An Unforgettable US West Coast Tour

What an unforgettable first business trip of 2023! A two-week tour of Fairmont properties on the US West Coast.?

From San Diego up north to Seattle, I got to catch up with many of our remarkable Fairmont hotel teams.

Read on to check out the cities I visited, the hotels I stayed at, and the many things I had the chance to experience on January's North American trip.

SAN DIEGO?

San Diego shares a border with Mexico and is a popular tourist destination thanks to its 70 miles (113 kilometers) of beaches, theme parks, golf courses, attractions, and restaurants.

I stayed at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar , a golf and leisure resort with beautiful facilities: an award-winning golf course, a five-star spa, four heated pools, tennis, pickleball, outdoor & indoor fitness centers, and hiking trails.?

While at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, I had dinner at Addison, San Diego's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef William Bradley's culinary creations combine global inspiration with Californian flair. To name one dish: Try the sesame-seasoned Koshihikari rice finished with smoked sabayon and crowned with Regiis Ova reserve caviar.

General Manager Brendan Carlin and his team are doing a fantastic job ensuring the smoothness of the resort's complex operations!

LOS ANGELES

A place for bold, creative expression, Los Angeles is the world's entertainment capital. It is also a city of fascinating ethnic diversity: Angelenos come from 140 countries and speak 224 languages. Every time I visit, I discover a new neighborhood or hidden gem!

I stayed at the Fairmont Century Plaza , a storied icon that re-opened last year following a $2.5 billion renovation. Built on the former site of a 20th Century Studios backlot in 1966, the Century Plaza has always been at the center of where business meets Hollywood. I recommend checking out the property's fantastic banqueting facilities if you're planning an event in the heart of LA.?

Well done to Hotel Manager Jan-Peer Lehfeldt and the entire team for bringing this famed property back to center stage!

In LA, I attended The Americas Lodging Investment Summit, the world's leading and largest hotel investment conference. There was a great turnout, and I interacted with owners and business partners. I also experienced tremendous interest in our brand, demonstrating Fairmont's popularity in North and Central America as an unrivaled luxury brand.?

A highlight (and there were quite a few!) of my time in the City of Angels was a client event at the Crypto.com stadium, where I watched my first Lakers game! That, indeed, was a fun experience.

SANTA MONICA

Westside from Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is mainly known for its pier, which includes restaurants, food carts, retail stores, an aquarium, and a Ferris wheel.

I spent a night at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows , an extraordinary resort with a 1920s vibe and just a short walk away from the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. Its 31 luxurious bungalows have private gardens and loungers of their own.

General Manager Sam Jagger and his team genuinely turn moments into memories for their guests!

SAN FRANCISCO

As Northern California's economic and cultural center, San Francisco is a charming coastal city with renowned museums, world-class restaurants, and distinct neighborhoods to discover. The options of things to do can be slightly overwhelming!

The city is home to nothing less than the first-ever Fairmont property, which opened in 1907: the Fairmont San Francisco atop Nob Hill.

It's a fascinating story: The daughters of James Graham Fair, one of San Francisco's most notable citizens in the 19th century, decided to honor their father by building a grand hotel that would serve as a "gathering place for the princes and princesses of the world." The Fair sisters created the name "Fairmont" by uniting their surname "Fair" with "mont" to highlight the hotel's location atop Nob Hill.

Kudos to General Manager Markus Treppenhauer and his team for successfully continuing the hotel's legacy as a gathering place and a beloved icon in San Francisco.

Not too distant from Fairmont San Francisco is the all-suite Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square , housed in a former chocolate factory and within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf.

The residences offer one, two, and three-bedroom luxury suites that boldly illustrate contemporary urban design in a landmark setting. I love the fireplaces and the exposed brick walls in the suites!

If you're a discerning traveler, you'll appreciate the world-class service that General Manager Jessica Vogt, CCAM and her team ensure every family receives.

BERKELEY

Situated on 22 acres in the East Bay, 12 miles (20 kilometers) from San Francisco, Claremont Resort & Club is a historic resort with undeniable charm. I loved the views of San Francisco's skyline from its location in the Berkeley Hills.?

There's a lot on offer if you're into fitness and wellness like I am: a signature Fairmont Spa, tennis courts, outdoor saline pools, group exercise classes, and much more.?

General Manager Paul Tormey and his team ensure every guest receives exceptional service!

SONOMA

Just an hour north of San Francisco, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is right in the heart of Wine Country. The inn is a perfect place to reconnect with nature and has some unique facilities, such as geothermal-fed mineral pools, farm-to-table dining, and championship golf.

It was great to spend time with General Manager Edward Roe and his team in such an idyllic setting!

SEATTLE

In the northwestern US state of Washington, Seattle is a dynamic city known for its excellent coffee, grunge music, and influential tech sector. As for its tourist attractions, the most popular ones include the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Built in the 1920s, Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a historic property in the heart of Seattle. The massive Italian Renaissance hotel has a glitzy fairytale feel with its tasseled sofas, ornate chandeliers, and grand staircases. Its outstanding elegance is hard to match.

General Manager Sunny Joseph and his team continue to provide world-class hospitality in this unique historic destination!

Lastly, it was great to see first-hand how well all properties have recovered from the pandemic. I commend the hotels' teams for their hard work and dedication to providing the highest service standards and helping our guests make memories that last a lifetime!

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