In the five decades since it opened the first Novotel hotel near Lille, France, AccorHotels has become the industry leader in Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, building a portfolio of 4,300 properties with 600,000 rooms along the way.
With 25 brands from luxury to economy following recent acquisitions – notably, the 2016 acquisition of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) – AccorHotels aims to avoid blurring lines between brands.
AccorHotels recently reached the symbolic milestone of operating in 100 countries and shows no sign of slowing down its dynamic expansion with 870 hotels planned in the next five years, 79 percent of which will be in high-growth markets. The Group’s presence in North America is also on the rise with several projects in the pipeline, including the region’s first Raffles Hotels & Resorts property set to debut in Boston in 2021.
Kevin Frid, COO of AccorHotels North & Central America, comments: “The addition of the legendary Raffles brand in North America signals an evolution of AccorHotels’ luxury presence in the region and supports our Group’s growth strategy to introduce new brands and continue to develop luxury hotels in key strategic markets,” Frid said. “We are experiencing a prosperous time of significant growth in the region with several notable announcements and openings on the horizon.”
Outlined below is a snapshot of North America regional updates and global highlights, in addition to select properties that are welcoming media this year.
Openings, Renovations and Refurbishments in North America
AccorHotels has made sizable investments in the North American market to ensure that its properties are not only appealing and up-to-date for contemporary travelers but are maintaining their historic value. New openings and renovations, either recently completed or currently underway, include:
- Fairmont Austin – Newly opened in March, the largest Fairmont property in the U.S. boasts 1,048 richly appointed guest rooms, five restaurant and bars, and the largest outdoor pool and full-service spa in Downtown Austin. The hotel includes a revolutionary fitness center, nearly 140,000 square feet of event space, and direct access to the Austin Convention Center via the Red River Canopy Walk.
- Fairmont Century Plaza – In Los Angeles, the iconic Fairmont Century Plaza will reopen as part of a broader, $2.5 billion mixed-use redevelopment project in Spring 2019. With 394 guest rooms and 63 branded residences within the original building, highlights include two new 46-story luxury residential towers and approximately 100,000 square feet of boutique shopping and expanded parking facilities.
- Fairmont Royal Pavilion – This gorgeous address in Barbados was recently enhanced to ensure a comfortable and luxurious experience. The multi-million-dollar renovation included a complete transformation of the lobby and all 72 guest rooms and suites, with inspiration drawn from the resort’s plantation heritage and beachfront location along the Platinum Coast.
- Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown – A comprehensive $27 million renovation in 2017 included the refurbishment of all 413 guest rooms; the conversion of the hotel’s executive forum amphitheater into the 2,900 square-foot Kennedy Ballroom; as well the redesign of the lobby, Loggia and courtyard garden.
- Fairmont Empress – The iconic Grand Dame in Victoria, British Columbia, has been restored to her former glory with a recent $60 million transformation. The project thoughtfully renovated all 464 guest rooms, Willow Stream Spa, the pool and Health Club, and 23,000 square feet of event space. It also included a new lobby and porte-cochere and the development of Q at the Empress Restaurant and Q Bar.
- Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth – Montreal’s most prestigious hotel celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2017 with a $140 million renovation, which included the revamp of all public areas, most food & beverage outlets, and all 950 guest rooms and suites, including Suite 1742, site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous bed-in for peace in 1969.
- Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile – This remarkable address in Chicago’s Gold Coast Historic District has recently unveiled an extensive renovation celebrating the property’s championed modern design by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier. The two-year restoration is a significant milestone for the property, enhancing all 415 guest rooms, redesigning its stylish modern Lounge, Le Bar, and introducing new cutting-edge training equipment in the SoFit Fitness Center, which doubled in size to 1,450 sq. ft.
Global Portfolio Updates
AccorHotels has been investing in renovations, refurbishments and new openings globally including:
- Raffles Singapore – The very first Raffles property and 19th-century home of the Singapore Sling is in the final phase of a three-part restoration and renovation, due to reopen in late 2018. The hotel will offer new dining, drinking and lifestyle experiences including a holistic spa, and will also transform the hotel’s Jubilee Hall into a 300-guest ballroom and create new suite categories bringing the room count to 115.
