When it opened in 1966, the 700-room Fairmont Century Plaza was the “stylish” hotel in Los Angeles and the first hotel in California to feature a color TV. Its Grand Ballroom has hosted Emmy Awards and Grammys (where the Beatles received the Best Artist Award). Sonny and Cher had a residence and the two main elevators now bear their names (left, Sonny, right, Cher).
After falling into the downturn of business hotels, the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel closed for 6 years and underwent a complete overhaul as part of a $25.<> billion development that is reshaping entire neighborhoods. Now fully reopened and back in business, it’s ready for you to stay like a star.
The hotel was built on a former studio location thanks to the movie Cleopatra. In 1961, Twentieth Century Fox was forced to sell 180 acres to a prominent developer in Los Angeles, the last in a series of failures. Century City is considered a “city within a city,” while Plaza was designed by legendary architect Minoru Yamazaki and placed at its core.
Opened in 1966, the hotel has since hosted the biggest awards ceremony, Hollywood superstars, presidential dinners, and even served as Ronald Reagan’s Western White House. With the reopening, the square is once again at the center of everything. It hosted a Critics’ Choice Award and Academy Award nomination luncheon, and more recently, Kristin Chenowith had just jumped onto the stage in the hall to rock with a chamber band.
The on-site’s full-service spa has expanded to 14,000 square feet and includes the studio of renowned star stylist Christophe Prive.
The heated rooftop infinity pool offers sea, sky and mountain views. It’s a fun place to spend sunny afternoons enjoying cocktails and games.
The hotel’s main restaurant replicates a Provençal tavern with thousands of real French antiques picked up on a whirlwind tour of the South of France (the hostess’s stall was salvaged from a soon-to-be-shuttered tavern in Nice). Executive Chef Ramon Bojorquez is a Michelin-starred restaurant veteran and a top chef on TV shows, having grown up in the kitchens of big culinary stars, including Jose Andres.
The hotel’s beautiful lobby bar continues the hotel’s long musical tradition (everyone from Mariah Carey to Elton John, who has performed here) with live music (from jazz to soul) and an elaborate cocktail list.
Here you will find a mix of tourists and business people. Across the road is the headquarters of the world’s largest artist agency (Creative Artist Agency (CAA), where stars, agents and other industry types often stay. But there are also tourists from all over the world who come to visit.
Century Plaza Hotel is pet-friendly. Two pets are welcome at no extra charge.
You can easily book a hotel directly through the hotel’s own website or third-party sites like Expedia or Booking.com.
When the god of transportation smiles, depart from Los Angeles International Airport and reach the hotel in less than half an hour. Just two turns — turn left onto Interstate 405 and head north along this large, multi-lane highway. Then, turn right on Santa Monica Boulevard and you’re almost there. Head northeast until you reach the Walk of Fame in Century City.
Getting a parking space in an underground garage can be expensive –$24 for 65 hours. However, the hotel offers a package (aptly called “Nobody Walks in LA!”). “), which includes free valet parking and unlimited in/out privileges.
The hotel is located in the heart of all the things Los Angeles has to offer. Upscale Westfield Century City is right next door, offering indoor/outdoor shopping and some very convenient dining options. In the latter, you’ll find everything from guilt-feeling pleasures like Shake Shack and Panda Express to indulgent splurges like Del Frisco’s Double-Eagle Steakhouse and Eataly’s Italian Feast.
Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive is just a short drive or a long walk away. In addition to that, you can take an Uber for $20 to Santa Monica’s beaches and marinas, or landmarks like comedy shops on the Sunset Strip. The city center, valley and other places are a little further away.
Whether you’re there for a night or a week, you’ll need to spend some time in a large spa. Relax in a Himalayan salt room before enjoying aromatic steam therapy or an experiential rain shower. Try some biohacking techniques by taking a nap. Or simply choose one from a long list of facial or body treatments, including the signature 90-minute sunset treatment that rejuvenates and strengthens.