October 11, 2007 - Toronto-based Fairmont Hotels and Resorts said Wednesday that it will renovate all the guest rooms and suites in the 545-room hotel.

The big fix-up is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2008.

As part of the remodeling, three floors in the downtown hotel's north tower will be totally gutted and made over into Fairmont's luxury "gold" rooms. That section of the hotel will contain 47 rooms, including six suites. There will also be a private lounge, concierge and check-in area.

"Fairmont Gold has been created for the high-end leisure traveler and the business customer who demand first-class accommodations and service in every aspect of their travel experience," sales and marketing director Shannah Milstead said in an announcement of the changes.

The Fairmont at Ross Avenue and Akard Street is the latest of several Dallas hotels to begin extensive upgrades. Improvements at these older hotels come as newer properties including the W Hotel and Ritz-Carlton are making inroads in the Dallas market.

Last July, the Fairmont was sold to California-based investor DiNapoli Capital Partners for a price estimated at more than $60 million, but it is operated by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

The exterior of two towers of the hotel � built in the 1960s � was redone in 2005 for $4.5 million.

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