Issue No.22 - International Edition Polo De’Marco Magazine - International Edition | Page 82

He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Today,
The Pierre is among a handful of hotels in New
York to achieve both a five star and five-diamond
rating. Obnoxious billionaire glass towers have
not obstructed its place in the New York skyline,
and its waiting list for weddings is still two years
long. With 189 rooms (49 of them suites), the
hotel still attracts the world’s elite, who come
for fawning service and, yes, the white-gloved
elevator operators, which has been a tradition at
the hotel since its opening. Want a haircut in the
middle of the night (a la the late singer Prince)?
It’s no problem for the Les Clefs d’Or Concierge
team, who cater to every whimsy or demand.
A DESIGNER’S PARADISE
Even cabbies know where to go. In the classic
1990 film Joe vs. The Volcano, Tom Hanks hops
into a taxi and asks to go to The Plaza. The
driver turns his head and says no, he’s gotta go
to The Pierre (no offense to The Plaza!). The hotel
has been featured in dozens of movies and TV
shows since, including Oceans 8 and The First
Wives Club.
Glamour has always been part of The Pierre’s
attraction as well. Why else would Yves
St. Laurent choose it to debut his first U.S.
collection? Valentino carried on the tradition,
bringing his entire staff to the hotel for New
York showings.
Its international allure—The Pierre staff speaks
a combined 35 languages—is also part of its
charm. Now owned by the India-based Taj
Hotels (they took over from the Four Seasons in
2005 and invested $35 million in an impeccable
renovation), the hotel still exudes European
charm with brassy New York influences. Its
circular, two-level Rotunda is like a Renaissance
painting come to life, with frescos that feature
Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and, hilariously,
CHIPS actor Erik Estrada. Notwithstanding, it’s
the perfect setting for afternoon tea, brunch, or
a romantic meal. Or a wedding dance. The hotel
has hosted thousands of them throughout its
history.
Dining, too, has been at the forefront of The
Pierre since it opened its doors (though
Prohibition started that very day, interestingly).
Today, visitors and neighbors can enjoy tea and
cocktails in the Two E Bar/Lounge off its lobby,
which is great for celebrity sightings as well
as cabaret: Broadway at the Pierre and Icons of
Jazz are among the entertainment options. Fine
dining is sublime at its signature restaurant,
Perrine, featuring unusual but delicious entrees
like burger salads and tomato and cheese tarts.
Co-existing with the hotel are 75 private
apartments, which are among the most
expensive and coveted in the world (and
which has the toughest co-op board known for
its discernment). Among the lot is an 11,000,
three-level penthouse at the top featuring five
bedrooms, four terraces, a paneled library, a
wine cellar, a black Belgian-marble staircase,
and the hotel’s former ballroom with 23-foot
high ceilings. Featured as Anthony Hopkins
home in the movie Meet Joe Black, it is one of
the most expensive homes in America at $100
million.
For more information
on
The Pierre,
visit-thepierreny.com.