The Century Plaza Hotel

The Century Plaza Hotel
Name	Century Plaza Hotel
Caption	Century Plaza Hotel, West Tower and Plaza Towers
Location	Century City, Los Angeles, California, United States
Coordinates	34°03′22″N 118°26′58″W
Opened	1966
Architect	Minoru Yamasaki
Developer	Alcoa Realty Corporation
Owner	Next Century Partners (as of 2024)
Floor count	19 (East Tower), 32 (West Tower)
Style	Modernist

The Century Plaza Hotel is a landmark luxury hotel complex in Century City, Los Angeles, California, originally opened in 1966. Developed by Alcoa and designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the hotel became an icon hosting film festival premieres, diplomatic delegations, and political conventions. Over decades the property has been associated with corporate executives from 20th Century Fox, international celebrities from Academy Awards ceremonies, and major developers including Hines Interests and Marriott International affiliates.

History

The site for the hotel was part of former studio backlot holdings of 20th Century Fox sold to real estate interests including Howard Hughes-era entities. Construction began after approvals from the Los Angeles City Council and planning reviews influenced by regional projects like Century City master plans. Opening ceremonies in 1966 featured civic leaders from Mayor Sam Yorty’s administration and executives from Alcoa and Harrison & Abramovitz-era collaborators. During the 1970s and 1980s the hotel hosted gatherings tied to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, international heads of state from nations such as Japan and United Kingdom, and charity galas associated with United Way affiliates. The property weathered economic cycles affecting Los Angeles real estate, transactions involving firms like Hines Interests, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and later purchases by entities led by Ty Warner interests and investment groups connected to Next Century Partners.

Architecture and Design

Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the complex exemplifies Modernist architecture trends paralleling towers by firms such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and projects like Wolf Point Plaza. Yamasaki’s design vocabulary—seen elsewhere in works related to World Trade Center (1973–2001)—is evident in the hotel’s rhythmic facade, slender columns, and landscaped plazas reminiscent of projects by I. M. Pei and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The property features twin towers with distinctive curtain wall systems, plazas framed by fountains and public art commissions from sculptors associated with institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Interiors originally included lobby atria and banquet halls furnished with selections from retailers tied to Saks Fifth Avenue and design firms that collaborated with Tiffany & Co. for lighting fixtures. Landscape elements drew from regional planners who worked on developments like Beverly Hills mixed-use plazas and the Rodeo Drive shopping district.

Ownership, Management, and Renovations

Ownership has changed hands multiple times among entities including Alcoa, pension funds linked to CalPERS, investment groups associated with Donald Trump-era bidders (note: distinct from Trump Organization sales), and hospitality corporations such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation and affiliates of Marriott International. Management agreements have been executed with luxury operators comparable to Hilton Hotels & Resorts and boutique managers who have overseen brand conversions for properties like The Beverly Hilton. Major renovations in the 1980s, 1990s, and a comprehensive redevelopment in the 2010s involved architects and contractors who've worked on projects for Aerospace Corporation campuses and municipal facilities for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Adaptive reuse plans integrated residential condominiums developed in collaboration with firms that executed high-rise conversions similar to those in Downtown Los Angeles and West Hollywood.

Notable Events and Cultural Impact

The hotel has served as venue for milestone events including pre-award receptions tied to the Academy Awards, corporate product launches for entertainment firms like Paramount Pictures, and political gatherings linked to delegations from the United Nations and presidential campaigns. It hosted portions of annual meetings for associations comparable to the Screen Actors Guild and served as a backdrop for film and television productions associated with CBS and NBC tapings. High-profile guests have included film stars from MGM and music executives from Capitol Records, while charity balls endorsed by philanthropists connected to institutions like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital took place on the premises. Coverage in publications such as Los Angeles Times and Variety cemented the hotel’s reputation in the entertainment industry and regional civic life.

Facilities and Amenities

The complex historically offered grand ballrooms, conference facilities used by corporations like Northrop Grumman for private events, multiple dining venues with menus influenced by chefs who have collaborated with restaurants in Beverly Hills and Brentwood, and leisure facilities including a spa and outdoor pools similar to those at luxury resorts in Santa Monica. Guest rooms ranged from standard suites to presidential suites used by heads of state and ambassadors accredited to United States Department of State functions. Onsite retail once included boutiques aligned with luxury brands such as Cartier and Hermès, and business centers facilitated meetings for delegations from consulates including Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.

Transportation and Location Context

Situated in Century City near the intersection of Avenue of the Stars and Constellation Boulevard, the hotel sits within a short drive of Interstate 405 and Santa Monica Freeway (I-10), providing access to business districts like Westwood and entertainment hubs such as Hollywood. Proximity to Los Angeles International Airport and corporate headquarters for firms such as 20th Century Studios and law firms in Century City made it a nexus for business travel. Public transit links include regional bus routes operated by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and planned connections to projects like the Crenshaw/LAX Line and proposals associated with Metro Purple Line extensions. The site’s urban context aligns with adjacent developments including mixed-use towers and retail centers resembling complexes in Century Plaza Towers and nearby Fox Plaza-adjacent properties.

Category:Hotels in Los Angeles Category:Buildings and structures in Century City, Los Angeles