�We chose to engage Fairmont Hotels Resorts because of their longstanding reputation as operators of many of North America�s most distinctive luxury hotels, the exciting opportunities for the hotel as a result of the recent merger with Canadian Pacific Hotels and Fairmont�s commitment to its employees and the communities it operates in, �explained Philip Maritz, president of Maritz, Wolff Co. �While we were pleased with the management that Ritz Carlton provided the hotel, we felt the timing was right for a change in management and Fairmont Hotels Resorts was the perfect fit for our objectives for the hotel. No loss of jobs is anticipated. We are proud to take the best hotel in Kansas City and make it better by taking it to a new level with Fairmont Hotels Resorts.� Maritz, Wolff Co. and Fairmont Hotels Resorts plan to further integrate the hotel into the Kansas City community. A substantial investment will be made in renovations and guest enhancements at The Fairmont, Kansas City beginning first quarter 2000. 

�The property�s landmark status compliments the Fairmont Hotels Resorts brand and establishes a presence in an important target market,� commented Ed Mace, President CEO U.S./Mexico Division, Fairmont Hotels Resorts. �It is an exciting period for us as we welcome The Fairmont, Kansas City, into Fairmont Hotels Resorts� collection of luxury hotels which includes The Plaza, New York, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and Chateau Lake Louise. 

We are looking forward to working with Maritz, Wolff to further enhance the property and make it a destination in its own right for business travelers, tourists and the local community.  The 366 room, award winning, hotel is known for its ambience of casual elegance and hospitality. Influenced by the character of the surrounding Country Club Plaza, the hotel combines the effortless charm of the Midwest with easy access to European-style shopping, dining and entertainment district. The twelve story arc-shaped building encompasses 380,000 square feet and stands graciously on 3.7 acres in the heart of Kansas City. Located in the city�s most prestigious business, shopping and entertainment district, guests have easy access to all local attractions including sports, culture and entertainment. 

Maritz, Wolff Co. is a hotel investment group that acquires full-service urban and resort hotel properties and works directly with the hotel management to enhance revenues and reduce costs. Founded in 1994 with the purchase of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, today Maritz, Wolff has nearly $1.4 billion worth of hotel assets.  Fairmont Hotels Resorts is the largest luxury hotel management company in North America, with a collection of 35 distinctive city and resort hotels throughout the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, Barbados and Mexico. Fairmont Hotels Resorts recently welcomed The Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Santa Monica to the collection. With over a century of experience, Fairmont Hotels Resorts is committed to service excellence with approximately 17,800 rooms and 19,300 employees.