The story of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, which opened its first hotel in 1961, is a tale of continual innovation, remarkable expansion and a single-minded dedication to the highest of standards. The Canadian-based company has, for 60 years, transformed the hospitality industry by combining personalised, genuine care with an unwavering commitment to excellence. In the process, Four Seasons has redefined luxury for the modern traveller.
1960–1969Four Seasons is Born
Isadore (Issy) Sharp had no plans to enter the hotel business on a grand scale when the young architect and builder – working with his contractor father, Max Sharp – constructed his first hotel. Over the course of this decade, he opened three Four Seasons hotels. Sharp’s experience would pave the way for the creation of a new kind of hotel, one focused solely on the guest.
1970–1979A Focus on Luxury
The 1970s began with a defining moment – the opening of a hotel in London, England. This hotel set the tone for the future direction of the company and pioneered many of the signature Four Seasons services now delivered worldwide. Within a few years, the company’s portfolio also included 10 hotels across Canada, and its first US management contracts, in San Francisco and Chicago. By the close of the decade, Four Seasons had entered the US market under its own brand name in Washington, DC.
1980–1989Expansion into the USA
The 1980s unveiled flagship hotels in a dozen US cities, including Philadelphia, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Chicago. Four Seasons as a distinct brand name was coming into its own. Divesting less-strategic properties, the company began to transform itself from a hotel owner-operator into a management company. It also started to manage hotels in mixed-use developments – a new concept at the time – allowing it to extend its expertise into high-quality residential environments.
1990–1999Growth Around the World
Acclaimed as a North American leader in hospitality by the start of the decade, the Four Seasons brand had arrived. Anticipating the demand for a new generation of leisure experiences – offering exceptional service and facilities in exotic destinations – the company focused on expanding its portfolio of resorts throughout the 1990s. It also introduced the Four Seasons experience to a significant number of destinations in Europe and Asia.
2000–2009A Global Luxury Brand
As its fifth decade began, Four Seasons continued to grow – in both size and recognition – around the world. The company now welcomed guests to 50 properties, on every continent except Antarctica. More than ever, Four Seasons Private Residences and other branded residential offerings were integrated with urban and resort Four Seasons locations. The strength of the brand had become a promise of a quality of life.
2010–2019Innovation Meets Luxury Travel
Four Seasons continued its focus on global expansion, while maintaining its emphasis on creativity and innovation, both through the introduction of new properties and technologies, ultimately enhancing its leadership in luxury travel.
2020 to PresentAccelerated Growth and New Opportunities
Entering a new decade, Four Seasons and the hospitality industry continue to work through the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 global pandemic. In response, Four Seasons launched its enhanced health and safety program, LEAD WITH CARE, continuing to build upon the trust, care and flexibility that the company has long-established with its guests and residents. Despite this circumstance, Four Seasons continues to focus on exceptional service, maintaining its development momentum with new projects in key markets and solidifying its place in the future of luxury hospitality.