carol Perehudoff says

    October 29, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    Glad to hear from another fan of The Pierre. And glad you made more use of the concierge than I did, Susie.

  21. Susie Wellendorf says

    October 29, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    What a great summary of The Pierre. I had no idea about some of its great history! We love staying there when we’re in New York. The concierges are great and even helped us score some primo seating to Hamilton during our last stay. Thanks, Maurice!

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