The year 2012 marks a very special year for many hotels, as some of the world’s most prestigious properties turn 100 and join the Century Club. Everyone loves birthdays, and lucky for travelers these properties are celebrating by offering guests discounts, prizes, packages, and parties.
Fairmont Copley Plaza
Boston, Massachusetts
The Fairmont Copley Plaza opened its doors on August 19, 1912, at an extravagant cost of $5.5 million. In attendance at the hotel’s reception were over 1000 guests, one of which included Boston‘s mayor at the time, John F. “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, who was President Kennedy’s grandfather. To celebrate its 100-year birthday, the hotel is featuring an array of events and promotions, including a “100 Days of Celebration” beginning May 10. During this time, complimentary period costume tours, 20th century music, and cake will be available. Moreover, a Celebration of a Century package will be available through December 31, offering accommodation in a newly renovated room, a private hotel history tour, and a history booklet.
Package rates begin at $100 per person, per night. Call 1-800-257-7544 or E-mail reservations@fairmont.com to book. Bar Lazy J Ranch
Parshall, Colorado
While not your traditional hotel, Bar Lazy J Ranch is a relaxing ranch that works hard to ensure the satisfaction of their guests. Even before officially opening, the ranch was going out of its way for strangers, even allowing travelers to stay the night free of charge. It wasn’t until 1912 that a debutante was hired as a secretary and the ranch required a letter of recommendation from people hoping to stay. Back then, the atmosphere of Bar Lazy J Ranch was very formal, with coffee served before breakfast in demitasse cups on the lawn, high tea, polo, and croquet matches. Today, the property is all-inclusive, allowing guests to partake in as many activity offerings as they would like without worrying about overspending. To celebrate its 100th birthday this summer, the ranch will be hosting an array of centennial activities such as “1912 nights” each Wednesday, high tea, vintage photos and old-west costumes, and music inspired by compositions from the last century.
Rates start at $1825 per week, per adult, with discounts on certain dates. Call 800-396-6279 or E-mail info@barlazyj.com to book.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Los Angeles, California
The Beverly Hills Hotel was built before there was a city called Beverly Hills, in an attempt to bring crowds of people to the area. It worked, and in 1914 Beverly Hills was incorporated into a city. Not only that, but some of society’s most affluent celebrities created history in the hotel. For example, Frank Sinatra and the rest of the rat pack loved to drink in the hotel’s Polo Lounge, and the hotel pool was the backdrop scene for Gregory Peck and Lauren Bacall in “Designing Women.” To celebrate their centennial birth, the Beverly Hills Hotel is offering an array of programing and packages. Their 100-Year Birthday Package, which runs until the end of the year, features rooms and suites for $100 per night, a birthday cake amenity, a complimentary cocktail, a 100-year candle, and daily breakfast for two. There will also be a “1912 Lottery” in a chosen dining outlet each week, where a diner will be randomly selected to receive their meal at 1912 pricing.
For a full list of packages and promotions or to book a stay, click here.
Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa
Tucson, Arizona
The Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa was originally a dude ranch in 1912 and today is an 80-acre resort sitting at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains in the Sonoran Desert. While certain historic touches are still retained, the hotel underwent a $14 million renovation in 2009 to help update the look and feel. In honor of their 100th birthday, the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa is compiling a book titled “History of Westward Look: 100 Years in the Making” that will include photos and souvenirs from past guests. This is also part of the “Call for Treasures” contest offering prizes of free hotel stays and complimentary dining packages.
Rates start at $189 per night based on double occupancy. Call 800-722-2500 or click here to book.
Kalispell Grand Hotel
Kalispell, Montana
The Kalispell Grand Hotel opened its doors in 1912 as an upscale hotel for the wealthier traveler, charging a whopping $2 per night. During its opening, the property also offered grand amenities like wake up calls, door locks, and running water, making it a popular choice. Today, their definition of grand amenities has luckily shifted with the times, as spacious rooms, plush bedding, and relaxing massages are offered on the premises. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s 100th birthday by taking advantage of a $20.12 discount on all rooms until May 31, 2012.
Room rates vary by date. Call 800-858-7422 or click here to book.
