New lounge offers high-tech entertainment and meeting
options for individual travelers and groups

SAN FRANCISCO -- October 14, 2010 - Located in the hub of technological innovation, The Fairmont San Francisco has introduced Intersect: A Fairmont Media Lounge, offering guests the ultimate experience of connectivity. 

Spanning 2,400 square-feet, Intersect provides an inviting environment where travelers can relax by playing interactive games, listening to music, downloading photos or just browsing the Internet to plan the perfect San Francisco itinerary. 

Plush couches, arm chairs and chaise lounges in a trio of blue tones ranging from sapphire to aqua are set against pale silver walls and drapery, creating a chic club-like setting that gives guests an alternative to the traditional hotel lounge. 

The Fairmont San Francisco Intersect:, Media Lounge

Hotel personnel are available to assist guests with Intersect�s state-of-the-art entertainment offerings.  The full-service lounge is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on the weekend.

FRESH TAKE ON SOCIAL NETWORKING

For the meeting and event market, Intersect introduces a fresh take on social networking.   In addition to holding board meetings and private screenings in the sleek space, groups can bond over spirited �Guitar Hero� and �Wii Golf� competitions while enjoying a delicious menu of regional selections. 

�We are trying to bring the fun back to travel and are creating a �playful� lounge for our guests.  Here, they can enjoy the very best wines from the region while playing popular games developed in our own backyard.  It is truly an only-in-San Francisco experience, in keeping with Fairmont�s guiding philosophy of classical by design, contemporary in spirit,� explains Regional Vice President and General Manager Thomas Klein.

The lounge was developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen (B&O), famous for its signature sound and vision technologies that provide unique experiences in the field of audio and home entertainment.  Electronic Arts (EA) and EMI music are also collaborating on the project by providing the most sought-after games and music, respectively. 

DESIGN BLENDS FORM WITH FUN

Designed by Freebairn-Smith & Crane Architects, Intersect is comprised of four areas including the entry which opens up to the lounge, the central game room and the screening room.  These distinct venues can be elegantly separated by drapes for smaller, exclusive group functions. 

The lounge features the following entertainment options:

• A Microsoft Surface interactive table that allows guests to browse the Internet and play games on a table top
• A Bang & Olufsen music system that functions as a digital jukebox
• A Bang & Olufsen LED HD TV with Blue-ray technology that can show a wide variety of general interest content to guests; this monitor can also be used to showcase a client�s presentation during corporate events.
• A �share table� where guests can mingle while working on personal laptops.

The central game room offers the following high-tech, high-excitement amenities:

• Two gaming stations including a selection of X-Box and Wii games selected to appeal to a range of ages and interests.  Movies and special event broadcasts can be experienced true to life on the B&O monitors. Conveniently, the stations can be played by either individuals or small groups.
• A station where music can be downloaded to guests' MP3 players
• Two iMac laptops provided for general use

The screening room features a large projection screen and B&O HD Plasma screen with full surround-sound designed for corporate presentations, movie screenings and more active games such as Rock Band and Wii sports games.  It seats 18 to 24 people. 

Intersect is open to children 18 and under, if accompanied by an adult.  Hotel guests can access the media lounge for $15 per room spanning a 24-hour period. 

The new multi-media lounge, a first-of-its-kind for the luxury hotel brand, reinforces Fairmont�s commitment to deliver thoughtful services and innovative products that enhance the travel experience. With more than 60 distinctive hotels and resorts worldwide, Fairmont does have plans to introduce Intersect at some of its other destinations in the future.

THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO
Since 1907, The Fairmont has served as the San Francisco residence for U.S. presidents, world leaders and entertainment stars.  The landmark hotel offers 591 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, three distinctive restaurants, a health club and easy access to the city�s most popular attractions.  The Fairmont San Francisco is located atop Nob Hill at 950 Mason Street.  For reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco. 

FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS
With more than 60 distinctive hotels, including the iconic Fairmont San Francisco and Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an unrivalled collection of properties located in some of the world�s most coveted destinations. Known for its warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences, this global hospitality brand features classic hotels that imbue a sense of heritage, sophistication and social importance and are often considered destinations in their own right. Fairmont is also committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 95 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded residences, estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.