AARON SPELLING’S POPULAR TELEVISION SERIES, “HOTEL,” CHECKS INTO THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO FOR AN EXTENDED STAY

Fairmont revives starring role as

the St. Gregory Hotel

SAN FRANCISCO – The iconic Fairmont San Francisco, which stars as the fictional St. Gregory Hotel in the 1980s drama series, will celebrate the DVD release of “Arthur Hailey’s Hotel: The First Season” by offering guests a complimentary private, in-room screening of the pilot movie that launched the television phenomenon.  In addition, visitors can enjoy The Fairmont’s original St. Gregory^TM cocktail in The Laurel Court Bar and view “Hotel” memorabilia at the hotel’s Heritage Hall.  (Note to Editors: Please see the recipe for the St. Gregory^TM cocktail at the end of this press release.)

Inspired by Arthur Hailey’s bestselling novel, the pilot and subsequent episodes of “Hotel” were filmed at The Fairmont San Francisco.  A replica of the hotel was eventually built at Warner Bros. Studio and The Fairmont became known to television audiences worldwide as the luxurious St. Gregory Hotel.

Starring James Brolin and Connie Sellecca, “Hotel” chronicles the lighthearted and romantic lives of the colleagues and guests of San Francisco’s St. Gregory Hotel.  Shari Belafonte and Anne Baxter, as well as a veritable who’s who of celebrity guests, made the St. Gregory the primetime place to be seen during the series’ landmark five-year run from 1983 to 1988.

Beginning July 21, 2009 through July 21, 2010, The Fairmont will broadcast the two-hour pilot episode of “Hotel” on its in-room entertainment system as a complimentary amenity for guests.  The real-life version of the St. Gregory will also sell “Arthur Hailey’s Hotel: The First Season” DVD set (from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment) for $54.99 to guests seeking a unique memento of their stay.  The six-disc DVD collection includes all 22 first season episodes plus the pilot movie.

Like many of its celebrity guests, the world-famous Fairmont San Francisco has garnered a long list of starring roles to its credit, including the classic Hitchcock thriller “Vertigo” which established the hotel’s appeal as a film location in 1958. 

A-LIST ACCOMODATIONS STARTING AT $259

Now through December 31, 2009, The Fairmont is offering luxurious guest rooms starting at $259 plus tax, based on availability.  For reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.

Since 1907, The Fairmont has served as the San Francisco residence for US 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. 

ST. GREGORY^TM COCKTAIL

In 1983, The Fairmont hosted a spirited competition among its 21 bartenders to create the St. Gregory^TM cocktail.  Longtime Fairmont bartender Manuel Razo recalls that the cocktail was first served at a party for the cast and crew of the “Hotel” pilot movie, including actress Bette Davis.  Razo continues to serve the refreshing cocktail in The Laurel Court Bar.