Fairmont to open seven properties this year

International hotel chain Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is set to open seven hotels in 2010.

Among the properties set for launches this year, is the huge Makkah Clock Royal Tower, the famous The Savoy in London and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai.

The Makkah Clock Royal Tower in Saudi Arabia is set to become a key destination for Middle East travellers, while outbound travellers from the region with a preference for Fairmont are set to be spoilt for choice.

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts president Thomas Storey said: “Outbound travel to Asia, Africa, and Europe from the Middle East markets remains strong.

“The new hotels will cater generously to the needs of guests from the Middle East with facilities tailored to their needs, such as large family rooms and suites, and many hotels providing Halal food.”

The Savoy in London has undergone a two-year, UK £100 million (US $162 million) restoration programme and will open in Q2 of 2010, while Fairmont Peace Hotel will open in the century-old Shanghai landmark during the same quarter.

Makkah Clock Royal Tower, adjacent to the holiest site in Islam, is a massive 858-room hotel, which will offer Fairmont Gold, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle product offering.

The 76-storey tower, at 577 meters high will stand among the world’s tallest structures and will feature a huge 40-metre wide clock.

It will also feature a lunar observation centre, an Islamic museum and is due to open in Q3 of 2010.

Other hotels Fairmont plan to open during the year are Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver, Canada; Fairmont Pittsburgh in the US state of Pennsylvania; Fairmont Beijing in the Chinese capital; and Fairmont Zimbali Resort on South Africa’s east coast