Fairmont Unveils a Series of Renovations and Restorations

Fairmont Unveils a Series of Renovations and Restorations
United States

Since 1907, The Fairmont San Francisco has hosted every American president and provided the room where the United Nations Charter was drafted in 1945. But perhaps more famous, is the recently re-opened Venetian Room where Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” in 1962. The hotel is currently completing a refurbishment of the hotel’s spectacular lobby and The Laurel Court Restaurant and Bar. Crowned by three ornate domes, The Laurel Court will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. With the renovations came the addition of Intersect: A Fairmont Media Lounge and a new Culinary Garden with four beehives.

Located in the hub of technological innovation, The Fairmont San Jose has begun an impressive USD $1,275,000 renovation project which includes upgrades to the iconic lobby space, guest room corridors, Regency and Club Regent Ballrooms. The Regency Ballroom will receive a new dance floor, fresh paint, new carpet and wallpaper and state-of-the-art lighting. San Francisco-based designers BAMO, Inc promise to create a luxurious marriage of urban luxury meets California elegance for the project, slated for completion on December 15, 2010.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston is about to undergo a series of renovations in excess of USD $20 million, including an overall refreshment of the public areas, guestrooms and the addition of a new fitness center. In addition to front of the house renovations, a significant portion of the capital is slated for infrastructure projects.

In Maui, The Fairmont Kea Lani's USD $16 million renovation includes all guest suites and villas, swimming pools, elevator cabs and corridors. The plan includes replacing the pool decks with quartzite, a naturally beautiful stone that is kinder to the touch than other materials because it reflects heat. All 413 One-Bedroom Suites will be refreshed with new furniture, linens, 42" HD flat screen TVs, and décor. The convenient appliances including microwaves and mini-refrigerators remain and the new sofa will also be a sleeper, adding to the value of the accommodations. Improvements to the 37 two- and three-bedroom villas include a complete kitchen remodel with stainless steel appliances, wooden cabinets, redesigned dining area with banquettes, and stone countertops.

Europe

On October 10, The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, re-opened after an extensive £220 million (USD $350 million) restoration that puts this London landmark back in the centre of the action. One of this year’s most eagerly anticipated openings, the restoration encompasses the entire building from the famous entrance and the American Bar to Savoy Grill and the 268 guestrooms and suites. The new interiors have been designed by world-renowned designer, Pierre Yves Rochon who has won acclaim for his work on other landmark hotels. Other notable highlights include the complete remodel of the legendary River Restaurant, the addition of a luxurious new two-bedroom Royal Suite and the re-launch of 38 River Suites and Guestrooms with stunning views over the River Thames. New to the hotel will be The Beaufort Bar, a glamorous art deco bar that will offer champagne, cocktails and cabaret and Savoy Tea, a bijou teashop offering Savoy tea, accessories and fresh patisserie.

Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, Germany is fit for the next 50 years following a three year €25 million (USD $35 million) renovation. As part of the refurbishment, the hotel’s fifth floor was completely redesigned and a bel etage was added, a 19th century tradition of providing generous guest rooms and suites on the first and second floors. All 156 rooms and suites were outfitted with flat screen HDTV, iPod docking stations, DVD players, LED reading lights, Nespresso coffee machines and free wireless LAN throughout the hotel. The ballroom and a new foyer were similarly redesigned to provide a perfect symbiosis of spectacular old-world charm and state-of-the-art technology.

The £17 million (USD $27 million) overhaul of Fairmont St Andrews in Scotland included the opening of the new Kittocks Course, a stunning coastal golf course with spectacular views over the Eden Estuary and sands of St Andrews. Other upgrades included refurbished rooms, a new Rock and Spindle sports bar with large LCD televisions and pool table, and a sensational brand new signature Spa featuring a private ‘Spa in Spa’ – three treatment rooms that can be joined together for small groups seeking relaxation. At the same time, the Torrance golf course was upgraded under the guidance of architect Gary Stephenson. This par 72 course incorporates cliff-edge holes and stunning views over the North Sea and the medieval skyline of St Andrews.

The renovation of Fairmont Monte Carlo was completed in late 2009 with 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 pièce de résistance of the hotel’s USD $58 million makeover. The newest hot spot 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. Set on the 7th floor terrace, the restaurant overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, Prince’s Palace, legendary Opera House, and casino.

Also completed in 2009 was the multi-million dollar renovation of Switzerland's legendary Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. 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 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.

