THE Fairmont Hamilton Princess will open its doors to the public on September 2 for guided tours to mark the hotel group's centennial.

The tours will introduce visitors to historic areas throughout the hotel, as well as the people and events that have made the hotel famous.

Among the many highlights are the story of Princess Louise's 1883 visit that resulted in the hotel being named after her; the use of a detective agency to track down a former hotel steward who would serve for 45 years as one of the hotel's most beloved managers; the glamorous days of white jackets and pink handkerchiefs when Mark Twain would sit on the veranda smoking cigars, signing autographs and reciting poetry for adoring fans, as well as the remarkable time during World War Two when the hotel served as intelligence headquarters for the British Government.

"We've been honoured to have history unfold at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess from the time the hotel opened in 1885 until today, and this is our chance to share the most fascinating aspects of the hotel's history, indeed Bermuda's history, with the community," the director of sales and marketing for the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Rehanna Palumbo, said.

Tours take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the "Open Door" event, while brochures are also available for those who wish to conduct their own tours at other times.

After the tour, guests are invited to enjoy afternoon tea featuring the 1907 Centennial Tea ¿ a limited-edition commemorative blend created by the Metropolitan Tea Company Ltd. ¿ or toast the anniversary with a centennial-inspired cocktail from "Toasting a Century of History", a special commemorative menu at Heritage Court.

In honour of the Fairmont Resort & Hotel's 1907 inception, afternoon tea is being offered for a special price of $19.07 plus gratuity.

Reservations are not required for the tours, which are expected to last between 30 and 45 minutes.

For information, contact the concierge desk at Fairmont Hamilton Princess at 295-3000.