FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS ARRIVES IN CAIRO

TORONTO, February 4, 2008 - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis.  The property joins the company’s collection of landmark hotels as the first Fairmont to open its doors in Cairo and the fifth addition to the portfolio in the Middle East and Africa.  A second property located adjacent, the Fairmont Heliopolis, will embark upon a renovation program beginning first quarter of 2008, whose design will result in a relaxed and inviting space complementing the elegant Towers. Upon completion, guests will enjoy access to a wide variety of dining outlets, function space and other business and leisure amenities.

Reflecting a contemporary design and welcoming yet personalized service, Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis features 247 luxurious guestrooms which offer an elegant yet comfortable place to live, work and relax, extensive conference facilities, a spa, atrium garden and dining outlets.  The property is located in the central Heliopolis area (Greek, for city of the sun), five minutes from Cairo International Airport and a perfect base from which to explore popular attractions such as the Mohamed Ali citadel, the Egyptian Museum and pyramids.

A Pharaonic Horus eye - a symbol of power and protection - is illuminated onto a gray ceiling from a white pergola located below, in the hotel’s atrium.  With five sun-shaped designs, the “sun theme” encompasses the atrium, bridal suite, and function areas. The hotel’s lighting accentuates the design with subtle orange tones reflected throughout the property.  Elements of nature are incorporated into the hotel’s contemporary interior design, through thoughtfully situated landscaped gardens, indoor plants, water features and abundant natural lighting. Destination design firm WATG, the world's leading design consultant for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, did the master planning, architecture, interior and landscape design for Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis.

Elegantly detailed guestrooms offer either a classic or contemporary décor and feature 32" flat screen TVs, wireless HSIA and bathrooms equipped with bathtubs, standing rain shower and sound systems.  Rooms overlooking the atrium enjoy views of the tropical gardens, palm trees and flowing stream below.  Three presidential suites offer large bedrooms, a large living room, dining room that seats 12 and a butler's kitchen with Nespresso coffee machine. 

Dining in Cairo is a treat for the senses, with a wide range of products available in the region underscoring Fairmont’s commitment to providing locally sourced, organic or sustainable items to guests wherever possible.  Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis’ four dining outlets underscore the chefs commitment to excellent cuisine with a local flare, including Aqua e Luce, featuring modern Italian cuisine and stunning views of the Atrium garden.  The restaurant’s design is an integral part of the dining experience with its open areas, private dining room, wine racks, and display kitchens.  

The property features more than 4,500 square meters of function space, with rooms named after ancient Egyptian precious stones and Red Sea treasures, including the main ballroom Canyon, which accommodates 2,100 for a reception.  Additional features include an outdoor, heated pool, fitness center, business center and boardrooms for guest use and a Willow Stream Spa scheduled to open late 2008.

Additional Fairmont locations in the Middle East and Africa include The Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Zanzibar, Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi.  Future developments include Fairmont Nile City, Cairo (2008); Fairmont Palm Island, Dubai (2009); Fairmont Zimbali, South Africa (2010); and Fairmont Abu Dhabi Resort & Villas (2011) and Fairmont Kingdom of Sheba, Dubai (2011).

A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels which includes iconic landmarks like The Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Monte Carlo and New York's The Plaza. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travelers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont's portfolio includes 55 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 20 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Beijing, Abu Dhabi and South Africa.

Fairmont Raffles Hotels International is a leading global hotel company with over 85 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands.  The Company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.  For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

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