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L.A.’s Cultural History Abounds at Fairmont Century Plaza
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What makes an icon? In a town like Los Angeles, the question can take on every kind of nuance. When it comes to hotels as cultural landmarks, however, the qualifications are more succinct. Host significant events, house the most well-known people, and toss in some lore. In the case of Fairmont Century Plaza, being one of the most refined properties in California only adds to the luster.
Since it’s 1966 inception, Fairmont Century Plaza has hosted the Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, the “Dinner of the Century” and the rock band Cream’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction party, among many other landmark events.
Since it’s 1966 inception, Fairmont Century Plaza has hosted the Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, the “Dinner of the Century” and the rock band Cream’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction party, among many other landmark events.
Never one to rest on its laurels, Fairmont Century Plaza took advantage of some downtime recently to enhance architect Minoru Yamasaki’s mid-century modern “Hotel of the Future” (Yamasaki san’s words) now a key part of a larger $2.5B mixed-use redevelopment that includes an expansive Plaza, luxury condos and future retail and dining. The hotel itself offers 400 guest rooms with private terraces, a breathtaking 14,000 square foot Fairmont Spa, rooftop pool, a French-inspired brasserie and West Los Angeles’ largest ballroom with a private valet drive. It sits in the center of Los Angeles across from top retail and dining, adjacent to Beverly Hills and within close proximity to the beaches of Santa Monica and the nightlife of West Hollywood. With its history and location, it truly is the beating heart of the city.
Here’s a detailed timeline of highlights at Fairmont Century Plaza
Here’s a detailed timeline of highlights at Fairmont Century Plaza
THE GRAND OPENING
Century Plaza has been making a big splash since the day it opened, with its bold design from Yamasaki, the internationally acclaimed architect and its location as the centerpiece of Century City which was billed as “A city within a city” due to easy proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Hollywood, cultural institutions and, of course, LAX. In many ways this was the heyday of Hollywood glamour, and the construction of the Century Plaza signaled that few cities in the world could match L.A.’s orbit.
1966
PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS
Century Plaza didn’t take long to establish its reputation as a star-studded oasis. One year after opening, the 19th Primetime Emmys were held in the hotel’s significant ballroom. Lucille Ball painted the town “Red” when she won Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series, one of five statues she would take home during her career. She was also nominated an astounding 19 times for a Primetime Emmy.
Don Adams received the male equivalent Emmy for “Get Smart.” Not to be outdone, in 1970 the 12th Annual Grammy Awards were also held in the now fabled ballroom. Johnny Cash’s “Boy Named Sue” was a hit, as was Joni Mitchell; The Fifth Dimension; and Crosby, Stills & Nash, who were voted “Best New Group.”
Don Adams received the male equivalent Emmy for “Get Smart.” Not to be outdone, in 1970 the 12th Annual Grammy Awards were also held in the now fabled ballroom. Johnny Cash’s “Boy Named Sue” was a hit, as was Joni Mitchell; The Fifth Dimension; and Crosby, Stills & Nash, who were voted “Best New Group.”
1967
THE DINNER OF THE CENTURY
Speaking of orbits, the Presidential celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing was held here too. And speaking of presidents, when the hotel opened in 1966, you could see the Pacific from the Presidential Suite, as the Century Plaza was the tallest building in the area. The other guest rooms also offered quite a view, given the hotel was the first to include color televisions.
Every chief executive since President Johnson has stayed in the Presidential Suite or attended events at Century Plaza. Ronald Reagan spent so much time here, often hosting campaign events and inaugural celebrations, that the Fairmont Century Plaza was dubbed “The Western White House.”
Few parties matched the dinner President and Pat Nixon planned on August 13, 1969, to honor the safe return of the Apollo 11 mission. Declared the “Dinner of the Century,” the banquet was the only state dinner held outside of the White House during the Nixon years. More than 50 members of Congress and too many celebrities to count, including the astronauts and their families, were among the 1,140 people to attend.
