Is Fairmont Part Of Hilton? A Detailed Look
With over 100 years of history behind it, the Fairmont hotel brand conjures images of luxury, top-notch service, and iconic properties around the world. If you’ve wondered whether Fairmont is part of the Hilton hotel group, you’re not alone.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: No, Fairmont is not part of Hilton. While both are major players in the hospitality industry, Fairmont and Hilton operate as completely separate, unaffiliated companies.
The History and Background of Fairmont and Hilton
When Fairmont and Hilton Were Founded
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was founded in 1907 in San Francisco, California. It started as The Fairmont Hotel, a luxury property that quickly gained a reputation for its grandeur and exceptional service.
Over the years, Fairmont expanded its portfolio to include iconic properties such as The Plaza in New York City and The Savoy in London.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts, on the other hand, has a longer history dating back to 1919. It was established by Conrad Hilton with the purchase of The Mobley, a hotel in Cisco, Texas. Hilton’s visionary leadership and commitment to hospitality excellence led to the rapid growth of the brand.
Key Milestones and Expansion Over the Decades
Both Fairmont and Hilton have experienced significant milestones and expansion throughout their histories.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts underwent various ownership changes and mergers, which contributed to its growth. One notable merger was with Canadian Pacific Hotels in 1999, which resulted in the formation of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc.
This merger brought together iconic properties like The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts also witnessed remarkable growth. In the 1950s, Hilton became the first hotel chain to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The brand continued to expand globally, opening properties in key cities around the world.
Today, Hilton is one of the largest and most recognized hotel brands worldwide.
Current Status and Holdings of Each Brand
Currently, both Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels & Resorts operate as separate entities under different ownership.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is now part of Accor, a leading global hospitality company. Accor acquired Fairmont in 2016 as part of a larger acquisition of FRHI Holdings Ltd., which also included Raffles and Swissôtel. This acquisition expanded Accor’s presence in the luxury hotel market.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts operates under the Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., which is a publicly traded company. Hilton has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton, among others.
It’s worth noting that while Fairmont and Hilton have their respective ownership structures, they both continue to provide exceptional hospitality experiences and maintain their unique brand identities.
For more information on Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, you can visit their official website at www.fairmont.com. To learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts, visit www.hilton.com.
Comparing the Fairmont and Hilton Brands
Portfolio of Hotels and Resorts
Both Fairmont and Hilton are renowned hotel brands that offer a wide range of accommodations in various locations across the globe. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, now a part of Accor, operates a unique collection of luxury properties in iconic destinations such as the Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada and the Fairmont Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
On the other hand, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, boasts an extensive portfolio of brands including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts.
With their diverse offerings, both Fairmont and Hilton cater to the needs and preferences of different types of travelers.
Luxury and Upscale Offerings
When it comes to luxury and upscale accommodations, Fairmont and Hilton have set high standards in the industry. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts prides itself on offering guests a sophisticated and elegant experience, characterized by their iconic properties, exceptional service, and attention to detail.
Hilton, on the other hand, has a reputation for providing upscale accommodations that combine comfort, style, and modern amenities. From luxurious suites with breathtaking views to world-class dining options, both Fairmont and Hilton excel in creating memorable experiences for their guests.
Loyalty Programs
For frequent travelers, loyalty programs play a significant role in choosing a hotel brand. Fairmont’s loyalty program, Fairmont President’s Club, offers exclusive benefits and rewards to its members, including room upgrades, late check-outs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
With the recent acquisition of Fairmont by Accor, the loyalty program has been integrated into Accor’s Le Club AccorHotels program. Hilton, on the other hand, has its renowned loyalty program called Hilton Honors.
Members of Hilton Honors enjoy perks such as free nights, digital check-in, and the ability to earn and redeem points at a vast network of Hilton properties worldwide. Both loyalty programs offer great value to their members and are designed to enhance the overall guest experience.
Fairmont’s Changing Ownership Over the Years
Throughout its history, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has undergone several changes in ownership, which have impacted its brand identity and relationship to Hilton. Let’s take a closer look at these significant milestones.
Acquisition by Kingdom Hotels International and Colony Capital
In 1998, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was acquired by Kingdom Hotels International and Colony Capital. This acquisition brought about a new era for Fairmont, as it became part of a global hospitality portfolio.
Kingdom Hotels International, led by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and Colony Capital, a leading investment firm, saw the potential in Fairmont and recognized the value of its iconic properties.
Under this ownership, Fairmont continued to thrive and expand its presence in key destinations around the world. The company’s commitment to luxury, exceptional service, and unique experiences remained at the forefront of its operations.
Purchase by AccorHotels
In 2016, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was acquired by AccorHotels, a leading global hospitality group. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for Fairmont, as it became part of one of the largest hotel companies in the world.
AccorHotels recognized the strength of Fairmont’s brand and its reputation for delivering unforgettable guest experiences. By including Fairmont in its portfolio, AccorHotels aimed to further enhance its luxury offerings and strengthen its position in the global hospitality market.
The acquisition also brought opportunities for collaboration and synergies between Fairmont and other AccorHotels’ brands, such as Raffles and Sofitel. This enabled guests to enjoy an even wider range of luxury accommodations and services.
Implications for Fairmont’s Brand Identity and Relationship to Hilton
Despite these ownership changes, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has maintained its own distinct brand identity and has not become part of the Hilton portfolio.
Fairmont’s commitment to delivering exceptional luxury experiences remains unchanged, and its loyal customer base continues to appreciate the unique qualities that set it apart from other hotel brands.
While Fairmont and Hilton may compete in the luxury hotel segment, they operate as separate entities with their own distinct offerings and brand philosophies.
It’s important to note that Fairmont’s changing ownership has not affected the high standards of service and quality that guests have come to expect from the brand. Whether it’s the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada or the luxurious Fairmont Dubai, guests can still expect an extraordinary experience when staying at a Fairmont property.
Conclusion
While Fairmont and Hilton may compete in the high-end hospitality space, they continue to operate as distinct, standalone brands after over 100 years in business. With its acquisition by AccorHotels in 2016, Fairmont has a strong corporate backer but remains unaffiliated with Hilton, instead focusing on its core values of luxury and exceptional service.
Whether you’ve been loyal to Hilton, Fairmont, or both brands over the years, understanding the ownership, history, and offerings of these hotel leaders provides helpful insight for your next stay.
