The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, the U.S. flagship for Taj Hotels, steps from Central Park, will celebrate its rich cultural heritage during the month of October honoring Diwali, the annual Festival of Lights which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Gather family and friends to join special month-long festivities at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, including a pop-up tea service, the 'Tata Afternoon Tea', served exclusively during October 23rd – November 3rd, 2014, named for the TATA Group, (of which Taj Group comprises); a Diwali inspired 'Bright Lights, Luxe City Package', as well as tempting Diwali treats and sweets prepared by Executive Chef Ashfer Biju and Executive Pastry Chef Michael Mignano; which pair with Diwali-inspired cocktails and Diwali décor at Two E Bar/Lounge. 

To usher in a memorable year in grand style, the Diwali inspired, two-night 'Bright Lights, Luxe City Package' is a must.  Exclusively for guests staying in one of its 11 award-winning Grand Suites, these distinctive luxe suites feature gracious living rooms, dining rooms with adjoining kitchens, sumptuous master bedrooms and gleaming marble bathrooms. Every Grand Suite has the option to enjoy the personalized services of a dedicated Taj Royal Attaché who treats guests as if they are true royalty. The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York's 'Bright Lights, Luxe City Package' includes:

• A two-night stay in one of our 11 Grand Suites at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York adorned with festive in-room diyas and a rangoli
• Royal Indian breakfast for two, served in-room
• A Diwali welcome amenity handcrafted by Chef Biju and Chef Mignano
• One VIP Diwali banquet for two served in-room at your private dining table (inclusive of service, wines and food)
• One Afternoon tea for two (the specialty 'Tata Afternoon Tea' is served during October 23rd – November 3rd)
• 'Lakshmi's Dusk Breaker' Diwali-inspired cocktails for two at Two E Lounge
• Daily 60 minute private yoga sessions with The Giving Tree Yoga professionals in your Grand Suite with in-room Wellness drinks for two served after the lesson
• VIP tickets for two to The Rubin Museum of Art, home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas, India and neighboring regions (open Wednesdays – Mondays), with complimentary transportation via The Pierre's house car. On view at the Museum will be the Francesco Clemente: Inspired by India and Witness at a Crossroads: Photographer Marc Riboud in Asia (starting Oct. 16) exhibitions, in addition to its permanent collection galleries and other special installations and programs

From $4,730.00 per night, for a minimum of two nights, subject to availability, valid October 1 – 31, 2014. To reserve, please contact thepierre.ny@tajhotels.com; toll-free: 1.800.743.7734; www.tajhotels.com/thepierre

Overnight guests staying in any room category outside of a Grand Suite at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York during the festive season will enjoy nightly Diwali themed in-room offerings and a special Diwali meditation card at turndown. Similarly, the holiday ambiance in the hotel's elegant public spaces will be brimming with glowing diyas (lanterns) and vibrant rangoli of colorful flower petals decorating the floor at Two E Bar/Lounge, heralding the annual victory of light over darkness. Guests and New Yorkers alike can sample a very special 'Lakshmi's Dusk Breaker' cocktail, combining house-made garam masala infused Rum and pineapple juice, decoratively lit with flaming orange zest served exclusively at the hotel's Two E Bar/Lounge.

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About The Pierre

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, comprised of 189 rooms, 49 of which are suites, continues to set the standard for elegant, unrivaled hospitality in New York City. Its superb location on Fifth Avenue steps from Central Park, with its proximity to both haute couture boutiques and Manhattan's famed Museum Mile, make it a much coveted Upper East Side location. An exclusive Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond property and a member of Leading Hotels of the World, The Pierre has also been named one of Condé Nast Traveler's “Top 25 Hotels in New York City 2014” and among the “Top Large City Hotels in the United States by Travel + Leisure's 2014 World's Best Awards.”  Managed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, The Pierre offers artful and highly personalized service, exemplified by white-gloved elevator attendants, the private Taj Royal Attachés that care for its 11 Grand Suites who treat guests as royalty, and the convenience of a complimentary Jaguar house car. The iconic Grand Ballroom, Cotillion Room and the Rotunda regularly host society weddings and events, while elegant multi functional meeting rooms offer over 11,000 square feet of space on the 4th floor; a total of 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space.  Spacious bathrooms offer floor to ceiling glass wall showers with oversized shower heads, marble-clad soaking tubs and Molton Brown amenities. Dining options include a 24-hour gourmet room service menu; afternoon tea and light bites at Two E Bar/Lounge; and Sirio Ristorante, New York, the namesake from celebrated Le Cirque restaurateur, Sirio Maccioni, featuring seasonal contemporary Italian cuisine and fine wines. Sirio takes center stage daily with power breakfasts, convivial lunches, casually elegant evenings and quarterly Wine Social Dinners. Evenings at Two E Bar/Lounge feature distinctive cocktails stirred to perfection by master mixologists and sharing plates; live music with LIVE @Two E each Tuesdays, Mixology cocktail crafting sessions every Wednesday, and a monthly Chef's Social Club dinner featuring intimate single table seating for just 10 diners waited upon by Chef Ashfer Biju and Chef Michael Mignano. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1901, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 110 hotels in 64 locations across India with an additional 16 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 Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.  For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.