Fairmont has expanded across the world, providing consummate luxury in 10 countries, with more to come. Sheron Crossman reports When San Francisco natives Tessie and Virginia Fair opened the doors of their first hotel in 1907, it marked the birth of one of the world's leading luxury brands. Fast forward a century, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has 50 of the most distinguished properties on the market, while sister company Fairmont Raffles Hotels International operates more than 120 worldwide under the Fairmont, Raffles, Swissôtel and Delta brands. Key to this success was the acquisition of Fairmont Hotels by Canadian Pacific Hotels in 1999, bringing together two famous names, a move aimed at global expansion. And expand it has, across 10 countries. In addition to top names like the Fairmont Banff Springs and London's Savoy, the group is soon to reflag four hotels in Kenya and
has scheduled the reopening of New York's celebrated Plaza Hotel for October this year. Look out, too, for new openings in Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Vancouver and South Africa in the near future; with one of the most generous loyalty schemes in the industry, this group is one to watch. From fairytale châteaux such as Château Frontenac in Quebec, to sparkling retreats like Vancouver's Fairmont Waterfront, corporate clients can slumber in splendour in some of the most conveniently placed downtown locations. It's little wonder so many Fairmont properties are superbly positioned: a good number were constructed by the 19th century visionary William Cornelius Van Horne, who dreamt of lining the newly built Canadian Pacific Railway with lavish rest stops, and is quoted as saying, “If we can't export the scenery, we'll import the tourists.” The newest addition, announced in June, should fit right in, with splendid scenery by the shed-load. The 235-room Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, on the shores of Lake Geneva, features five restaurants, a Willow Stream Spa, fitness facilities, and meeting space for up to 1,200 delegates. It joins sister European properties in London (the Savoy and the Fairmont), in Scotland (Fairmont St Andrews), in Hamburg (Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, which opened in April this year and is located in the prime retail and commercial district), and in Monaco, where a US$57 million (€41.5 million) renovation of the Fairmont Monte Carlo was unveiled in May. By the end of 2007, the Fairmont Heliopolis, Cairo, From small beginnings in California, is due to be launched, featuring 235 rooms and extensive conference facilities, only 10 minutes from the airport. This will be the group’s second hotel in the Egyptian capital, joining the Fairmont Nile City, currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2008. Unsurprisingly, Fairmont has also set its sights on China, recently announcing plans to renovate Shanghai’s legendary Peace Hotel, in collaboration with the Jin Jiang international Group, with the opening scheduled for 2010. But Fairmont’s most challenging project to date is the renovation of London’s Savoy. When the last guest checks out on December 15 this year, a major 16-month overhaul will begin, including upgrading the suites overlooking the Thames, restyling guest rooms, corridors and all public areas, and reinstating the River Restaurant, all for around US$200 million (€145 million). In New York in October, guests will once again be welcomed at The Plaza, after an impressive US$350 million (€253 million) refurbishment, which includes 282 oversized luxury suites. Expect also to see opulent new public spaces – including the Palm Court, Oak Bar and Grand Ballroom, Terrace and Edwardian Room, all thoughtfully restored. Far from being a recent convert to the ecomovement, Fairmont launched its environmental initiative back in 1990 with an early guidebook to the best sustainable practices in the lodging industry. This has evolved into a major waste management, energy and water conservation programme, featuring, for example, wind-powered
check-in computers at all its hotels in North America, which should make check-in a breeze. Tying in neatly with its international growth, Fairmont has announced a number of new airline alliances, allowing guests to collect air miles with the respective frequent flyer programmes. In addition to its existing partners – American Airlines, Air Canada, Emirates and Seattle-based Alaska Airlines – air miles can now be collected with United Airlines, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific. “Within the past year, the Fairmont brand has established a greater international identity… and we will continue to expand globally,” says Brian Richardson, Fairmont's vice president, brand marketing and communications.
“The new airline partners support our vision of becoming a global leader in the hotel marketplace and provide our guests with a multitude of mileage options during their stay.”
Fairmont’s President Club
For frequent travellers, Fairmont operates a three-tier exclusive guest programme - Club, Premier and Platinum. Upgrade to Premier or Platinum is faster than in any other hotel loyalty programme. Club membership offers express check-in and check-out, high-speed internet access, free local calls, 500 airline miles per stay, complimentary newspaper, 15% discount at Willow Stream Spas, and free use of TaylorMade golf clubs at selected hotels. Premier status is awarded to members with five stays or 10 room nights in any one year. It includes all of the above, plus free access to Willow Stream Spas, a complimentary room and suite upgrade, 250 bonus airline miles per stay, $50 dining certificates and more. Platinum level is offered to members with an annual 10 stays or 30 nights. In addition to the Premier benefits, members gain 500 bonus airline miles per stay, a $100 dining certificate, a complimentary night, and guaranteed early arrival/late check-out. Website: www.fairmont.com
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