Camino Real El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Listed on the Historic Hotels of America website, the Camino El Paso is a national historic landmark. Originally known as the Paso Del Norte Hotel, one of the most impressive features of the property then was the 25-foot diameter, Tiffany-style, stained-glass Dome, which can still be experienced via the Dome Bar. Other instances of history still being present are the vaulted ceilings and walls of cherry stone and gold scallion. When it opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1912 the property was thought to be the “Showcase of the West,” and still retains this prestigious reputation today. To help guests add a bit more luxury to their stay, the property is featuring a Fall Back in Time deal, which includes breakfast each morning for two people for two nights.
Package rates vary depending on travel dates. Call 800-678-8946 or 915-534-3000 to book.
Fairmont Château Laurier
Ottawa, Ontario
The Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa’s famous castle, officially opened its doors on June 1, 2012. While the property cost $2 million to open, rooms were only $2 per night. Like their sister property in Boston, mentioned above, the hotel will feature complimentary period costume tours, 20th century music, and cake on June 2 and 3. Moreover, in memory of the Titanic, the hotel will be recreating the last supper served on the ship followed by monthly menus featuring the best cuisine from different eras. Additionally, because the property was originally set to open on April 26, this will be the date the Fairmont Château Laurier launches their special Centennial Tea menu. If you’re looking for a deal, you can opt for the Century of Memories package, which includes accommodations, a heritage gift card set, $100 CAD dining credit, and a special 100th anniversary welcome amenity.
Package rates begin at about $340 per night based on double occupancy. Call 800-441-1414 or click here to book.
Astoria Hotel
St. Petersburg, Russia
The oldest hotel in Russia, the Astoria Hotel has survived the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, WWI, WWII, Perestroika, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the formation of the new Russian economy. On December 23, 1912, the property opened its doors as a modern hotel fit for the society’s most notable figures. Rasputin had a love affair here with the wife of a government official, while Lenin spent the night and gave a speech on the first floor, and Russian Grand Dukes threw lavish parties in the Winter Garden. What’s more, because 2012 marks the Astoria Hotel’s 100th birthday, the year will be filled with commemorative events, including a series of jazz dinner concerts to help take guests back in time. At the end of the year, there will also be an elegant jubilee party with famous attendees from all over the world coming in to celebrate.
Room rates start at $335 per night. Click here to book.
Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastián, A Luxury Collection Hotel
San Sebastián, Spain
The Hotel Maria Cristina opened its doors on July 9, 2012, as one of the city’s main cultural and social hubs for members of high society. During WWI, it was the hangout of politicians and artists before shifting to a more fashionable clientele, with guests like Coco Chanel and Patou Jena. When the city began to decline, the hotel refused to fold and, after WWII, underwent a massive renovation. In honor of its centennial anniversary, the property is being fixed up again and will reopen this July with a huge celebration and new Belle Epoque style with modern amenities. They will also be offering an array of packages, which you can see by clicking here.
The Stafford London by Kempinski
London, United Kingdom
Originally built as private homes for society’s nobility – including Lord and Lady Lyttelton – the property changed owners a few times before becoming an official Stafford London property. Just like during WWII when the building served as a club for American and Canadian officers seeking refuge in the wine cellars, The Stafford London is a welcoming and friendly place. Because the property is turning 100 this year, they are offering a VIP £100,000 Anniversary Package until the end of 2012. The luxurious offer includes:
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3 nights in a duplex Guv’nor’s suite or penthouse
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£10,000 dining credit
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“Effortless airport experience” including private waiting lounge, escort through customs/immigration, transfers to and from hotel
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Chauffeur driven Bentley, Rolls Royce, or Jaguar at guest’s beck and call
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24/7 private butler service
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Three or five-course wine and meal pairings in the hotel’s 380-year-old wine cellar
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Bespoke fashions courtesy of famed tailor Henry Poole and hatters Lock & Co
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Piece of custom jewelry by London’s top designer, Patrick Wyatt
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Private photo shoot with celebrity photographer, Alistair Morrison
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Traditional afternoon tea at either the Royal Academy, Highgrove House, or Kensington Palace
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Private Champagne or Wine Capsule experience on the London Eye
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Half day spa retreat
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Speedboat tour of the Thames River
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Complimentary Mahiki Armada Treasure Chest concoction
Packages start at £100,000. Click here to book.