Readers of Two Influential Travel Magazines Rank Hotels for Design, Dining, Accommodations, Service and Amenities

(SEATTLE, WA) January 7, 2008 - Two of the most influential travel magazines, Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, released their annual awards for best hotels around the world and The Fairmont Olympic Hotel was recognized as the best hotel in Seattle.

In Condé Nast Traveler’s fourteenth annual Gold List, more than 28,000 readers elected 721 of the world’s finest properties and provided comments about what precisely distinguishes each hotel. Rated on criteria including location, activities, service and guestrooms, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, noted as a “distinguished, stately landmark,” received the highest score in Seattle, 93.1. This score also placed the Olympic as the #1 hotel in Washington, besting the Inn at the Market, Edgewater, Grand Hyatt, Marriott Waterfront, Salish Lodge & Spa, Davenport Hotel & Tower, Inn at Langley and Willows Lodge.

In Travel + Leisure’s sixth annual T+L 500, The Fairmont Olympic Hotel earned an impressive score of 83.05, ranking it as the best hotel in Seattle. The hotel was noted for its “thoughtful service” and not-to-miss Penn Cove oysters in Shuckers. According to Travel + Leisure, their global team of reporters and editors culled the 500 highest-rated hotels from the World’s Best survey, identified what differentiates each hotel from their competitors and determined what services, amenities and perks not to miss. Hotel Andra, Inn at the Market, Salish Lodge & Spa, The Inn at Langley and Willows Lodge were included in the T+L 500. 

“Being selected for a list chosen solely by readers shows that travelers associate luxury and style with The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It is even more rewarding when I see that we outranked some very venerable hotels around the world. It is a testament to the quality of our brand’s unique, and growing, portfolio,” said Dennis Clark, general manager of The Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

There were 16 Fairmont Hotels & Resorts that were included in Travel + Leisure’s T+L 500 and Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List. Full results can be found in the January 2008 issue of the magazines or online at www.travelandleisure.com and www.concierge.com.

For more information, please contact:

Meg Paynor
Public Relations Manager
Tel: (206) 287-4056
Fax: (206) 623-2271
Email: meg.paynor@fairmont.com