The Pierre to Re-Open June 1, 2009

NEW YORK - $100 Million Renovation Features Luxurious Guestrooms, Marble Baths & Redesigned Public Areas That Include First US Location for Noted London Restaurant, Le Caprice at The Pierre

The Pierre, the iconic U.S. flagship of Taj Hotels on New York’s Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, will re-open June 1 following a meticulous $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, General Manager, The Pierre. “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.”

Guestrooms & Suites

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. Fine arts consultant Mortimer Chatterjee, a former Christie’s UK auction house executive turned Mumbai gallery owner known for recognizing emerging talent and who researched the extensive art collection at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in preparation for its centenary in 2003, is hand-selecting artwork to complement the designs.

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.

Public Areas To Include Le Caprice at The Pierre, First US Location of Celebrated UK Restaurant

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. Long-said to be one of the jewels of London’s restaurant scene and a popular theatre haunt — “For nearly two decades a table at Le Caprice has been the stock exchange for the arts,” said AA Gill, Sunday Times restaurant critic — it is now part of Richard Caring’s Group, joining his other exclusive London dining establishments that include The Ivy, Annabel’s, Daphne’s, Wentworth Golf Club and Soho House. Caring and The Pierre have joined forces to recreate the celebrated brasserie-style restaurant within the hotel, which will feature timeless classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including its legendary Thai-baked sea bass and salmon fishcakes, in a convivial modern brasserie setting.

About The Designers

James Park Associates conceptualized The Pierre’s guestroom designs. The firm is noted for its portfolio of hospitality and luxury transportation projects that spans five continents and includes palaces, resorts, urban hotels and luxury cruise trains at the forefront of their respective industries.

Champalimaud, formerly known as Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates, created the designs for the new lobbies, including 2 East, as well as all function space on the second floor. The renowned interior design and interior architecture firm is celebrated for achieving highly individualized designs for its international clientele. Founded 27 years ago by Alexandra Champalimaud, the firm’s award-winning portfolio encompasses many of the world’s most successful hotels, restaurants and spas, as well as prestigious private residences and commercial spaces.

Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki, who can list Scott’s, Wentworth Grill, J Sheekey Oyster Bar and The Club at The Ivy among his considerable achievements, has been brought in to design Le Caprice at The Pierre.

About The Pierre

The Pierre, on Fifth Avenue overlooking New York’s Central Park, 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 program. Rates begin at $895. To book reservations now, please call +1-800-743-7734 or visit 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 symbol of 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.

Media Contact: Babs Harrison Sheila Donnelly & Associates +1-212-851-8425 babs@sheiladonnelly.com

Source: Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Media Contact: Babs Harrison, Sheila Donnelly & Associates, +1-212-851-8425, babs at sheiladonnelly.com