Informative Press Releases for Travel

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What legendary grande dame is turning 80 this October?

09-23-2010

 

 

Turning 80 in October? Piece of Cake for 
The Pierre on New York's Central Park!
What legendary grande dame is turning 80 this October? The Pierre, a Taj hotel on New York's Central Park, fresh from a head-to-toe $100 million redesign, will first mark the occasion of 80 years as a landmark of New York style with a masterpiece of an anniversary cake by the "Leonardo Da Vinci of cake design," Sylvia Weinstock.

The festive confection, to be sliced in the fabled Grand Ballroom on Friday, October 1 at 3 pm by General Manager Heiko Kuenstle, will also kick off a year-long calendar of celebrations.

The calendar begins with The Pierre 80-Year Jubilee Package:

• Since 1930, The Pierre has become a legendary icon across the globe
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• To commemorate the hotel's Oak Anniversary (who knew?), a special package has been created for past and future fans
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• Celebrate in a luxuriantly appointed guest room with unparalleled views of Central Park
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• Toast The Pierre's birthday with a bottle of 2006 Corton Grand Cru and gourmet chocolates while listening to the sinuous sounds of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra
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• A chariot awaits to whisk you away on a carriage ride through Central Park, accompanied by a seasonal basket of treats
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• The celebration continues with two City Passes granting access to New York's most prominent landmarks and experiences, including an exclusive tour of the Metropolitan Museum with a private docent
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• End the evening in true 1930s fashion with chauffeured transportation to and from a New York speakeasy
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• Rates start at $1930 for Executive Suites and Signature Rooms
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• Valid October 1, 2010 - October 1, 2011; minimum two-night stay

Look for more news soon on a host of other enticing events and offers from The Pierre that celebrate the cultural riches of New York, including Central Park, wine, food, fashion, film, art and more.

Meanwhile, enjoy a fun blast from The Pierre's past:

On February 2, 1929, the headline of The New York Times first announced "Pierre Hotel to rise on Gerry Home site, $15-million building of 41 stories to replace mansion at Fifth Avenue and 61st Street. Building to have club atmosphere." Architects Schultze and Weaver had found inspiration in the design of a French château, and created a Georgian brick-and-granite structure to replace the mansion of Commodore Elbridge T. Gerry, who was a noted philanthropist, lawyer, and grandson of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Times readers noted that The Pierre was to be an exclusive hotel, "characterized by its simplicity and refinement."

On October 1, 1930, The Pierre opened for business with 700 rooms and "an aim to create the atmosphere of a private club or residence instead of the average hotel atmosphere." Two weeks later, a gala dinner given by president and managing director, Charles Pierre Casalasco, marked the official grand opening. Everyone prominent in the business and society life of the city attended the event. On hand was 85-year-old Auguste Escoffier, "the father of French chefs," who, in the early years of The Pierre, served as guest chef. The Pierre fast became the toast of New York. A guidebook of the time declared, "It is a monument of beauty and one of the most majestic structures in all New York."

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