A New York Masterpiece Turns 95
Where Legend Meets Luxury
As Karl Lagerfeld once said, “I discovered New York from The Pierre. It was like a starting point I always went back to. Distances in the city were measured only by how far they were from The Pierre.”
What other hotel can boast a registry that includes Coco Chanel, Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Yves St. Lauren? Or home to Bvglari’s first US store? The Pierre Hotel is not only part of the city’s fabric, but it’s forever seared into pop culture. Remember the dance? Al Pacino and Gabrielle Anwar doing the tango in Scent of a Woman. It happened here.
A Majestic Monument
The hotel’s grandeur has been alive and present since its first brick was laid. Its founder, Charles Pierre Casalasco, paid $15 million (money raised from names like Hutton and Chrysler) to buy the land and pay for construction in the late 1920s, which was an astronomical sum then but pennies today. His goal? To build a majestic monument to simplicity, beauty, and refinement.
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. Certainly, billionaire glass towers do not overshadow this majestic monument. With 189 rooms (49 of them suites), the hotel still attracts the world’s elite, who come for elite service and, yes, the white-gloved elevator operators, which has been a tradition at the hotel since its opening. Need a haircut in the middle of the night? It’s no problem for the Les Clefs d’Or Concierge team, who cater to every whimsy.
Celebrating History
“For 95 years, The Pierre has stood as a testament to timeless luxury and exceptional service," said Spiridon Sarantopoulos, the newly appointed General Manager of The Pierre. "We are proud of our heritage and the countless memories created within these walls,” he told us. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past, but a commitment to continuing our tradition of excellence and crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests for many more years to come."
To commemorate this significant milestone, The Pierre continues to host a series of exclusive events and offers bespoke experiences through the end of 2025 by inviting guests to rediscover the timeless allure that has defined the hotel for generations.
The anniversary celebration began with a toast to The Pierre’s success as The Taj Group named The Pierre its number one hotel—a testament to its consistent pursuit of excellence and outstanding guest satisfaction. The Taj Group has 700 hotels worldwide. Continuing the celebratory spirit, The Pierre welcomed new Executive Chef, Vincenzo Garofalo, and new General Manager, Spiridon Sarantopoulos.
European Charm
Glamour has always been part of The Pierre’s attraction as well. Why else would Yves St. Laurent choose it to debut his first US collection? Valentino continued with the tradition, bringing his entire staff to the hotel for New York shows. 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 millions 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 Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and, hilariously, CHiPS actor Erik Estrada. Notwithstanding, it’s the perfect setting for afternoon tea, brunch, or a romantic meal.
Entertaining Ideas
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 afternoon tea and cocktails in The Rotunda. A few steps away the Two E Lounge is a favorite for its revival of live jazz five nights a week, creating an enchanting, romantic atmosphere for guests. The recent art installation focuses on works by Shivani Dugar and Vanessa Moulton Sharp and adds a refined ambience to the venue.
Of course, fine dining and The Pierre go together. Perrine’s Executive Chef Vincenzo Garafalo, will be inducted into Les Disciples Escoffier at an anniversary gala later this year. Under his direction, Garafalo’s menu shines with his culinary expertise and is a lesson in how classics should be prepared with dedicated flair. Perrine is a glamorous spot, shiny, mirrored, sleek, with thick white tablecloths, excellent lighting, and a real Gotham ambience of a kind you won’t find anywhere.
