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This year a number of Fairmont’s upgraded and updated properties are ready to show off their new looks. While the brand’s landmark properties are renowned for their topnotch service and exclusive amenities, they are always striving to surpass guest expectations by continuing to add modern flourishes and conveniences. From Africa to Alberta, the brand is committed to ensuring that all of Fairmont’s properties retain their distinctive character while offering the finest rooms, restaurants and luxuries for guests.
North America
– The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park recently put the finishing touches on a $50 million renovation, reinvigorating this premier luxury hotel with a new, contemporary look. Supervised by David Rockwell of The Rockwell Group, an internationally renowned architect and designer, the project included the introduction of a redeveloped lobby, renovated and expanded guestrooms, a new wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting room called ENO, and a new lifestyle spa concept called mySpa. The new look of this AAA Four Diamond award-winner perfectly blends modern elegance with spectacular views of Chicago’s famous Millennium Park, located just steps from the hotel.
– Fairmont Tremblant in Quebec completed a $1.2 million restaurant renovation in July 2009 that showcases the talent of the resort’s culinary team. The brand new Nansen Lounge and completely redesigned Windigo Restaurant feature panoramic windows that maximize views of Mont Tremblant from all angles. In Windigo Restaurant, Chef Daniel Tobien blends seasonal, regional and sustainable fare with years of experience, a passion for excellence, and a determination to transform a fine meal into a true culinary adventure. By far the lounge with the best view in Tremblant, the newly inaugurated Nansen Lounge is located right on the Nansen run with direct ski-in, ski-out access. With its magnificent field stone fireplace as a focal point, it is the perfect place to cozy up with friends and sip a cocktail while nestled in comfortable leather couches after a day outdoors. In addition to the restaurants, the new “Soutana” meeting wing, with multi-purpose rooms, features a lively ambiance enhanced by natural light. Private, multi-level terraces overlooking the ski hill and pool area provide additional function space and versatility for small meetings, receptions and weddings.
– Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello in Quebec is opening its new conference facility in August 2009, adding 6,000 square feet of function space. In keeping with Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello’s style and ambiance, the new facility has been carefully planned with architects from ARCOP in Montreal to highlight the unique wood exterior that is a signature piece of the resort. The meeting space layout will offer planners great versatility. The options vary, allowing for one large ballroom that seats 320 people or two equally divided rooms for smaller meetings or functions. Another notable feature is the beautiful terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Ottawa River.
– The Fairmont Dallas has recently unveiled a newly renovated terrace pool and sun deck to complement the extensive reinvention of its famed Pyramid Restaurant & Bar. Guests can have a snack by the pool or a full lunch or dinner on the surrounding patio amongst a 3,000 square foot herb and vegetable garden. The new Pyramid Restaurant & Bar, encompassing more than 7,000 square feet, resonates with a sleek, modern look evoking a stylish vigor and energy. The restaurant, with combined seating for 110 (57 in the main dining room and 53 in the bar), also features an adjacent private dining room with additional seating for up to 44 and a Chef’s Tasting Room seating 10-16, the perfect venue for sampling Executive Chef jW Foster’s exciting Modern American cuisine.
– In Spring 2009, Edmonton’s Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton, Alberta introduced 12 distinctive Lord Strathcona Signature Guestrooms honoring Lord Strathcona, whose contribution to building Canadian history helped shape the future of the country. A leading figure in the creation of the Canadian Pacific Railway and prominent politician and business leader, Lord Strathcona was a key player in the development of Canada. The elegantly appointed guestrooms feature artifacts and photographs graciously donated by Edmonton’s Royal Regiment in addition to spectacular river valley views, complimentary daily breakfast, a special welcome amenity and upscale speaker phones, coffee makers, iPod clock radios and more.
International
– Upon completion in July 2009, the Fairmont Monte Carlo’s renovation included the addition of an impressive 9,687 square-foot Willow Stream Spa. Complete with eight treatment rooms, spa lounges, a couple’s suite and Hammam and sauna, the new spa is the piece de resistance of the hotel’s $58 million USD makeover. Also finished this year is 7th Heaven on the seventh floor rooftop including the stunning new L’Horizon Deck, Restaurant & Champagne bar and Willow Stream fitness center and pool. All have breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, Prince’s Palace, legendary Opera, and casino.
– Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club spent $15.5 million restoring the legendary resort to its former glory and now joins its renovated sister hotels, Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmont The Norfolk in Nairobi as some of the top accommodations in Kenya. The Club is situated at the base of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa, and is again an exceptional setting for relaxation as well as adventure on the equator. The Club now has 120 newly refurbished guestrooms, suites and cottages and all rooms feature a fireplace. The William Holden cottages and Garden suites have an understated charm, complemented by modern luxury for guests. The Manor floor offers four sumptuous suites, including the Equator Suite with a stylish entrance hall and a large master bedroom leading onto a private balcony with stunning views of the snow caped peaks of Mount Kenya.
– In early July 2009 The Fairmont Acapulco Princess unveiled the new Exhibit Hall, which has 20,000 square feet of meeting space and capacity for 4,300. The Exhibit Hall will offer several options for hosting indoor and outdoor events complemented by the resort’s outstanding culinary team, gracious service and memorable activities – all in an inspired setting just steps from the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
– Switzerland’s legendary Fairmont Le Montreux Palace put the finishing touches on its multi-million dollar renovation in May 2009 and is ready to show off its stunning new style. The ambitious project, which encompassed the refurbishment of 100 guestrooms and other main hotel spaces such as the hotel’s elegant restaurant, Brasserie, also included the addition of the Freddie Mercury Suite, a distinctive new room celebrating the legendary singer-songwriter who was a frequent guest of the hotel. Located on the pristine shores of Lake Geneva and overlooking the Alps, the resort is ideal for relaxing in the spa or checking out the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in July. For dining, the Brasserie has always been a destination in its own right, popular with hotel guests and locals alike. Offering delicious and authentic Brasserie dishes, as well as original Swiss specialties including a large wine menu with local and international treasures, the Brasserie is not to be missed.
– The Fairmont Dubai is in the midst of a $9.5 million renovation, which will touch almost every area of the property, including all 394 guestrooms and suites, the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and lounges, and the main public areas of the property. This process involves the latest interior designs spearheaded by Bishop Design Associates, an award-winning firm commissioned with the task of balancing guests’ requirements for luxury and functionality with a contemporary aesthetic. Two new dining and entertainment destinations have also debuted at the award winning property – Kitsune and Cavalli Club. The former will feature Japanese cuisine while the Cavalli Club, a first from designer Roberto Cavalli, incorporates an Italian restaurant, sushi bar, extensive wine bar, and an evening lounge and club, combined with an exclusive ‘Maison Cavalli’ retail line.
In 2010, Fairmont will reopen two of the world’s most iconic hotels. Early in the year The Savoy will once again lay claim to its status as London’s premier social destination when it unveils the culmination of a GBP100 million restoration program – the most expensive hotel refurbishment in London’s history. The Peace Hotel, a Shanghai landmark for over a century, is also being restored and will reopen as the Fairmont Peace Hotel. The hotel has hosted distinguished guests from all over the world, including politicians, artists and celebrities such as General Marshall, Charlie Chaplin, Bernard Shaw and Noel Coward, who wrote Private Lives while in residence.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
