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For more than 100 years, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
properties have been the setting for historic moments, from the planning of the
Normandy invasion by Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt at Fairmont Le
Chateau Frontenac in 1943 to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 Bed-In for Peace
at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
And now, the luxury hotel brand, part of the Accor
portfolio, is set to embrace its legacy with major renovations across its
global properties, according to Omer Acar, CEO for Fairmont Hotels &
Resorts, who notes that the company is "not just refreshing spaces; we’re
redefining the guest experience to meet the evolving expectations of today’s
travelers, while honoring the distinct character that makes these properties
special."
Here is a list of key renovations to Fairmont properties
across Canada, Europe and island destinations to keep an eye on.
Upgrades in Canada
The 2024 completion of guestroom renovations at Fairmont
Hotel Macdonald was a significant milestone in preserving the historical
integrity of this landmark hotel in Edmonton, Alberta. Ballroom renovations
were equally impressive, featuring bespoke artwork crafted from century-old
photographs and the restoration of the original, historic ceilings — a task
that took artisans more than 1,000 hours to hand-paint.
Meanwhile, the newly renovated Gatehouse Suite at Fairmont
Banff Springs debuted in June 2025, reflecting the brand’s commitment to
family-friendly luxury. Recognizing increasing demand for multigenerational
travel experiences, the suite offers creature comforts (and a dash of
adventure), guaranteeing a memorable family vacation for all ages.
Enhancements at Canada’s Fairmont Hotel Macdonald included restoration of the ballroom’s original, historic ceilings. (Photo Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)
Refreshing Hotels in Europe
The April 2025 renovation of 120 lake-view guestrooms and
the iconic facade of Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Geneva, Switzerland, not
only embraced the hotel’s signature Belle Epoque charm, but also incorporated
contemporary amenities and sustainable improvements — a combination many modern
travelers seek.
Last June, The Savoy also unveiled newly designed rooms and
suites, celebrating the iconic London hotel’s history while "reinventing
its distinctive Edwardian and art deco styles for the modern discerning
traveler."
And one of Switzerland’s most iconic hotels, Fairmont Grand
Hotel Geneva, is currently undergoing its own major transformation, including a
renovation of more than 400 guestrooms and the addition of loggias to its
lake-view rooms. The property’s most prestigious floor — the seventh level —
will also be completely redesigned to add larger spaces. The hotel is expected
to reopen between mid-2027 and early 2028.
Newly designed rooms and suites at The Savoy in London celebrate the hotel’s history while still updating its distinctive style. (Photo Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)
Enhancing Island Destinations
The newly renovated wing at Hamilton Princess & Beach
Club, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in Bermuda — the island’s only Green
Key-certified hotel — debuted in May 2025, with specially commissioned artwork
that pays tribute to the hotel’s 140th anniversary, along with sustainability
upgrades that set a new standard for eco-conscious luxury in the Caribbean. The
new wing’s 6 one-bedroom suites can be converted into two-bedroom suites to
accommodate families.
Last June, Fairmont Orchid on Hawaii Island completed a
multimillion-dollar renovation project that refreshed all 540 guestrooms and
suites, including the resort’s concierge Gold Floor. The renovation reflects
the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the destination with textures that
showcase traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship.
Hawaii’s Fairmont Orchid refreshed all guestrooms as well as the concierge-level Gold Floor. (Photo Credit: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)
Introducing: Make Special Happen
Honoring its lengthy legacy while maintaining a modern
approach to luxury travel, Fairmont has launched a new campaign, Make Special
Happen, which includes experiences that showcase unique opportunities across
the brand’s global destinations. These include Manila’s first poolside movie
night under the stars at Fairmont Makati in the Philippines; a
"farm-to-glass" cocktail and helicopter experience at Maui’s Fairmont
Kea Lani; and a wellness journey at Fairmont Chateau Whistler in British Columbia,
featuring a seaplane flight to a natural sanctuary.
"Today’s luxury travelers crave connection and meaning,
seeking experiences that reflect the local culture at the heart of each
destination," Acar said. "Our new Special Happens experiences … and
this overall approach at Fairmont enable our guests to live better, travel
smarter, work with meaning, play with purpose and explore with energy."
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