All 200 guest accommodations, including the 11 Grand Suites withapartment-like quarters and private terraces, 41 suites and allguest rooms will be upgraded and renovated, as will the corridors,public areas, Cafe Pierre and the bar. Overseeing the design isJames Park Associates, whose past projects include the Taj LakePalace Hotel, Udaipur, India; Taj Exotica Resort & Spa,Maldives; Taj Exotica Resort, Mauritius, as well as the redesign ofSingapore Airlines' first-class cabins.

The first phase of the Pierre renovation was completed inJanuary 2007 by Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates, andincluded the Grand Ballroom, the Cotillion Room and foyer. Allbanquet spaces on the second floor will remain open, fully staffedand operative throughout the second phase of renovation, and willremain accessible by a private entrance on 61st Street. Advancebookings for 2008 are very strong, according to general managerHeiko Kuenstle, with weddings, nonprofit charity events, Bar/BatMitzvahs, corporate events, holiday parties and financialconferences planned.

While banquet business continues as usual, the hotel will ceasetaking guest reservations Dec. 30 and the guest rooms andrestaurant will not be open as of noon, Dec. 31. The Pierre willfully reopen in early 2009 and will begin taking reservations forthe newly renovated accommodations in late 2008.