The Leading Hotels of the World has
announced that the legendary Pierre in New York City has been readmitted as a
member of this prestigious hospitality company.“It is with great pleasure that we welcome The Pierre back into our
organization.  This fabled hotel has long symbolized the sophistication and
cosmopolitan nature of New York and has been an icon for affluent travelers
from around the globe,” said Paul M. McManus, President and CEO of The Leading
Hotels of the World, Ltd.
  “For 20 years—from 1981 until 2001—The Pierre was one of the jewels
of The Leading Hotels New York City crown.  Now, under the expert direction
and management of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, we anticipate the renewal of
a rewarding partnership with the hotel.  This celebrated Manhattan landmark
perfectly complements our existing collection of New York properties,” he
continued.
  The Pierre joins such other illustrious Leading Hotels as the renowned
Trump International Hotel & Tower overlooking Central Park, voted Best U.S.
Hotel in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards; the charming Hotel
Plaza Athenee, cited as one of the Top 10 Hotels in the U.S. by Andrew
Harper’s Hideaway Report; the intimate Lowell, among Travel + Leisure’s Top 25
hotels in North America; the stately New York Palace on Madison Avenue, named
among the World’s Best Hotels by Institutional Investor; the AAA Five-Diamond
Peninsula New York on Fifth Avenue; and The Helmsley Park Lane, on fashionable
Central Park South.
  “The Pierre has all of the hallmarks of a great hotel—a rich heritage,
a superb location and grand, old-world architecture. Taj Hotels has been
searching for such a property for some time. We’re delighted to make this our
entry into the world-class New York market,” said Raymond Bickson, managing
director, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), which operates Taj Hotels
Resorts and Palaces.
  Located on Fifth Avenue and 61st Street, the 41-story Beaux Arts building
opened in 1930, and immediately joined other glamorous hotels of the day as a
preferred locale of New York society.  Comprising 149 rooms, 40 suites and 12
grand suites with spectacular views of the city or Central Park, The Pierre is
a testament to understated elegance.  With its distinctive design, enviable
location and outstanding service, the hotel truly has earned its reputation as
one of the world’s finest luxury hotels.
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