Buzzworthy: The Fabulous Renovation of The Pierre Hotel, New York

After a talked-about $100 million renovation, The Pierre reopened on June 1, 2009. Overlooking Central Park from its perch on Fifth Avenue, the flagship of Taj Hotels unveiled new guestrooms, baths, Le Caprice (a branch of the fashionable London restaurant), and lobby lounge. The Grand Ballroom, Cotillion Room and Foyer were remodeled in January 2007 as part of the first phase of renovation. Designed to be residential in style with high ceilings and lots of natural light, the 189 guest rooms are decorated in soft, neutral tones with rich fabrics. Guest bathrooms now boast floor-to-ceiling glass-walled showers with oversized showerheads and multiple jet sprays, along with marble-clad soaking tubs.