At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Guests Never Want to Leave (Canada)
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At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Guests Never Want to Leave (Canada)
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Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - Canada - Industry economy -
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This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2008-11-03
Spooktacular” Tales and Travel Getaways to Celebrate Halloween
It is said that ghosts haunt where they were the happiest. This season, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts welcomes guests past and present, and tells the tales of guests who never want to leave.
• St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, founded in 1783, hosts many spirits and souls from days of yore. First built in the late 1800's by New England businessmen, The Fairmont Algonquin is believed by many to be an inspiration to Steven King for The Shining. In addition, legend has it that a housekeeper heard a girl's laughter and saw boxes fall in a storage room. Later, it was discovered that the room was previously a children's playroom.
• Eleven months out of the year, Montreal is an exciting and vibrant city, but for one month only, strange gatherings and spooky celebrations take over the city. It is the perfect time to learn about the grim and sinister deeds of ex-Montrealers whose legendary ghosts still haunt the wharves of the Old Port. Costumed characters provide visitors with a chilling yet fun filled adventure. They can choose from an array of activities such as Ghost walks, the Great Pumpkin Ball, the Magic of Lanterns exhibit, Halloween FrightFest at Six Flags La Ronde or the Grand Masquerade.
• When The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was originally constructed, eight elevator shafts were built to accommodate guests. However, due to budgetary restrictions, only six elevators were actually installed. What happened to the other two? The hotel’s friendly spirit, The Lady in Red, is said to inhabit one of the empty elevator shafts. Porters, employees and guests have come around the corner on the mezzanine level just in time to see the elevator door open and a lady in a brilliant red dress appear in one of the shafts with no actual elevator…or door! Guests can stay at
• A hauntingly beautiful woman is said to reside in the “round room” at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Victoria, as she is fondly referred to by many of the Inn’s tenured employees, is often seen strolling the hallways and lobby in the wee hours of the night, sipping a Cabernet. Legend has it that Victoria’s family traces back to the founding fathers of Sonoma Valley, where she also celebrated her wedding and many anniversaries. In addition, the Inn originally dates back to the Native Americans, who were the first to discover the natural underground hot mineral waters. This site was considered a sacred healing ground and their 'sweathouse' stood near the spring for generations. For decades, guests have commented on the otherworldly presence at the Inn. Other seasonal haunting jaunts include the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art's annual celebration of "El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)," curated by Manuel Merjil. Admission is complimentary.
• Looking up to the highest point of The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, guests will see three windows in the turret, which was completed in the 1920s and constructed without a door. Several years ago during the renovation of the hotel, a courageous roofer stretched a 2 x 4 across to the eaves and carefully walked over and peeked inside the window – a first! Inside the sealed room was a pillow and blanket that remains there to this day. Who knows what ghostly presence has taken up residence in this inaccessible room!
• Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac was named after Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac. When he died he wanted his heart sent in a box to his fiancé in Europe, but she was so sad, she sent it right back. Since then, the Comte has wandered around the hotel looking for his soul mate.
• A former steward at The Fairmont Royal York is said to wander around in the silver room in the hotel’s basement. Several hotel staff members have reported seeing the steward while they were collecting silverware. When they turn to get a second look, the image has vanished.
• Guests at The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui can take a drive to the neighboring town of Lahaina for Halloween festivities commonly known as “Mardi Gras of the Pacific,” a street party like no other. More than 30,000 revellers fill the streets for the annual children’s parade, costume contest, live entertainment and food booths.
• In Mexico, guests of The Fairmont Acapulco Princess and The Fairmont Pierre Marques can bear witness to a truly unique experience. Known as Day of the Dead, this ancient festivity memorializes the deceased and symbolizes the continuity of life. "Altars of the dead" commemorate these souls with a photo of the person and examples of the things he or she liked in life – their favorite food, incense, sugar skeletons, candles, fruit, and a cempasúchil flower, the traditional flower for this holiday. Many hotels feature such a display so guests can experience the authentic celebration as well.
• On the Big Island, The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii offers guests a ghostly adventure as they get in touch with their 'inner spirits' – ancient Hawaiian spirits who once traveled the Kohala Coast in search of food and camaraderie between villages. Beginning and ending with the blow of a conch shell to the four winds, guests are invited to gather beachside around a hot lava rock bed to hear tales of Hawaiian obake (ghosts) narrated by an elder under a twinkling sky.
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