The Pierre, the U.S. flagship of Taj Hotels on New York's Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, will re-open June 1 following a $100 million renovation to create new guestroom and bath interiors and to reconfigure first floor public areas to accommodate a new restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre, as well as 2 East, a new lobby lounge, and a graciously welcoming reception area.

"We're extremely pleased with the results of our transformed residential-style interiors. The designs perfectly complement The Pierre's classic ambiance of quiet refinement and restore a sense of the property's original grandeur," said Heiko Kuenstle, the Pierre's general manager. "We look forward to welcoming guests to our distinctive world of luxury. We're also excited to join forces with Le Caprice to introduce our new brasserie-style restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre, the first restaurant outside of London for this celebrated UK favorite."

All guestrooms and suites are being transformed to feature a warm, inviting residential-style décor with a feeling of quiet luxury. High ceilings and abundant natural light evoke a gracious, airy experience that enhances the new interiors. Color palettes, comprised of soft neutrals in pale ivory and taupe with tones of corals or blues, are contrasted with rich woods, tufted leather headboards and matching benches. Richly textured silk and brocade fabrics in elegant neutrals with tasteful accents of color adorn upholstery, pillows, draperies and bed throws. Hand-carved carpets ensure comfort and superb acoustical sound control.

All bedrooms will feature an interactive 40-inch flat screen television, a Bose Wave Studio with iPod docking station, WiFi, a working desk with built-in data and power outlets, comfortable upholstered chairs and large new sound-insulated, energy efficient windows with both blackout draperies and sheers. Closets will be outfitted with an electronic safe complete with power outlet that accommodates laptops. Access to all guestrooms will be via a new state-of-the-art electronic key system. A significant portion of the renovation focused on updating all guest bathrooms. New Turkish marble-clad guest bathrooms will feature a glass-walled shower with oversized showerhead and steam-free makeup, shaving and wall mirrors. A majority of the baths have been enlarged to also incorporate a separate soaking tub and a flat panel television.

The living rooms in all guest suites will feature similarly inviting color palettes, comfortably elegant plush sofas and chairs, rich wood cabinetry, side tables and desks in the style of classic antiques, and the Bose Home Theatre system. The decorative fireplace is trimmed with original architectural details that have been restored to match the original crown ceiling moldings and window frames, and fitted with romantic white pillar candles. Some suites will accommodate up to six connecting bedrooms under just one key, ideal for families, corporate travelers and heads of state. Several new signature suite designs, including two suites with spacious landscaped terraces suitable for grand-scale entertaining, will be unveiled later in 2009.

The new designs for the first floor respect the neo-Georgian character of The Pierre's grand public spaces, with decorative motifs, subtle embellishments and artful floor plans that perfectly accommodate sophisticated entertaining and hospitality for discerning guests. Upon completion, the gracious lobby level will feature a new restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre; 2 East, the new lobby lounge and bar, and a new central area for check-in and concierge assistance with greater guest access and floral designs from New York's L'Olivier Floral Atelier.

Second floor banquet spaces, which were previously restored during the first phase of The Pierre's renovation program, have a dedicated entrance on 61st Street and remain open for meetings and events as guestroom and first floor renovations near completion. The new restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre, is due to open in summer 2009. Le Caprice first opened in 1947 and was re-fashioned in 1981 with contemporary black and white décor, David Bailey photographs and a long bar to break the mold of established restaurants and offer flexibility in the menu, but with a high level of quality and service. The Pierre, which has 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels as the luxury chain’s U.S. flagship in 2005. Rates begin at $895. For more information or reservations, call 800-743-7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/pierre.