Fairmont Hotels & Resorts reveals a series of recent renovations and restorations that honor the luxury brand’s classic style while delivering the modern aesthetics and conveniences expected by today’s meeting planners. Committed to respecting and maintaining the elegant surroundings that have become synonymous with the brand, Fairmont has revisited ballrooms, guestrooms, restaurants, health clubs and more. With heavy investments in event space across the board, the brand will unveil enhanced offerings such as an expansive new conference center in Scottsdale, a brand new ballroom in Victoria, expanded conference space in Beijing and a new venue with sweeping Mediterranean views in Monte Carlo.

From the Ground Up

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has broken ground on a new USD $20 million conference center which will debut in late 2012. Adding 52,331 square feet (4,862 square meters) of indoor meeting space anchored by a 23,000-square-foot (2,137-square-meter) ballroom, the renovation gives the resort a total of 150,000 square feet (13,935 square meters) of event space. The new spaces will feature “nano” walls that open up to the outdoors for a refreshing open-air meeting or evening banquet. Existing meeting rooms will be updated to ensure seamless transitions and private walkways will be added between the two, 23,000-square-foot (~2,137-square-meter) ballrooms to ensure group privacy. The entire 106,000 square feet (~9,848 square meters) of indoor space includes 47 meeting rooms, several with their own patios.

The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia debuts their second ballroom with the 2012 opening of a new 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) venue in the former Kipling’s Restaurant space, with capacity for up to 250 guests. The hotel’s additional function spaces include the celebrated Crystal Ballroom and 13 other meeting venues totalling 23,000 square feet (2,137 square meters), which augments the existing 73,000 square feet (6,782 square meters) in the adjacent Victoria Conference Centre.

In Monaco,Fairmont Monte Carlo opens their spectacular new function space “Salle de la Mer”, or the “Room of the Sea,” in early 2012. The 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) meeting venue allows for total flexibility, flipping seamlessly from high-tech meetings to cocktail receptions or gala dinners with ease. With sweeping panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea, the space boasts an expansive outdoor balcony, private dining and more.

Expanded Possibilities

Located in the historic port of Vancouver,Fairmont Pacific Rim boasts unobstructed mountain views in a sophisticated yet casually elegant setting. Taking advantage of its stunning locale, the hotel has expanded the Star Sapphire Ballroom and Foyer and now provides a total of 12,322 square feet (1,145 square meters) of flexible and multifunctional space, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping corridor views of Stanley Park, Coal Harbour and the North Shore Mountains.

Bathed in natural light, Fairmont Beijing’s Brick Tower Hutong conference room was recently expanded to provide more than 1,600 square feet (~149 square meters) of function space. The newly renovated space includes Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions and conveniences such as in-room serveries, cloakrooms and windows for natural daylight. Another attraction for groups is the newly opened Reignwood Art Museum located on the hotel’s lower level, showcasing rare art and highlighting an impressive collection of wine, making it a distinctive setting for a reception.

Upgraded, Enhanced & Better Than Ever

To celebrate its 100th anniversary,The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston is undergoing a USD $20 million face-lift. Renovations encompass the Lower Lobby meeting space as well as enhancements to the iconic hotel’s grand lobby and ballrooms. The project also includes all guestrooms and suites, the brand’s exclusive Fairmont Gold floor as well as the addition of a new 3,000-square-foot (~279-square-meter) rooftop health club. In Spring 2012 a new restaurant will open in the space that formerly housed the legendary Merry-Go-Round Bar, Oak Room and Oak Bar.

The Fairmont Washington, D.C.has finished an extensive USD $2.6 million dollar refurbishment of their almost 29,000 square feet (~2,694 square meters) of function space - encompassing the hotel’s ballroom level meeting and pre-function space, the mezzanine level and the third floor meeting space. The space includes ‘Green Label’ approved carpeting throughout as well as low volatile-organic-compound wall coverings and paints. The meeting space offers the latest technology such as strategically placed internet docking and charging stations with third floor executive boardrooms programmed with wireless touch panels and more. The 5,460-square-foot (507-square-meter) ballroom’s pre-function space boasts a feature wall that reflects light and texture while depicting the cherry blossoms found in the hotel’s courtyard and throughout the nation’s capital.

