FAIRMONT CELEBRATES NOTABLE 2013 ANNIVERSARIES

Getting the Party Started, The Fairmont Banff Springs Blows Out 125 Candles This Year

Whether it’s a just-opened chic hotspot or a historic landmark that has been in the community for a century, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is always at the heart of their destinations. This year the brand is celebrating anniversaries far and wide, with hotels from British Columbia to South Africa marking eventful histories. From Fairmont Le Château Frontenac celebrating 120 years in Quebec City to Fairmont Battery Wharf celebrating its 5th year in Boston’s historic North End Waterfront, the luxury hotel brand is looking forward to blowing out a lot of candles in 2013.

One of the world’s most iconic hotels, The Fairmont Banff Springs is turning 125 years young and has a full roster of events and activities planned. Opened in 1888, the landmark hotel was the inspiration of Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, 19th Century railway pioneer and hotel visionary, who famously quipped, “If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists.” The 125th anniversary celebrations will run all year long and include heritage tours, dining specials, a monthly artist-in-residence program, heritage golf and more. Leading up to the anniversary, recent renovations have included the Royal Suite, perched atop the Castle, and the hotel’s two signature Terrace Suites overlooking the scenic Bow River Valley.

The special 125th Castle Celebration Package offers two nights in luxury and a daily resort credit $125 CAD. Guests can enjoy sumptuous dining with expansive mountain views, golf on the world-famous Stanley Thompson golf course, hikes down the Spray Valley to the site of the original Rundle stone quarry or a sojourn in the world-class Willow Stream Spa. Available year-round, rates start from $359 CAD per night with a minimum two night stay.

This is also an eventful year for Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which is celebrating 120 years as the most photographed hotel in the world. The 120th Anniversary Package highlights the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s inauguration in 1893 with a special rate and historic gift. The package includes accommodation in a Fairmont room, a full buffet breakfast for two at Le Café de la Terrasse restaurant, a vintage reprint poster of the famed Château Frontenac, and access to the hotel’s indoor pool. Available through June 24, 2013, rates start from $189.30 CAD per night (to celebrate the hotel’s opening in 1893).

Other hotels celebrating this year include Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which is marking a quarter century of luxury in Arizona, where the AAA Five-Diamond resort is gearing up for a summer of fun.  Back in Canada, The Fairmont Empress will be blowing out 105 candles in charming Victoria, British Columbia, with special offers in store for guests. Other sister hotels marking milestones include South Africa’s Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, which will celebrate its crystal anniversary of 15 years since opening on the beach in KwaZulu-Natal, while in Boston Fairmont Battery Wharf is looking forward to starting their 5th year in America’s Walking City. In Montreal Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is celebrating 55 years.

All rates unless noted otherwise are subject to availability, priced per room, per night, exclude taxes and gratuity and are based on double occupancy. For reservations please visit fairmont.com, call 1-800-441-1414 or contact your local travel professional.