NYC's The Pierre to Close for Second Round of Renovations

The Pierre, a landmark luxury hotel on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan next to Central Park, will undergo its second phase of renovations starting January 1, according to owner Taj Hotels. The second phase includes upgrades and renovations to all 200 guest rooms, as well as to the corridors, public areas, Cafe Pierre and the bar. All banquet spaces on the second floor will remain open and fully staffed during the project, though the hotel will cease taking guest reservations on December 30, with guest rooms and the restaurant closed as of noon on December 31. The hotel will fully reopen in early 2009 and will be taking reservations for the renovated accommodations in late 2008. Visit [http://www.tajhotels.com]. (MA)