Following a USD $1 million renovation, the Grand Ballroom of The Fairmont San Francisco is revealing a new look. Spanning more than 11,000 square feet (~1,022 square meters), the ballroom now boasts custom design elements such as Juliet balconies and Ajuro wood wall covering featuring Swarovski crystals. Known as “The White House of the West” the hotel has been the official home base for the San Francisco Consular Corps and has also recently unveiled The Diplomat Club, a space that offers an elegant setting for meetings and business-related events, but also functions as an ideal venue for a social soiree, boasting a full bar, dining area, billiard room and private dining room.

In 2011,The Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver completed an extensive multi-million dollar renovation to their main ballroom, public areas and function space that saw key meeting rooms completely upgraded. As part of the hotel’s campaign to reduce paper and provide quick and easy access information to guests, X2omedia was used to install digital reader board technology into each of the renovated meeting rooms. Information including news, weather for the day, targeted delegate messaging and also meeting locales is now available to guests at the touch of a button.

Situated in the hub of technological innovation, The Fairmont San Jose has completed renovations that encompass the hotel’s lobby lounge, sushi bar, guest rooms and meeting space. New lighting, carpets, paint and paper have transformed the hotel’s 60,000 square feet (~5,574 square meters) of function space on the ballroom level, while guestrooms will receive major facelifts as well.

A recently completed and all-encompassing USD $28 million renovation of Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani included all 413 guest suites, 37 two-storey villas, the ballroom, the resort’s three swimming pools, and more. In 2012, the luxury resort debuts another multi-million dollar transformation as their signature restaurant, Kō, prepares to debut an open air concept in April 2012.

Nestled at the base of Québec’s legendary Mont Tremblant,Fairmont Tremblant has refreshed its 22,000 square feet (~2,044 square meters) of convention space as well as their cozy après-ski lobby lounge. In the lobby, a new environmentally friendly gas fireplace will replace the old wood-burning model.

In time for spring,The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa unveils 30 newly renovated signature Mission Suites along with a new Winemaker Suite. The new suites respect the Inn’s mission style architecture and use rustic woods and wrought iron to capture the essence and beauty of Wine Country. Suites are highlighted by local artwork, entertainment and work desks with built-in smart media panels, and newspa-like bathrooms.

The Fairmont Palliser in Calgary has completed a series of renovations and upgrades that included a total refurbishment of 127 guestrooms. The iconic property added two new guestroom categories and fully remodeled three floors of bedrooms and bathrooms. Renovations to the brand’s exclusive Fairmont Gold floor, the hotel within a hotel, were completed in 2011 and include a relaxing Gold Floor Lounge and more.

In Charlevoix, Québec Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu completed a CAD $3.2 million renovation that touched multiple areas of the resort including guestrooms and hospitality suites for small groups, which feature presentation technology and lounge areas where attendees can meet, relax or discuss business. A number of guestrooms received updates that included technology upgrades and, in select rooms, media panels, step-in showers and rainfall showerheads.

Fairmont The Norfolk in Nairobi is planning a 2012 room refurbishment of the mid-century Delamere and Acacia Wings. The restoration will upgrade fixtures and furniture to give rooms a modern touch, while preserving their charm and personality.

Beyond the Meeting Room

Fairmont Nile City’s Asian-FusionSaigon Restaurant & Lounge recently reopened following a full transformation. The restaurant’s new design features floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing views of The Nile, along with a glassed-in “open” kitchen that allows guests to watch the chefs at work. The hotel’s new O Bar also recently opened offering entertainment, an extensive menu, and 16 pages of cocktails catering to every taste.

In 2010 Ottawa’s luxurious landmark Fairmont Château Laurier completed an extensive renovation of their historic Canadian Room and in 2012, as part of the hotel’s 100th anniversary celebrations they will have their 60-foot (18-meter) art deco swimming pool restored to its original glory.

In Southern California,Fairmont Newport Beach has expanded and upgraded its fitness facility. Recently completed changes include new flooring and wall coverings while new cardio equipment such as treadmills, stair steppers and stationary bicycles round out the renovation.

Fairmont Le Château FrontenacinQuébecCity is in the midst of replacing its original copper roof. The large-scale, multi-phase initiative will ensure that this architectural treasure is maintained, but will also provide copper to Unis Vert l’Art, a group of Québec artists that uses recycled materials in their creations.