The city's Fairmont hotel is being put on the market "after city officials failed to approve a proposal to convert some of the building to condos," reports Business Times. The hotel is currently owned by Oakland A’s owner Lew Wolff, investor Philip Maritz, and -- who knew!? --Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, the 26th richest person in the world. The plan, if you recall, was to nix the existing hotel tower, built in the 60s, to build residential spaces.The mighty hotel workers' union, however, got involved because it would've cost hotel jobs, which obviously it would have, and voted no on the thing. [Biz Times]
more ›

You'll recall how the Fairmont Hotel wants to take that semi-ugly tower at the corner of Stockton and California and build a new condo tower, demolishing the famed Tonga Room in the process? Well, now Mayor Ed Lee is rallying some support for the developers, who got stymied last fall by the Planning Commission who weren't satisfied with their Environmental Impact Report, or something, and who therefore missed their deadline for getting Planning's approval for the project. more ›

Those of you planning on taking your visiting grandparents to the Tonga Room tonight might want to adjust your evening plans. As the Appeal pointed out last week, the First Lady is scheduled to make an appearance at the Fairmont hotel tonight for a fundraiser supporting Barbara Boxer and other local Democrats less than a week after her husband made a similar visit. more ›

Republican presidential nominee John McCain is in town today. It seems the former P.O.W. will be dinning over at the Fairmont (for a $10,000/plate fundraiser). But wait, there's more: Members of No Soldier Left Behind, a "campaign promoting a comprehensive plan to end the war in Iraq and improve the security and well being of Iraqis and Americans," will protest outside the hotel tonight. If you want to be a part of the melee, the angry kids will convergence in front of the Fairmont Hotel at 6:30 p.m. In other news, their bar is simply wonderful for a well-made cocktail. We strongly recommend ordering a vespa or four. (CBS 5, via BCN) more ›