This is tinsel town and a place where dreams come true. Not far away from the Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Strip are two gleaming towers, that almost touch the clouds as they cast their long shadow over a nearby movie lot. This is the Fairmont Century Plaza, gilded and curved, and one of the most iconic structures in La La Land. However, this storied hotel is much more than just another pretty face, it offers a hospitality experience on par with an oscar-worthy performance.

Los Angeles is a city full of growing mass development, and whilst the Century Plaza had a long withstanding cultural history, for some time its future was unknown. There were plans in the works to turn the iconic landmark hotel into subdivided condominiums, or into an extension of a shopping centre.

But fortunately, that is not the case. Sometimes, the extraordinary can happen instead – and we have the people of LA to thank for that. The history and culture of Los Angeles is so deeply ingrained within the roots of the Century Plaza that it was saved from subdivision, and instead has been taken over by the AccorHotels group, uber-luxe hotel chain, Fairmont.

The Fairmont Century Plaza, formerly just Century Plaza, is a cultural icon in a city full of… well, cultural icons. We’re all too familiar with the escapades of Chateau Marmont, of late nights spent in the back area of the Burgundy Room – it’s all very Once Upon A Hollywood-esque, and the Century Plaza is no exception to the rule. In June 1966, the doors of the Century Plaza were opened and with it, a world of glitz and glamour; a haven for the ultra-elite, for musical artists to perform and reside, for glamorous award shows to take place, and a place to see and be seen.

And there is good justification for its residence on Avenue of the Stars – in its heyday, the Century Plaza was the preferred location for Ronald Reagan’s birthday parties, the spot where Elton John had a monumental performance, a residence for Sonny and Cher, and a favourite for Bob Hope to host galas and balls.

The hotel is bold and brash, with an illuminated façade adorned with gorgeous original art pieces by renown artists. Indoors is like a set from a Cecil B. Demille film with gleaming white marble surfaces, gold accents and Grecian-style columns. Originally some 700-rooms, the now Fairmont Century Plaza has undergone an extensive renovation, totalling approximately $2.5 billion USD.

The rooms have been completely revamped and some resized. Now, the hotel has 351 guestrooms, 49 suites and 63 private residences — all with stunning balconies that overlook the glittering city of Los Angeles. The outdated décor of the 1960’s has since been replaced with sleek, contemporary design. Plush beds with crisp white linen are complemented by marble tabletops, grey chaise lounges and flat-screen HDTV’s propped up against the wall. The bathrooms are marbled and white, and glossy, with only the best in luxury sustainable amenities – because it’s important to pamper yourself whilst also being mindful of your mark on Mother Earth – how very LA.

The Suites are something else altogether, though. The design is contemporary, like that of the guest rooms, but with extra special touches that make the space a perfect setting for intimate gatherings. Suites have a separate sleeping and lounge area, large marble bathrooms with a separate shower and bath for optimal relaxation; and for those in the Gold Luxury Suite, a kitchenette and dining space for four has been added.

The star of the show, however, is the Presidential Suite, which, due to its prime location on the ninth floor, has sublime views over Los Angeles – and not just from one balcony, but from four. The space is large enough to entertain up to 20 guests, with a polished granite powder room, kitchen and dining space. Both intimate yet gregarious at the same time.

With gorgeous French inspired design, Lumiére is the featured dining option at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Large, open windows allow the sunshine to sparkle across the antique floral flourishes like jewels. Eclectic patterned wallpaper is complemented by gold and brass glassware and an assortment of mirrors give the illusion of never-ending space.

Lumiére is uniquely Californian but with an added twist of French inspiration. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are brought to life and marry perfectly on the plate. The best part is that Lumiére offers dining all hours of the day. Weekend brunches are on offer, where guests can enjoy mimosas made with fresh orange juice or come for a lunchtime visit and escape the banality of the real world.

Aside from restaurant-brasserie Lumiére, the Fairmont Century Plaza has more casual dining and drinking options available. For those who want to enjoy a drink, snack and a view with more altitude, look no further than the Rooftop Pool Bar, exclusive to hotel guests and residents. Located on the 17^th Floor, the Rooftop Pool Bar offers a sanctuary in the city, that being: a delightfully cool dip in the pool served up with fanciful cocktails and a dazzling vista over the city — near and far.

By far the most special space for entertaining at the Fairmont Century Plaza is a space most unassuming. Hidden behind a secret door, tucked away from the inconspicuous eye is the Writer’s Den. The space has a large, mahogany table, sitting atop rugs akin to the magic carpet, glittering chandeliers hang overhead. It is the perfect setting for an exclusive sit-down dinner for 16 guests.

Of the extensive renovation, it is the Spa space that potentially offers the most in terms of its upgrade. The Fairmont Spa Century Plaza is a place of pure indulgence, spanning over 14,000 square feet with a varied menu of spa services to choose from. Soft, moody lighting illuminates the space; though, in the steam room, there’s cool, black tiles and stone, allowing guests to completely switch off from the outside word and find inner peace and relaxation.

Step into the rainfall shower, and take control by setting the preferred pressure, colour and scent. Guests can choose from luxury spa services such as massage treatments, a range of relaxing and restorative facials, a Turkish Hammam bath, aromatherapy steaming or a visit to the Himalayan Salt Room, designed to reduce stress, headaches and purify the lungs. Try one of each, and you could make a full day of it.

Is the Fairmont Century Plaza a hotel, or is it an experience? Maybe both. It’s certainly an icon, with deep history written in the walls. Elegant rooms, a spa experience unlike any other, a VIP Rooftop pool and of course, Lumiere Brassiere, the Fairmont Century Plaza is just this: a convivial, upmarket hangout for the stars of the show.