Fairmont Century Plaza Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

The Fairmont Century Plaza Los Angeles, a Michelin Key Selected property, stands as a reimagined icon in Century City, blending its storied past with contemporary luxury after a significant $2.5 billion renovation.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Fairmont Century Plaza is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Excellent" rating of 8.6 out of 10 based on over 360 reviews and 8.9 out of 10 based on 136 reviews from another source. Guests frequently praise the hotel for its style, comfort, and exceptional service, making it a standout luxury choice in Los Angeles.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the Fairmont Century Plaza:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel beautifully integrates its historic mid-century modern architecture with sleek, contemporary interiors. The dramatic lobby, complete with live water features and cozy fire elements, creates a bright and breezy atmosphere.
• Service: The staff is often described as accommodating, professional, and warm, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
• Amenities: The 14,000 square-foot Fairmont Spa, a fully equipped Technogym, and the rooftop pool with "spectacular City of Angels view" are significant draws. The hotel also features the West Coast's first Fairmont Gold Lounge, offering exclusive services, private check-in, breakfast, and evening cocktails.
• Location: Its central location next to the Westfield Century City mall and proximity to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood is highly appreciated for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 351 spacious guest rooms and 49 suites, all boasting private terraces. Rooms are designed in a classic contemporary style, emphasizing sunset views of Los Angeles through floor-to-ceiling windows. Many rooms are described as having modern and classy decor and include luxurious bathrooms with Le Labo amenities, vanity mirrors, and separate bathtubs and walk-in showers. Even entry-level Fairmont Rooms are considered spacious, starting at 320 square feet. However, some guests have found standard rooms to be relatively small and cluttered for an upscale hotel, with some furniture showing wear.

4. Dining Experience

The Fairmont Century Plaza offers delightful dining experiences with a focus on contemporary French cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.

• Lumière: This elegant French brasserie combines French techniques with California style, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. It offers an inviting atmosphere for leisurely meals, including an à la carte breakfast, and features an attractive garden patio for outdoor dining. Executive Chef Ramon Bojorquez oversees the menu.
• The Bar at Century Plaza: This prominent lobby bar offers premium, music-inspired cocktails and a diverse menu of bar food favorites, including a highly recommended burger. Live music is often featured in the early evenings, creating a vibrant ambiance.
• The Pool Bar: Located on the rooftop, it offers exquisite cuisine and "breathtaking views of the skyline" in a spirited poolside atmosphere.
• Breakfast: Breakfast, whether enjoyed in Lumière or via room service on a private balcony, is frequently praised as delicious and amazing.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Fairmont Century Plaza receive high marks for their hospitality, warmth, and professionalism. Guests report prompt assistance from bellhops upon arrival, accommodating staff, and efficient housekeeping. Reviewers frequently highlight the incredible and cooperative nature of the team, with individual staff members often mentioned by name for their exceptional service. The dedicated team and personalized service in the Fairmont Gold Lounge are particularly noted.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an excellent, central location in Century City, Los Angeles. It's described as being at the "core of a city within a city," offering a walkable neighborhood with trend-setting restaurants and boutiques. Key attractions nearby include the Westfield Century City mall, which is just steps away and provides extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel is also conveniently close to Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, about 20 minutes east of Santa Monica beaches, and approximately 30-40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles (outside of rush hour). Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is roughly a 30-minute drive, costing around $30 for a rideshare. The hotel offers valet parking with in-and-out privileges. The property also provides ADA-compliant rooms and suites, with many hotel areas fully accessible.

7. Value & Pricing

The Fairmont Century Plaza is positioned as a high-end luxury hotel, and its pricing reflects this. Room rates can start around $297 but are often higher, with average weeknight prices around $611 and weekend nights at $567. Some guests consider it among the priciest in the city. While many find the overall experience worthwhile, the cost of amenities and dining is noted as exorbitant, with breakfast for two nearing $100 and spa treatments exceeding $375. The valet parking is also pricey at $65 per 24 hours. Some guests have criticized the presence of an "urban experience fee" or resort fee, suggesting it should be incorporated into the room rate.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the high praise, some recurring criticisms and issues have been noted by guests:

• Room Size & Condition: Some standard rooms are described as "small and cluttered," with furniture that can appear worn.
• Cleanliness Issues: Instances of dirty balcony floors have been reported.
• Service Inconsistencies: While generally excellent, some guests have experienced issues with room service, noting that if the morning service is missed, full cleaning might not occur without a specific request, and there's no evening refresh. There have also been occasional complaints about slow reception staff.
• Unexpected Charges: Some reviews mention complaints about unexpected charges after checkout.
• Minibar: A few guests have noted an empty minibar.
• Rooftop Pool: While offering great views, some find the rooftop pool to be small for a hotel of its size and that it doesn't receive sun for large portions of the day due to surrounding residential towers.
• High Costs: The high cost of dining, spa facilities ($75 just to use the facilities), and valet parking are frequently mentioned as drawbacks.

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