What it is

A just revamped high-rise on a former 20th Century Fox movie studio lot, with 400 sleek rooms, four restaurants, a buzzing rooftop pool and a 14,000-square-foot spa.

What it isn't

New. It *looks* fresh, after its $2.5 billion revamp, but the arc-shaped property was dreamt up in 1961 by Minoru Yamasaki—and so groundbreaking, it was the first hotel on earth to have a color TV in each room.

What we think

It takes a lot to impress in La-la-land, but Century Plaza Hotel has done it ever since it opened its doors. Celeb sightings here have run the gamut—with Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, Sonny & Cher and more taking the stage here at one time or another. And lest you think its resting on its laurels, all the envelope-pushing luxuries that were here at the beginning (ice machines, heated blankets, and central air) have been matched for the 21st century. In your room, you’ll find a balcony overlooking LA, a 65” HDTV that can stream practically anything, Le Labo Rose 31 toiletries, Nespresso coffee machines, and bathrooms sheathed in marble, not to mention a totally calming palette of whites and grays. Speaking of boldfaced names, none other than Yabu Pushelberg designed the suites; it’s worth upgrading to a 483-square-foot Studio Suite for its living room and techy system for altering the temperature, draperies and lighting at the push of a button.

You're here because

You’re a name dropper, and love that icons galore have stayed or visited here—including every U.S. President since Gerald Ford.

The Moment

There’s no reason to not be a locavore in California, where everything on the menu is fresher than fresh—especially at Lumière, under James Beard award-nominated chef Jason Franey. Cozied up in a corner banquette, you can’t help but order comfort food: which, in this glorious weather, means burrata and heirloom tomatoes and housemade pesto. Heaven on a plate.

Restaurants & Bars

Lumière - modern American brasserie open for all-day service and offering locally sourced dishes which combine French technique with California style

Vignette - casual grab-and-go café that offers fresh coffee, seasonal caffeinated and adaptogenic beverages, as well as made-to-order dishes

The Bar at Century Plaza - located in the lobby and offering shareable small plates like marinated olives, cauliflower fritters and lobster salad, as well as a selection of fine wine and signature cocktails

Rooftop Pool Bar - for hotel guests only, this rooftop bar offers playful cocktails and small bites

Location

In Century City—a 180 acre former studio of 20th Century Fox—within a quick walk of Beverly Hills. Greystone Mansion, the 1928 estate of an oil tycoon that’s now appeared in countless TV shows and movies (including Gilmore Girls) is just a 13 minute drive away.