Every chief executive since President Johnson has stayed in the Presidential Suite or attended events at Century Plaza. Ronald Reagan spent so much time here, often hosting campaign events and inaugural celebrations, that the Fairmont Century Plaza was dubbed “The Western White House.”
Few parties matched the dinner President and Pat Nixon planned on August 13, 1969, to honor the safe return of the Apollo 11 mission. Declared the “Dinner of the Century,” the banquet was the only state dinner held outside of the White House during the Nixon years. More than 50 members of Congress and too many celebrities to count, including the astronauts and their families, were among the 1,140 people to attend.
1969
1993
CREAM INDUCTED INTO ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
Music has always played a significant role in the Century City hotel that was built on the old Fox Studios lot, from The Beatles winning a Grammy in 1970, to legendary duo Sonny and Cher performing nightly - they recorded their first live album here in 1971, to Elton John’s “Return to the Century” solo show in 1978. In 1993, the English rock group Cream was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame here, performing live in the Century Plaza ballroom.
PHOTO BY KEVIN MAZUR
FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA TODAY
To this day, Fairmont Century Plaza continues to host innovative performances by today’s and tomorrow’s greatest celebrities. This past March, the 27th Critic’s Choice Awards were held in the hotel’s ballroom in tandem with London’s prestigious Savoy Hotel, a Fairmont sister property. Jessica Chastain and Will Smith took home awards for Best Actress and Best Actor in a Film, respectively. The 28th Critic’s Choice Awards are scheduled in the ballroom for January 15, 2023 as are a host of top industry award shows and galas.
The world’s most familiar faces don’t have to be present for a good time at Fairmont Century Plaza. The rooftop pool offers panoramic views of the city from canyons to Pacific Ocean. You can also disappear to a spa treatment in the tranquil sanctuary of Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. The Bar at Century Plaza is also receiving rave reviews. Lumière, the hotel’s French-inspired brasserie, is drawing comparisons to L.A.’s best meeting places, a perfect combination of lively ambience, privacy and impeccable service.
Landmarks don’t always last in Southern California, a region that is forever changing. How refreshing then to experience an iconic structure that for more than half a century has hosted presidents, Emmy award winners and of-a-kind concerts. Come visit the completely new Fairmont Century Plaza to see what all the fuss is about.
The world’s most familiar faces don’t have to be present for a good time at Fairmont Century Plaza. The rooftop pool offers panoramic views of the city from canyons to Pacific Ocean. You can also disappear to a spa treatment in the tranquil sanctuary of Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. The Bar at Century Plaza is also receiving rave reviews. Lumière, the hotel’s French-inspired brasserie, is drawing comparisons to L.A.’s best meeting places, a perfect combination of lively ambience, privacy and impeccable service.
Landmarks don’t always last in Southern California, a region that is forever changing. How refreshing then to experience an iconic structure that for more than half a century has hosted presidents, Emmy award winners and of-a-kind concerts. Come visit the completely new Fairmont Century Plaza to see what all the fuss is about.
Present Day
Embrace the Season at Fairmont Century Plaza
Though Fairmont Century Plaza is characterized by its iconic role in star-studded Hollywood history, the luxurious experience is inclusive to adventurers traveling from near and far. Whether soaking up the LA sun on the rooftop pool deck or unwinding at the 14,000 square foot Fairmont Spa, you too can experience lavish life at one of Southern California’s most exquisite hotels that truly only gets better with time. There’s no better time than now to experience the glamour and charm that set the stage for so many of Hollywood’s most historic happenings. Become a part of Fairmont Century Plaza history this year and embrace the season, as guests can receive up to 20% off their stay, unlocking exclusive access to a trip you’ll surely never forget. Offer ends March 31.
Plus, members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless enjoy an additional 5% discount with our Members’ Rate, among other perks & benefits. Not a member? Enroll now
Plus, members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless enjoy an additional 5% discount with our Members’ Rate, among other perks & benefits. Not a member? Enroll now
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