Alex Kassatly new General Manager, Fairmont Towers

Bringing more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new role as General Manager, Fairmont Towers, Alex Kassatly will oversee the opening of the first Fairmont hotel in Cairo, scheduled to open Fall 2007, as well as the operations of the adjacent hotel formerly known as the Sheraton Heliopolis.

Fairmont will operate this property under the name Hotel Heliopolis prior to an extensive renovation period, which will include rooms, public areas and the building's façade.

Alex is a graduate of the Hospitality Management Program from Concordia University in Montreal and a graduate of the Advanced Management Program for the Hospitality Industry Program from the University of Guelph in Ontario and Cornell in New York.

Since joining Le Château Champlain, Montreal in 1976, he has held several progressive positions within Fairmont Hotels & Resorts : 1985 to 1989 - Food & Beverage Director, Château Champlain; 1989 to 1990 - Assistant Director, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth; 1990 to 1994 - Director of operations, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac; 1994 to 1998 - General Manager, Delta Beauséjour ; 1998 to 2001 General Manager, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu where he participated in the major expansion and renovation project of the resort. In 2001, Mr. Kassatly accepted the position of General Manager, The Plaza, New York, a position he held until he was appointed to his most recent position as General Manager, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec City.

Alex is a member of the Chaîne des rôtisseurs and L'Amicale des sommeliers and throughout the years has been involved with many charity organizations, at the fundraising and board level.

Mr. Kassatly comments ''I am pleased to be part of this exciting project which reinforces Fairmont's expansion in the region. I am also eager to learn all about Egypt and its civilization."

Fairmont Towers An Edifice of Fusion Architecture

Located in Heliopolis, and designed to have 247 guest rooms including ten suites, Fairmont Towers is built to reflect contemporary and art deco designs. Basking metal pillars, fountains, palm trees, and floral beds welcome you to the atrium. In the center of the atrium, Café Heliopolis is a refreshing encounter for guests with its unique selection of home-made ice-creams, juices, and paninis. Serving contemporary Italian cuisine with French overtones Aqua e Luce is the first gourmet restaurant of its kind to open in Cairo. The outdoor Pizza Bar serves a variety of salads, pizzas, pastas, and timeless favorites. Fuze bar serves continental cuisine and high end snacks.

Named after ancient Egyptian precious stones and Red Sea treasures, the conferences and catering facilities at Fairmont Towers are by far the largest and best-equipped in Cairo. More than 4,500 square meters of banqueting space and innovative themed coffee breaks, breakfast packages, lunch buffets, and cocktail reception tidbits are particularly designed to ensure an air of unrivalled luxury in unforgettable settings with emphasis on culinary magic and personalized service. Amber, Turquoise, Onyx, and Coral are 130 square meters each. Granite is 100 square meters and The Canyon is 1800 square meters and it could be divided into four sections using partitions; Colored Canyon, White Canyon, Blue Canyon, and Rock Canyon.

Comprised of five floors, Fairmont Towers has 128 rooms overlooking the atrium and 119 rooms with a view of the pool and gardens. With an approximate area of 50 meters square, all rooms have a wide window or a terrace, mini bar, and a separate bathroom equipped with a sound system, standing rain shower, and bathtub. The three deluxe one bedroom suites, on the first three floors have bullet proof glass and a Jacuzzi. The three executive suites on the other side of the same three floors have full wooden walling, a dining room, a pantry, a small makeup area, a walk-in closet, and bullet proof glass. Combined, each executive suite with its opposing deluxe one bedroom suite, they form a total of three presidential suites. There are also four one bedroom suites, one on each of the second, third, fourth, and fifth floors.