2 E 61st St,reet
New York, NY 10065
The Pierre Hotel, a grand construction imaged by and put into action by Charles Pierre Casalasco. Mr Casalasco, Charles, was born into the hospitality industry in Monte Carlo, his father owned a fabulous hotel which allowed Charles to rub shoulders with dukes and royalty. At 25 years old he moved to America as an immigrant, he became a first assistant at Sherry's, another luxury hotel in NYC, from working here for almost a decade J.P. Morgan, the Astors and the Vanderbilts became big fans of his. With the top tier of NYC as his pals, it gave him the confidence and rights to open Pierre's Park Avenue restaurant on 230 Park Ave. This was thee place to hold events, galas and parties for the elite of the elite. With the help of the Wall Street financiers, Pierre developed the vision of The Pierre Hotel, a 714 room establishment with complete unblocked views of Central Park on the prime corner of 61st street and 5th avenue with a price tag of only 15 million to open in 1930. With the design to be called Georgian, inspired by a French Chateau, in Pierre's words and promise to be "characterized by simplicity and refinement". Well said. After opening 700 rooms this hotel became the talk and the toast of the town, only allowing in the top of the elite, being that it was created for only those who could afford it. Years to come, very sadly Pierre unexpectedly passed away shortly after the depression, Getty Oil took over, the rooms were split and made into apartments, one held by Elizabeth Taylor then and Tory Burch now(who knocked down one wall in order to have two apartments become her home), the rest would stay as guest rooms, constantly being renovated. This building is still the top of the top, parts resembling Versailles. The suites, the Pierre cafe, the balconies with unbelievable views, it is still a sight to be seen. The Grand Ballroom being the top spot to get married. The Rotunda a signature room of The Pierre, murals of Gods, Adam and Eve, even down to a woman with children who vastly resembles Ms. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I think enough said ending it there. If you are looking to live like NY Society make sure to make a pit stop here, The Pierre Hotel.
Images and info from Pierre History.
