James Park Associates Interiors Unveiled as The Pierre, New York Reopens

LONDON and SINGAPORE - The Pierre, New York’s Iconic Fifth Avenue Hotel Which has Just Reopened,has Unveiled Stunning New Guestrooms and Suites Designed by James Park Associates (JPA).

The London and Singapore-based design consultants were appointed by The Pierre’s operators, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, to create concepts for nine unique grand suites and themed suites, together with deluxe guestrooms, covering more than 60 different configurations. JPA’s work, which took 24 months from appointment to completion, was undertaken as part of a $100 million renovation of the neo-Georgian landmark which overlooks Central Park.

Each room underlines and enhances The Pierre’s essence of refinement and elegance. Making full use of JPA’s hallmark attention to detail, each is infused with subtle references to the heritage of The Pierre’s Indian custodian, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. Soft colour palettes, inspired by the jewels of the Maharajas, are complemented by soft furnishings of rich silks and brocades, whilst traditional patterns are abstracted into decorative motifs, reinforcing the theme in a delicate, understated manner. The high ceilings of these residential-style interiors, and an abundance of natural light, emphasise The Pierre’s renowned comfort and opulence.

David Edwards, JPA’s project director, comments:

“Since 1930, The Pierre has been one of New York’s best known and most prestigious hotels. JPA is delighted to have played such a key role in recreating it for the 21st Century and ensuring that The Pierre remains the New York destination of choice for the true connoisseur of luxury.

“The creativity of the JPA team and the extraordinary level of craftsmanship that have gone into creating these superb guestrooms and suites demonstrate Taj Hotels’ commitment to offering their guests an unforgettable experience.”

David Edwards continues:

“Our design has utilised fine furniture, rare veneers and inlays, opulent fabrics, and hand-woven carpets. We have combined these with original architectural detail to evoke this remarkable building’s past, whilst also offering guests everything they could wish for from a state-of-the-art luxury hotel.”

JPA’s design at The Pierre follows its acclaimed work on a wide range of luxury hotels, palaces, resorts and spas, including the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, India, the Taj Exotica Resorts and Spas in Mauritius and The Maldives, and their on-going work on the St. Regis Jakarta.

Raymond Bickson, CEO and Managing Director of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, comments:

“Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and James Park Associates have had a long association and we are extremely pleased that, once again, their creativity and ability to meet wide-ranging requirements, have resulted in beautiful interiors which complement this wonderful building. The Pierre is a remarkable hotel and JPA have helped to ensure that it will remain so for a long time to come.”

Notes for Editors

About James Park Associates

James Park Associates (JPA) was founded in 1982, specialising in the design of bespoke interiors and luxury environments for the hospitality, aviation and transport industries. With offices in London and Singapore, JPA has created award-winning hospitality interiors across five continents, ranging from urban hotels to island resorts and historic palaces. After JPA designed its interior, the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, India, has featured in countless ‘Best hotels’ lists and was awarded “India’s Leading Castle and Palace” in the 2008 World Travel Awards. In addition, the JPA-designed Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Mauritius, has been regularly listed as one of the world’s finest spas and won Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List Best Overseas Resort award in 2006 and Best Overseas Spa award in 2008. JPA has also designed interiors for the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, the Eastern and Oriental Express and a range of aircraft for Singapore Airlines, including the Business Class seat for their A380, recognised at the Design for Asia Awards 2008 and the Red Dot Awards 2008. JPA was recently awarded the contract to redesign the interiors of Gulf Air’s entire fleet, together with Gulf Air’s external branding, uniforms and passenger lounges. www.jpadesign.com

About The Pierre

The Pierre first opened in 1930. The iconic hotel with 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces as the luxury chain’s U.S. flagship in 2005. The Pierre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, will re-open June 1, 2009, following a $100 million renovations programme. Rates begin at $895. To book reservations now, please call 1-800-743-7734, www.tajhotels.com/pierre/

About Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s Largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 64 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbolof Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house. For more information on Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces: www.tajhotels.com

For further press information or high resolution images, please contact Nicky Brown or Matt Grainger on +44-(0)20-7664-7817 or email nicky@blacksheeppr.com

Source: James Park Associates

For further press information or high resolution images, please contact Nicky Brown or Matt Grainger on +44-(0)20-7664-7817 or email nicky at blacksheeppr.com