Luxury Hotels Celebrating Their 100th Anniversary in 2012

NORTH AMERICA

The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows

When The Beverly Hills Hotel opened its doors 100 years ago today on May 12, 1912, two years before the city of Beverly Hills was officially incorporated, it signaled the birth of the community and became a cherished second home to generations of entertainment names. Known to insiders as "The Pink Palace," and featuring not only the luxury hotel and iconic Polo Lounge restaurant but also a collection of Bungalows which have welcomed the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon and more, The Beverly Hills Hotel remains one of our nation's most enduring icons.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston

This luxury Boston hotel has been a symbol of the city's rich history and elegance since its gala opening in 1912. To celebrate the centennial anniversary, the hotel will soon complete a $20 million plus renovation and restoration project. This exciting project includes remodeling of all 383 lavish guestrooms and suites, enhancements to meeting rooms and public spaces, a new restaurant, and the addition of a 3,000 square foot rooftop health club. Centrally located in Boston's historic Back Bay, The Fairmont Copley Plaza sits steps away from the Boston Public Library, historic Beacon Hill, and the Freedom Trail. This historic landmark is located only a few blocks from the Hynes Convention Center, Copley Place Mall and the boutiques of Newbury Street.

Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Perfectly located in the heart of Montreal's Golden Square Mile, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal has been the most elegant address in town since its opening in 1912. This luxury hotel, is within walking distance of numerous high end boutiques, galleries and museums. Renowned for its service and attention detail, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal offers a variety of accommodations in its 98 rooms and 31 suites. In addition the hotel features unparalleled facilities, including the city's most exclusive ballroom, numerous banquet rooms, bar, restaurants and the exclusive and unique "Jardin du Ritz", a beautiful garden restaurant renowned for its wonderful food and great atmosphere. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is the hotel of choice for doing business in Montreal. Re-opening in June 2012 after a refurbishment.

Fairmont Château Laurier - Ottawa, Canada

Fairmont Château Laurier is ramping up its celebration plans to mark 100 years of history, tradition and grandeur. Ottawa's famed castle opened its doors June 1, 1912 changing the face of Canada's capital, lending a new elegance and sophistication to the city. The building costs totaled $2 million, and guestrooms were priced at $2 per night! There is no question that if walls could talk, the stories would be endless; this legendary château has hosted heads of state, celebrities, dignitaries and guests from around the world. To commemorate the hotel's centennial year, a variety of events and promotions are in the planning stages including Centennial Packages, a Door's Open event with costume guided tours on June 2-3, 2012, Centennial Tea, a Memorabilia Search, Food and Beverage promotions and much more.

Adolphus Dallas

Discover the grandeur of the past, where Lone-Star legend meets Four Diamond luxury, at The Adolphus. As the cherished standard for luxury accommodations since St. Louis beer baron Adolphus Busch opened its doors in 1912, this baroque masterpiece stands today as the Grande Dame of downtown Dallas hotels. Step inside and be swept away by the imperial European elegance. Amid regal Flemish tapestries and an ornately carved Victorian Steinway once owned by the Guggenheim family, you can sense the aura of the famous guests who've preceded you – from Queen Elizabeth II and the Vanderbilts to U2, Oscar de la Renta, Donald Trump, and Babe Ruth. Become part of the legend at this storied Dallas luxury hotel, where today, every guest is treated like royalty.

Westward Look - Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, Tucson

Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa grew from an elegant hacienda-style family home built less than six months after Arizona became a state in 1912. Tucson’s population was a mere 13,000 residents when William Watson and his wife Maria bought 172 acres of homestead land that was considered desolate and isolated, a long ride on a bumpy dirt road, far from the emerging city in the valley below. Yet, William Watson and his wife Maria set about building their dream home. Today, the Watson's inviting living room is the cozy heart of the resort. It’s named the Vigas Room because of the exposed log beams, which were brought from nearby Mount Lemmon. When used in this Southwestern style, the beams are called vigas. In the 1920s, tourism began to be an important part of the Tucson economy. The owners added 15 cottages around the original home and welcomed guests to enjoy the ranch experience.

EUROPE

The Westin Palace, Madrid

Commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1912, the newly restored Westin Palace Madrid is set near the Prado, historic monuments and some of the best tapas restaurants in town. It was ranked as one of the world's best hotels by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2010 Gold List. Topped by an enormous stained glass dome, the regal building has been a center of Spanish society for 100 years. Located in Madrid's center, it's known for its spectacular stained glass dome and proximity to the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia museums.

Hotel Maria Cristina, A Luxury Collection Hotel - San Sebastián, Spain

At the beginning of the 20th century, Spain entered the Belle Époque—or what was coined "20 Happy Years". San Sebastian was at the forefront of this vanguard moment of innovation and industrialization. During this period, the city erected enormous and beautiful buildings like the Victoria Eugenia Theater, the Casino—later converted to the City Hall—and, notably, the magnificent Hotel Maria Cristina. The hotel was projected in 1912 by the French architect Charles Mewes, draftsman of the Ritz Hotels in both Madrid and Paris. In appreciation of its namesake, when the hotel opened on July 9, 1912, the first guest through its doors was the Spanish Regent Maria Cristina. Since its inauguration, the hotel has been a source of pride and the center of social and cultural activities for the citizens of San Sebastian.

The Stafford London by Kempinski

The 100 year old, award winning, luxury Stafford hotel is located in central London with a blend of unique character and fascinating heritage. Located in the heart of St James's, The Stafford London, by Kempinski has an air of timelessness, where elegance and tradition create a haven of calm away from London's busy streets.

Hotel Astoria - St. Petersburg, Russia

Since 1912, Hotel Astoria has lived through the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, two world wars, Perestroika, the collapse of the Soviet Union and formation of the new Russian economy. A bastion of aristocratic traditions, it is one of a few truly Russian luxury brands which has survived the turbulent history of 20th and 21st centuries. Managed by the distinguished British hotelier Sir Rocco Forte since 1997 and redesigned by Olga Polizzi, this historic hotel continues to offer consistently excellent standards of traditional Russian hospitality, a high level of service and luxurious accommodation. Rocco Forte's five-star tribute to sophisticated traveling reflects the noble history of St. Petersburg, with interiors scrupulously designed to recreate the grandeur synonymous with this historic city. Hotel Astoria occupies an unrivalled setting in St Isaac's Square at the hub of St Petersburg's vibrant city centre. St Isaac's Cathedral stands opposite Hotel Astoria, and the renowned Hermitage Museum is only a short walk away.

Normandy Barriere - Deauville, France

A change of scenery is guaranteed at the Hôtel Normandy Barrière just 2 hours from Paris. This surprising Anglo-Norman dwelling has managed to absorb progress over time, which has contributed to improving service quality on site. As the simple elegance of the hall and bar decorated by Jacques Garcia show; the sunlight from the beaches bounces off the light wood-colored shades and plays with the fabric texture, creating a sensation of soothing comfort in the rooms and suites.