- Raffles Europejski Warsaw – Raffles Europejski Warsaw heralds the next chapter for one of the city’s most iconic buildings, with a restoration of the 106 elegant suites arrayed with carefully curated Polish art; new dining and drinking experiences including a new bar and cigar lounge, a patisserie, and restaurant; as well as a new spa with six treatment rooms.
- Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech – Newly rebranded as the first Fairmont property in Morocco, this resort includes 134 guest rooms including five presidential suites, a penthouse suite, ten prince villas, and 94 private residences; The property also houses four restaurants and lounges, and an 18-hole golf course and country club, restaurant, health club and swimming pool.
- Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour – Opened in November 2017, this $500 million, 35-story address features 590 luxury guest rooms including 35 lavish suites; three elegant bars; the signature restaurant, Atelier by Sofitel rotisserie and grill; and a club lounge and outdoor pool. There are also nine flexible meeting spaces including the Magnifique Ballroom with room for 450 guests.
- Raffles Boston Back Bay – Joining a prestigious collection of timeless Raffles properties around the world, the mixed-use development project will set the standard for refined hospitality and residential living in Boston. Raffles Boston will include 147 guestrooms and 146 branded residences in a new 33-story building and is slated for completion in 2021.
You’re Welcome Here!
Headed out on assignment – or even on leisure – across the U.S. or Canada over the travel seasons ahead? Should your plans take you near any of the following properties, you’ll be more than welcome for a site visit or even an overnight stay at these iconic properties (subject to availability):
- Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park – Anchored by 400-plus acres of protected park in the heart of downtown Chicago, and fresh from a multi-million-dollar refresh of all 687 guest rooms and suites.
- Fairmont Copley Plaza – A luxury four- diamond address located in Boston’s historic Back Bay, just steps from Beacon Hill and the Freedom Trail and blocks from Hynes Convention Center, Copley Place Mall, and the boutiques of Newbury Street.
- Fairmont Banff Springs – The “Castle in the Rockies” is a year-round luxury mountain resort with unparalleled skiing in winter, championship golf in summer, and authentically local dining experiences and the award-winning European-style Willow Stream Spa all year round.
- Fairmont Chateau Laurier – This Ottawa address is minutes from the city’s most enticing attractions and features 426 newly revitalized guest rooms, including 33 luxury suites, and dining options from Wilfrid’s Restaurant to newly renovated Zoe’s.
- Fairmont Grand del Mar – This Forbes Five- Star, San Diego luxury golf resort and spa offers the elegance and charm of an old- world Mediterranean estate on 400 acres in a pristine coastal canyon just five miles from the Pacific Ocean.
- Fairmont Palliser, Calgary – This landmark hotel features 407 newly renovated and luxuriously decorated guest rooms and suites, and easy proximity to the most exciting shopping, arts, culture, and entertainment venues.
- Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth – Fresh from an extensive renovation, as noted above, Montreal’s most prestigious address turns 60 this spring.
- Fairmont San Jose – Refined elegance and sophistication in the heart of Silicon Valley, Fairmont San Jose boasts an array of luxurious amenities, including 805 well-appointed guest rooms including 77 lavish suites; and a close proximity to the City by the Bay, just a short drive away.
- Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown – Explore the most charming neighborhood in the capital from this newly renovated, four- diamond address adjacent to historic Georgetown in the city’s fashionable West End.
- Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa – Nestled smack in the heart of Sonoma Valley, this luxury address offers exceptional spa experiences, a Michelin-rated restaurant, and access to championship golf at the neighboring Sonoma Golf Club.
- Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile – This modern luxury hotel, designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier, recently unveiled renovations that boast all new interior design inspired by the award-winning architecture. Conveniently located in the center of downtown Chicago, guests are invited to explore the magic of the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier.
- Sofitel Philadelphia – This sophisticated downtown hotel blends French elegance with American style providing a refined environment for upscale business and leisure travel. Delight in the architectural highlights of the hotel, such as a geometric lobby floor design inspired by Shaker quilts and crafted from seven types of stone and explore art and culture nearby at impressive exhibits including The Barnes Foundation's world-class art collection.