Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has been busy making significant renovations to properties across the globe. Here’s a snapshot of the brand’s enhancements by region:
Europe
On October 10, the Savoy, a Fairmont Managed Hotel (left), reopened after an extensive $350 million restoration with interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The project encompasses the entire building, including the 268 guestrooms and suites, American Bar, Savoy Grill, and River Restaurant, as well as the addition of a Royal Suite, Beaufort Bar, and Savoy Tea.
Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg, Germany has completed a three-year, $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 guestrooms and suites on the first and second floors. The ballroom and a new foyer were redesigned to provide a perfect symbiosis of spectacular old-world charm and state-of-the-art technology.
The $27 million overhaul of Fairmont St Andrews (right) in Scotland included the opening of the new Kittocks Course, as well as refurbished guestrooms, a new Rock and Spindle sports bar with large LCD televisions and pool table, and a new signature spa featuring three treatment rooms that can be joined together for small groups seeking relaxation.
The renovation of Fairmont Monte Carlo was completed in late 2009 with the addition of a 9,687-square-foot Willow Stream Spa, complete with eight treatment rooms, spa lounges, a couple’s suite, and hammam and sauna. The $58 million makeover also encompasses a new rooftop pool deck, restaurant and champagne bar, fitness center, and pool.
Also completed in 2009 was the multimillion-dollar renovation of Switzerland’s legendary Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. The ambitious project, which covered 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.
Asia
The Peace Hotel, a Shanghai landmark since 1929, was restored to its former glory in July when it reopened as the Fairmont Peace Hotel (left) after a three-year, $65 million restoration. The entire renovation was the responsibility of 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. The eighth 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.
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 reopened Venetian Room where Tony Bennett first sang I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. The hotel is currently completing a refurbishment of its spectacular lobby and the Laurel Court Restaurant and Bar, crowned by three ornate domes. 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 a nearly $1.3 million renovation project that includes upgrades to the iconic lobby space, guestroom corridors, and 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 $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 (right) $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-inch flatscreen 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.
Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion, one of Barbados’ most luxurious oceanfront resorts, has reopened following a two-month multimillion-dollar renovation program. Designed to enhance its already unique and unrivaled beachfront presence, this elegant resort has debuted a new category of room: 24 spacious 900-square-foot Beachfront Junior Suites with private terraces
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.
This spring, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess will introduce 113 new guestrooms in Bermudiana House, formerly known as the Bay Wing. Each room will have the look and feel of a luxury home with classic designs evocative of the hotel’s Victorian heritage. Marble entryways, flatscreen televisions, and rain-style showerheads are some of the lavish features throughout Bermudiana House. Renovations will also be made to the Gazebo, Fairmont Gold, and Pool Wings of the hotel, as well as cosmetic enhancements to the lobby and other public areas.
Tucked away within the classic beauty of historic Mexican architecture of the Fairmont Acapulco Princess is the newly constructed Pearl. Comprising 310 rooms, Pearl offers comfort and memorable experience for guests, with a unique contemporary chic design and environmentally friendly touches.
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. 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.
