The ribbon cutting and grand opening of The Fairmont Chicago took place December 8, 1987. Since joining the grand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts family, The Fairmont Chicago has earned a reputation as a glamorous and elegant locale to hold social and civic affairs. The Rita Hayworth gala, benefiting the Alzheimer's Association, is held annually here and has garnered national attention.

Since its inception, The Fairmont Chicago has been home to numerous dignitaries and celebrities alike. President Jacques Chirac of France, former First Lady, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, former National Security of Advisor and Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger; former U.S. Secretary of Defense, William Perry; Elton John, Jane Seymour, Ivana Trump and many others have enjoyed the gracious hospitality synonymous with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.