As a butterfly emerges from a chrysalis, The Century Plaza Hotel will unveil itself to the public in September as The Fairmont Century Plaza; the precious jewel in the crown of a $2.5 billion mixed-use development encompassing 6.14 acres of iconic Los Angeles real estate. The posh hotel will be accompanied by the Tower Residences at Century Plaza—two 44-story glass skyscrapers featuring 268 privately owned estate residences skillfully designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. These condominiums in the sky will offer breathtaking cityscape views, unsurpassed amenities, and personal services, all nestled around nearly 94,000 square feet of boutique shopping and dining within a landscaped pedestrian plaza and event space.
The hotel itself has been redesigned with 351 enlarged guest rooms, nearly double the previous count, along with 49 suites, each featuring private terraces, and 63 luxury residences. A true landmark since 1966, this distinguished venue was designed by the architect of the original World Trade Center, Minoru Yamasaki. It occupies the former site of a backlot of 20th Century Fox studios, which was sold after a series of studio flops, including the epic film Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The landmark hotel has long been recognized by the graceful and sensuous curve of its grand property, which has beckoned to performers, presidents, prime ministers, and princes. In April 2009, the hotel was placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring the preservation of its recognizable rouge-lit balconies and sweeping porte cochere for future generations.
A Cultural Magnet
Over the decades, the prime location has hosted Hollywood’s royalty, politicians, and captains of industry, as well as the Emmy and Grammy award shows. Prominent figures like Lyndon Johnson and other presidents have spoken from its grand ballrooms, and the hotel was fondly referred to as the “Western White House” during the Reagan era, as he preferred this location to gather with world leaders and key players. The hotel has even hosted presidential state dinners in its magnificent meeting spaces, making it one of the few locations outside of the White House to do so.
Over the decades, the prime location has hosted Hollywood’s royalty, politicians, and captains of industry, as well as the Emmy and Grammy award shows. Prominent figures like Lyndon Johnson and other presidents have spoken from its grand ballrooms, and the hotel was fondly referred to as the “Western White House” during the Reagan era, as he preferred this location to gather with world leaders and key players. The hotel has even hosted presidential state dinners in its magnificent meeting spaces, making it one of the few locations outside of the White House to do so.
The luxury residences on the hotel site are single-story or townhouse-style homes, also designed by Yabu Pushelberg, featuring concierge living and 24-hour valet and security. Each residence is equipped with Snaidero kitchens, Sub Zero and Miele appliances, marble floors, and more, executed with top-tier craftsmanship and materials. Residents enjoy access to all of the hotel’s amenities, including private dining, fitness facilities, and a library lounge. They can also enroll in the Accor Owner Benefits Program, granting exclusive access and status while traveling worldwide.
Unmatched Amenities
Hotel guests will revel in the newly designed rooftop pool and lounge, offering captivating views, VIP cabanas, a fully equipped Technogym, and a 14,000 square foot Zen-inspired spa. The Fairmont Spa combines modern technologies with ancient wellness techniques to create a program centered on physical, emotional, and spiritual growth, with modalities easily adapted into daily lifestyles. With an enviable menu of body treatments, including massages and facials, along with nine private treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, aromatherapy, and Himalayan salt rooms, the Fairmont Spa stands as one of the largest in Los Angeles.
A highlight on the premises is Lumière Brasserie, a modern American brasserie that ventures into the finest traditions of French cuisine. Lumière leans into seasonal delights, developing dishes that blend French and California styles. The restaurant features three dining venues: the brasserie for leisurely meals, the bar for cocktail service and specialty French beer, and the patisserie for daily provisions reminiscent of a day in Paris. General Manager Paul Quinn leads the kitchen, bringing years of experience from notable venues such as Quince in San Francisco and Eleven Madison Park in New York City.
Guests can dine in the charming outdoor courtyard, designed to evoke a French chateau in the countryside, graced with magnolia trees and heady-scented jasmine and lavender. Seafood towers and magnums of champagne mark memorable meals, and intimate private dining spaces such as The Writer’s Den and the solarium are available to guests.
Vignette is a sparkling café with a casual atmosphere, beautifully designed yet relaxed and friendly. Cheerful baristas offer favorite beverages, freshly baked pastries, salads, and on-the-go sandwich fare. Serving as a local general store, Vignette also provides an exclusive selection of retail and market goods, clothing, and a curated wine selection.
The Bar is the perfect place to unwind by the serene water feature, cozy fireplace, or living wall of greenery—a spot to see and be seen. The food is fresh and innovative, with unique and technique-driven presentations. Playful effects such as scented vaporizing dry ice, smoked cloches, and house-made dehydrated dusts create a complete sensory experience, serving delectable cocktails and nibbles.
A Grand Venue
The redesigned historical ballroom will comfortably seat 1,500, making it the largest ballroom on the Westside of Los Angeles. The elegant 13,000 square foot room, with a 2,000 square foot stage, echoes the unique style of Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and has been designed by the Pushelberg firm with a spectacular wood ceiling, bronze doors, and uplit walls for added drama. Expect many Hollywood ceremonies and benefits to clamor to entertain in this stunning new setting, which is part of nearly 24,000 square feet of private event spaces available in this sought-after Westside location.
The redesigned historical ballroom will comfortably seat 1,500, making it the largest ballroom on the Westside of Los Angeles. The elegant 13,000 square foot room, with a 2,000 square foot stage, echoes the unique style of Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and has been designed by the Pushelberg firm with a spectacular wood ceiling, bronze doors, and uplit walls for added drama. Expect many Hollywood ceremonies and benefits to clamor to entertain in this stunning new setting, which is part of nearly 24,000 square feet of private event spaces available in this sought-after Westside location.
With the completion of The Fairmont Century Plaza, a part of the past has been preserved and redesigned as a gateway to this glorious space for today’s world. The original Century Plaza Hotel was once dubbed “The Hotel of the Future.” In a wonderful twist of fate, that prophecy has come true, and it will continue to thrive for years to come.