Middle East

In Cairo, Fairmont Heliopolis and Towers has debuted renovated guest rooms following a USD $15 million room restoration program in the hotel’s Heliopolis wing. Designed by London based interior designers Hirsch Bedner and Partners (HBA), the rooms provide luxurious accommodation for business and leisure travelers. New features include pillow top beds, flexible bedside reading lights, blackout curtains and sound reduction measures to make for a peaceful experience. Additionally, the facilities include state-of the-art business and entertainment connectivity through the installation of a Media Panel, linking the working environment at the business desk to the new flat screen 42" television, thus allowing guests to connect iPods, MP3 players and their own laptops to the TV.

Mexico, Caribbean & Bermuda

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion, one of Barbados’ most luxurious ocean front resorts has re-opened following a two-month multi-million dollar renovation program. Designed to enhance its already unique and unrivalled beachfront presence, this elegant resort has debuted a new category of room – 24 spacious 900 square-foot Beachfront Junior Suites with private terraces, perfect for moonlit dining “à deux” overlooking the ocean. Serviced by experienced butlers dedicated to providing the ultimate in personalised care, these latest additions join the existing inventory of 48 Oceanfront Deluxe guest rooms.

Set on a dramatic perch overlooking the Atlantic on one side and the Harbor on the other, The Fairmont Southampton has completed a renovation program in its guestrooms and public spaces. The guestroom renovation has included a complete redo of each of the spacious bathrooms, including marble tile, vanity, fixtures and lighting. As Bermuda’s premier meeting venue, the hotel has also completed renovations and equipment purchases to enhance the meeting experience. A glamorous new Ocean Club restaurant replaces the former Whaler Inn. Overlooking the hotel’s private beach, the newly renovated space features new décor, furniture, lighting and service items, as well as a new menu concept that has been receiving stellar reviews from guests and food media alike.

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess has been the “Grande Dame” of Bermuda since its opening in 1885. Recently, the hotel introduced 113 new guestrooms in Bermudiana House, formerly known as the Bay Wing. Each room has the look and feel of a luxury home with classic designs evocative of the hotel’s Victorian heritage. Marble entryways, flat screen televisions, and rain-style showerheads are some of the lavish features throughout Bermudiana House. Wireless Internet access, laundry facilities, and dedicated concierge for the wing make the rooms ideal for longer stays. Renovations have also been made to the Gazebo, Fairmont Gold, and Pool Wings of the hotel, as well cosmetic enhancements to the lobby and other public areas that will help to maintain the Fairmont Hamilton Princess’s status as an elegant tribute to the old world splendor that is Bermuda.

Tucked away within the classic beauty of historic Mexican architecture of The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, is the newly constructed Pearl, the newest and most sophisticated luxury hotel accommodations in Acapulco. Comprised of 310 rooms, Pearl offers comfort and memorable experience for guests, with a unique contemporary chic design and environmentally-friendly touches. The rooms offer 24 hour concierge service, wireless Internet access, flat screen televisions, iPod docks and of course, welcome cocktails. Guests of Pearl will have access to both The Fairmont Acapulco Princess and The Pierre Marques, including Tabachin restaurant, one of the only four-diamond restaurants in Mexico, offering more than 150 tequilas in a fine-dining atmosphere, and the Willow Stream Spa for the ultimate in tranquility and relaxation.

Canada

In 2010 Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier completed the renovation of the historic Canadian Room. From 1929 until 1991 the space was occupied by the Canadian Grill, and the restaurant’s main dining room was the place to see and be seen around town. Since its closing it has been used and enjoyed by meeting delegates, brides and has hosted a number of important political events. The look and feel of the room is one of elegance and charm in keeping with the hotel’s tradition of grandeur. The Tudor room has also been restored to make it a warm and inviting function space ideal for small meetings and events.

Asia

The Peace Hotel, a Shanghai landmark since 1929, was restored to its former glory in July when it re-opened as the Fairmont Peace Hotel after a three year, USD $65 million restoration. The entire renovation of the property traditionally referred to as the ‘Premier Hotel of the Far East’ was the responsibility of internationally acclaimed design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates. HBA left no pillow unturned in the revitalization of the hotel’s 270 deluxe guestrooms and suites and selection of six restaurants and lounges. Among these is the much-loved Jazz Bar, a Shanghai institution since the 1930s, signature Chinese restaurant Dragon Phoenix and The Cathay Room, which offers stunning views of the Bund from its terrace on the 9th floor. The 8th floor hosts the famed Peace Hall, where the property’s iconic sprung-wooden dance floor still evokes memories of old Shanghai cabarets and gala parties. A new extension to the building will house a sky-lit swimming pool and a Willow Stream Spa.

More information: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts