Fairmont Century Plaza – Century City, Los Angeles, California

Fairmont Century Plaza Review

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Modern Presidential Prestige in the Heart of Century City
For travelers seeking polished contemporary luxury with political legacy and walkable business access, Fairmont Century Plaza delivers one of Los Angeles’ most historically significant addresses. I stayed for two nights in early May in a Deluxe Skyline View Room on a high floor facing west toward Beverly Hills. This was a self-funded stay.

Location

Located on Avenue of the Stars in Century City, the hotel sits within immediate walking distance of Westfield Century City and major law and entertainment offices. Unlike Beverly Hills resorts that emphasize garden seclusion, this setting feels corporate, vertical, and metropolitan.

From higher floors, sunset light reflects off surrounding glass towers while distant hill contours frame the western skyline.

Rooms & Suites

My Deluxe Skyline View Room featured floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a private balcony — a rare amenity for a Los Angeles high-rise hotel. The west-facing exposure captured golden-hour light, with partial views extending toward the Pacific on clear days.

Interiors leaned modern: light oak flooring, soft neutral textiles, and brushed brass accents. The marble bathroom included a glass-enclosed rainfall shower, dual vanities, and excellent lighting temperature for evening use. Water pressure was consistently strong even during peak morning hours.

Balcony acoustics were surprisingly subdued given the urban setting; traffic noise was minimal once doors were closed.

Dining

Lumière Brasserie

The hotel’s signature restaurant emphasizes French-influenced California cuisine. Breakfast service was prompt, with precisely timed coffee refills and attentive but unobtrusive table monitoring. Window seating offers the strongest natural light during morning hours.

Lobby Bar

The lobby bar functions as both a business meeting space and evening social lounge. Seating is arranged to allow conversational privacy without isolating guests entirely from the room’s energy.

Amenities

The rooftop pool deck provides panoramic city views framed by glass railing. Afternoon sun exposure is direct, while shaded cabanas offer relief during peak heat. The spa facilities emphasize quiet, neutral-toned interiors rather than overt opulence.

A Legacy of Presidential Prestige

For decades, the Century Plaza Hotel has maintained a distinguished status as a preferred retreat for U.S. presidents visiting Los Angeles. Leaders from Lyndon Johnson to George H. W. Bush stayed here, and during the Reagan era the property earned the nickname “The Western White House,” often drawing demonstrators along Avenue of the Stars during official visits.

President Bill Clinton addressed the National Education Association at the hotel, with performances by Elton John and Rod Stewart marking the occasion. While President Barack Obama utilized the nearby Equinox gym during visits, he chose to stay elsewhere — similar to John F. Kennedy’s preference for other Los Angeles properties.

Few Los Angeles hotels carry comparable political and diplomatic legacy.

Service Experience

Check-in was efficient, with immediate room readiness upon early afternoon arrival. Valet retrieval averaged under six minutes during peak evening hours. Housekeeping provided precise evening turndown with blackout curtains fully drawn and bedside water placement standardized.

Staff interactions skew professional and business-oriented rather than resort-casual.

Pet Friendly Policy

Fairmont Century Plaza welcomes pets with no weight restrictions and no additional charge. Pets must remain leashed in public areas and cannot be left unattended in rooms. Service animals are always welcome and exempt from restrictions, reinforcing the hotel’s inclusive policies.

Who Should Stay Here

Ideal for business travelers, diplomatic guests, and visitors who prefer modern high-rise sophistication over resort-style grounds. Also well-suited for luxury travelers seeking walkable access to Century City shopping and dining.

Pros & Considerations

Pros: Presidential legacy, private balconies, strong business location, modern interiors.
Considerations: Less romantic than garden-style Beverly Hills properties; urban setting lacks beachfront or estate seclusion.

Final Verdict

Fairmont Century Plaza successfully blends mid-century political history with contemporary Los Angeles luxury. Its balcony-equipped rooms, polished service structure, and presidential legacy distinguish it within the competitive Century City market. For travelers prioritizing location, prestige, and refined modern comfort, it remains a commanding address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fairmont Century Plaza pet friendly?
Yes. The hotel welcomes pets of all sizes at no additional charge, with leash requirements in public areas.

Why is it called “The Western White House”?
The nickname emerged during the Reagan era due to frequent presidential stays and official events hosted at the hotel.

Does every room have a balcony?
Most guest rooms feature private balconies, a distinguishing feature among Los Angeles high-rise hotels.