The 1,160-room property, including 69 suites, is set to debut in 2027 as the largest Fairmont in the US.
Waterfront tower
Fairmont Manchester San Diego is part of a landmark development transforming San Diego’s downtown waterfront with over 5 acres of green space and more than 1.7 million sq ft of offices, retail, restaurants, public art and entertainment.
The 36-storey glass tower housing the hotel will encompass a luxury spa and fitness facilities, rooftop pool, and more than 120,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including two 20,000 sq-ft ballrooms.
VIP offering
Onsite will also be Fairmont Gold, the brand’s hotel-within-a-hotel experience boasting VIP service, exclusive lounge and private reception desk.
Plus six dining venues will include a 160-seat signature restaurant, coastal Baja cuisine, noodle shop, rooftop poolside grill, gourmet café, and lobby bar, each offering both indoor and outdoor seating to take advantage of San Diego’s temperate weather.
Design influences
Working in close collaboration with Accor’s Luxury Design & Technical Services team, Gensler will serve as both architect and interior designer for the development, bringing to life a contemporary vision, melding art deco and mid-century modern influences.
The all-glass façade will be warmed and illuminated by touches of bronze. The interiors will be adorned with rich fabrics, large-scale art installations, and pops of blue and bronze, flowing into exterior spaces, giving the building a sense of place along the waterfront.
Unprecedented scale
Mark Willis, CEO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work again with our partners at Manchester Financial Group to bring another landmark property to life.
“Opening as our largest-to-date Fairmont in the US, this project represents an incredible opportunity to bring the signature luxury experience for which Fairmont is known around the globe, on an unprecedented scale and magnitude to downtown San Diego. This marks the continued expansion of the brand, not only across California, but further strengthening Fairmont’s presence as one of the leading luxury hotel brands in North America.”
Standard setting
Papa Doug Manchester, chairman, Manchester Financial Group, added: “It is extremely meaningful to me to be able to contribute to this incredible community in which I was fortunate enough to grow up. From my days of selling papers at the Coronado Ferry when I was only 10 years old, I’ve had my eye on what I think is one of the most outstanding stretches of land in the world, and it is such an honour to play a role in its revitalisation.
“I’ve partnered with Fairmont on several other notable projects, and could not think of a more perfect brand and partner to transform this prime location into a globally renowned hotel. From the stunning design to the impeccable service and best-in-class amenities, Fairmont Manchester San Diego is going to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in downtown San Diego, and I look forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring to the market.”
Record pipeline
Fairmont Manchester San Diego joins a growing collection of luxury properties in California, including Fairmont Grand Del Mar, also in San Diego; the recently reimagined Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles; Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica; historic Bay Area icon Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel; and the brand’s original hotel, flagship Fairmont San Francisco.
With a record-breaking pipeline of more than 27 properties in development, other notable hotels that will join the Fairmont portfolio over the coming years include The Fairmont Breakers, Long Beach, California; Fairmont Orlando; Fairmont Phoenix; Fairmont La Paz Puerta Cortés Resort and Residences, Mexico; Golden Prague Hotel, a Fairmont Managed Hotel; Fairmont Hanoi; Fairmont Port Douglas, Australia; Fairmont La Hacienda, Spain; and Fairmont Dubai Skyline.
