BANFF, Alberta -- The 770-room Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
completed a $32.5 million restoration of its historical facilities,
including the creation of a museum. Guests will find a new lobby,
restaurants, public areas and shops. Room renovations will continue
through 2002.
About $21,450 will be spent on each guest room, including custom
furniture, historical artwork, vanities of granite and marble and
new bathroom fixtures. The hotel, which opened in 1888, was
designated a National Historic Site in 1992. The new museum, called
Heritage Hall, offers changing exhibitions, all celebrating the
nature, culture and history of western Canada.
"Morant's Mountains," the opening exhibition, is devoted to the
works of Nicholas Morant, a Canadian Pacific Railway photographer.
The next exhibit, "Maps, Myths and Mountains," opening in
mid-March, consists of 24 original maps dating to 1762, some used
by early explorers to the area; six historical illustrations, and
other documents.
The refurbishment also included the Grand Lobby stairway to the
mezzanine level, leading to Heritage Hall and the new Rundle Room,
a guest parlor with vaulted ceilings, antique furnishings and a
grand piano. Beverages are served in the Rundle Room on
request.
Completely redesigned were the hotel's two restaurants -- the
56-seat Banffshire Club and the 250-seat Bow Valley Grill. The
Banffshire Club has a Scottish decor and serves Canadian cuisine.
The Bow Valley Grill features design elements provided by local
Alberta artists. The revamped retail shopping area has 19 specialty
stores, including a golf shop.
More than $114 million has been invested in the property over
the past decade, including improvements to the Conference Centre,
the addition of a full-service spa and the restoration of the 1928
Stanley Thompson Golf Course.
For information, call (800) 441-1414 or check the Web site at www.fairmont.com.