The observation was similar, their trajectory identical. Brands like Sofitel and Fairmont needed to give their networks a refresh to engage a new dynamic and reaffirm the standing of their hotels. Hence a wave of renovations to proudly uphold, at Sofitel, the idea of refined French luxury, embodied notably by a transformed Sofitel New York. As for Fairmont, it's about extending the legacy of a century-old brand – and soon a centenary in number of hotels – which firmly intends to continue to "make the exceptional happen", as its new signature highlights.
Joining the Accor fold in 2016, at the same time as Raffles, the Canadian-origin brand initiated the French group's expansion in luxury hospitality with its impressive portfolio of renowned establishments. The Savoy in London, The Plaza in New York, the Fairmont San Francisco where the UN Charter was signed, and the Montreal establishment made famous by John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "bed-in for peace": these legendary hotels have more recently been complemented by more contemporary openings, gazing out at the skylines of Tokyo, Dubai, or Doha.
" Whether our hotels are historical treasures or modern masterpieces, they always play a central role in life's most important moments."a déclaré Omer Acar, directeur général de Fairmont Hotels & Resorts" said Omer Acar, General Manager of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Our commitment is to continuously renovate and adapt our heritage hotels, so that we can ensure they offer unrivalled experiences for our discerning global clientele. "
The aim of bringing " a unified vision across all Fairmont establishments worldwide » led to the launch of a vast renovation programme. Within this framework, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, in Edmonton, had already regained its splendour in 2024 thanks, in particular, to the thousand hours spent restoring the original ceilings of its ballrooms. And this, while the brand continues to make its MICE offering one of its pillars.
In 2025, it was the turn of the Montreux Palace in Switzerland to unveil its 120 re-imagined rooms – still with views over Lake Geneva – or resorts such as the Fairmont Orchid and Kea Lani in Hawaii or the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda. More recently, the Fairmont in Pittsburgh presented its room refresh, while the Jasper Park Lodge, on the shores of Beauvert Lake in Canada, saw the reopening of its iconic main lodge.
This trend is continuing, as 20% of the Fairmont hotels are currently undergoing active refurbishment. Business travellers passing through London have already been able to enjoy the Savoy’s Edwardian-style rooms and suites, which were revamped last year. From this summer, they will have access to refurbished Art Deco rooms. Conversely, whilst the famous London hotel continues to welcome guests during the renovation period, the Fairmont Grand Hotel in Geneva is closed for a complete refurbishment. With a restored façade, the addition of loggias for the rooms overlooking the lake, and new décor for its more than 400 rooms, this prestigious establishment will reopen in 2027.
And it is the same elsewhere in the world. In Asia, the Fairmont Beijing will close its doors in early September 2026 to begin a complete refurbishment, while in Africa, the Fairmont Nile City is also undergoing active renovations. In North America, the Fairmont Winnipeg has also just ceased welcoming guests on 1er July 2026, with its reopening expected in summer 2027. If not closed to the public, several of the brand's historic locations in Canada have also embarked on modernising their rooms, whether it's the Château Laurier in Ottawa or the Fairmont in Mont-Tremblant which will be getting a new presidential suite for the occasion.
For its part, the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver has embarked on a four-year, four-phase programme, the first of which recently saw the unveiling of 96 refurbished rooms. While awaiting the rest of the other rooms, the transformation of the lobby and the ARC restaurant-bar, or the Fairmont Gold space. Revisiting this VIP offering is also one of the priorities of the legendary Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City. Its renovation programme will first see the addition of 34 new Gold rooms and the complete refurbishment of the Gold lounge, before the overhaul of the 203 standard rooms and 13 suites. Work is expected to be completed by 2028.
