Fairmont Century Plaza: The Rebirth of a Legend

Located incredibly conveniently in the heart of LA, a stone’s throw away from both Beverly Hills and UCLA, the legendary Century Plaza has very recently undergone a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation. This hotel, which was the first ever to have color TVs in every room when it opened in 1966, has played host to everyone from Hollywood movie stars to presidents and international high-rollers over the years. In 2021, following the renovation, it reopened as the five-star luxury Fairmont Century Plaza, with 400 large guest rooms and suites.

VIDEO TOUR: FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA, AN ICON REBORN

The elegantly understated hotel boasts every single amenity you can think of (gym, spa, salon, you name it!), including an elegant lobby bar and a lavish rooftop pool with incredible views of Los Angeles—from the ocean to downtown. The rooms and suites are oversized, some of the most expansive we have seen in Los Angeles.

Now, if you know Honest Cooking Magazine, you know that we always head straight for the restaurant whenever we explore a new hotel, so we set our sights on Lumière, the flagship restaurant at Century Plaza. Lumière is a buzzing French-American all-day brasserie – so we had the opportunity to come back multiple times during our stay.

First, for a wonderfully fresh à la carte breakfast that gets your day started right, and then, following a couple of hours lounging by the pool upstairs – we came back for lunch. The menu featured some really delicious and fresh salads; do not sleep on the seared tuna Niçoise or the lobster chop, both of which were excellent. We also loved the chicken liver mousse and the freshly shucked oysters, and we couldn’t resist the classic croque madame, served with a perfect sunny-side egg on top.

With breakfast and dinner both being huge successes, we obviously had to come back for dinner too. The evening menu at Lumière stays firmly in classic French bistro fare, so you can explore everything from tartare and escargots to steak frites.

We elected to focus on seafood, which turned out to be a great choice. Delicious wild Alaskan halibut, served with fava beans and beurre blanc, and there was no way we would not order the decadent seafood platter.

Following dinner, you can either venture out into the vibrant LA nightlife—there’s plenty of bars and restaurants in the local area—or do what we did: move back to the lobby bar for a nightcap while you take in the warm Southern California evening.

The Fairmont Century Plaza has certainly brought the legend back to LA, and we cannot wait to come back for another visit.

FAQs About Fairmont Century Plaza

1. Where is Fairmont Century Plaza located?
Fairmont Century Plaza is located in Century City, Los Angeles, just minutes from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and UCLA.

2. What is the history of Fairmont Century Plaza?
Originally opened in 1966, Century Plaza was the first hotel to have color TVs in every room. It has hosted Hollywood stars, U.S. presidents, and international dignitaries. In 2021, it reopened after a massive multi-year renovation as a five-star Fairmont hotel.

3. What amenities does Fairmont Century Plaza offer?
Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a luxurious spa, a 24-hour fitness center, an elegant lobby bar, and Lumière, its signature French brasserie.

4. What are the best dining options at Fairmont Century Plaza?

• Lumière – A French-American brasserie offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring seafood platters, steak frites, and a take-away counter.
• Lobby Bar – A stylish lounge for cocktails and small bites.
• Rooftop Pool Bar – Drinks and light fare with sweeping views of Los Angeles.

5. What makes Fairmont Century Plaza’s location unique?
The hotel is centrally located in LA, within walking distance to Westfield Century City Mall, high-end restaurants, luxury boutiques, and nightlife, and a short drive from Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.

6. Does Fairmont Century Plaza have a rooftop pool?
Yes! The rooftop pool offers unparalleled views of Los Angeles, stretching from Downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean.

7. Can non-guests dine at Lumière or visit the rooftop bar?
Yes! Lumière and the lobby bar are open to the public, but reservations are recommended for peak dining hours.

8. What type of rooms does Fairmont Century Plaza offer?
The hotel boasts oversized rooms and suites, many of which are among the largest in Los Angeles, featuring private balconies and luxury amenities.

9. How far is Fairmont Century Plaza from LAX?
The hotel is about 10 miles (16 km) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic.

10. What makes Fairmont Century Plaza a luxury hotel?
The hotel offers five-star accommodations, world-class dining, top-tier amenities, and impeccable service, making it a prime choice for business travelers, Hollywood elites, and luxury seekers.

Know Before You Go

The Best Time to Visit Fairmont Century Plaza

• Spring (March-May): Warm weather, fewer tourists, and ideal for rooftop lounging.
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for poolside cocktails and exploring LA’s vibrant nightlife.
• Fall (September-November): Milder temperatures, less crowded, and an ideal time for shopping.
• Winter (December-February): Great for holiday shopping in Beverly Hills and award season events.

5 Must-Do Experiences at Fairmont Century Plaza

1. Enjoy a Rooftop Sunset Cocktail – The rooftop pool bar offers one of the best panoramic sunset views in LA.
2. Indulge in the Lumière Seafood Platter – A decadent selection of oysters, lobster, shrimp, and caviar.
3. Relax at the Fairmont Spa – A tranquil retreat offering facials, massages, and wellness treatments.
4. Walk to Beverly Hills for Luxury Shopping – Rodeo Drive and Westfield Century City Mall are just minutes away.
5. Sip a Nightcap at the Lobby Bar – A chic yet cozy place to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails.

Luxury vs. Convenience: Why Fairmont Century Plaza is Perfect for Both

• Luxury: Five-star service, a serene spa, and a high-end dining scene.
• Convenience: Located in Century City, making it easy to access Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.

Fairmont Century Plaza vs. Other Luxury Hotels in LA: Why Choose It?

• Better than Beverly Hills Hotels? More spacious rooms and a quieter setting but still close to Rodeo Drive.
• Better than Downtown LA Hotels? Less crowded and more relaxed, with a better neighborhood atmosphere.
• Better than Santa Monica Hotels? More central location with easier access to all of LA.

Fairmont Century Plaza
2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067, United States
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