Find Me A Fairmont: Fairmont Century Plaza (Los Angeles)
First of all, what a time to be in Los Angeles, thank you Kendrick!
Second, I have been blown away with my experience since I got here and I need to get this off of my chest. I was going to write a post on my experience at this Fairmont either way because that’s aligned with my goal of visiting all of the Fairmont’s, but sheesh, I have so many good things to say about my stay!
Third, I also have to address the fact that Los Angeles made me feel different. I felt alive in LA and I can’t explain why. My face was clearer in LA, I didn’t harp on the things that I find awkward about my body in LA (which is counter to the culture in LA). I just felt great in LA and I want to take that feeling and that confidence with me when I leave LA.
Legitimately, being in LA made me feel about as happy Jerrod Carmichael and Jamar flying that kite at the end of episode 5 of the Jerrod Carmichael show (I will always refer to this scene because it is about 4 minutes of uncut, unfiltered joy and I will never get over it) — give this man his Emmy.
First Impressions
Do we still teach the kids that first impressions are everything because I can’t tell, but wow! Upon entering this establishment, you’re welcomed completely. First by the valet who will help you out of your vehicle and open the front door for you and then by the bellhops and reception staff.
For this particular trip, I was warmly welcomed by the attendants at the Fairmont Gold desk who helped me out throughout my entire stay. They greeted me warmly and handed me a beautifully written welcome letter from The Fairmont Gold Team which was truly a beautifuly personalized touch that got me! No, not just because I’m a writer and appreciate every facet of writing, but because this was really a cool touch.
In addition to this, as a Fairmont Gold member, we get complimentary beverages, access to the Gold Lounge, access to the spa, access to patio space, complimentary snacks throughout the day, early check-in and late check-out, added excellent service, etc. It’s truly the VIP experience that everyone needs a piece of.
My Room
I’m going to say “wow” a lot in this post so just tuck in…
WOW! Upon entering, there’s a well-lit walkway. Immediately to my right was standalone toilet which a full-sized sink and beautiful marble and stone detail (and of course the signature Fairmont lighting). Once back on the entryway path you make the second right and there’s a full stone-walled room with the walk-in shower covered in marble walls in a cool grey tone and small squared tiles of a similar grey tone. The lighting in this room was INSANE because there were normal lights and vanity lights and they also had the nerve to have a personal mirror in there that had automatic lights whenever someone’s face was in front of it. I just about died and hadn’t even made it to the bed yet!
Back on the entryway: to the left of the shower room, there’s a sitting area which had a perfectly placed picture above it and next to that was a shuttle/tube-style closet. This closet, of course, had a separate track of lights that made it especially special and opened in three parts for hanging things or folding things and placing them onto the drawers or into the drawers. Directly in front of this closet was a full-length mirror, the first of the room’s full length mirrors.
Next up, you continue down the entryway path until you make it to carpet and you’ve got an l-shaped couch with a lazy lamp hanging directly in the middle of it for comfy lounging. Next to that is a stone bedside table and a plush bed. You know, the kind that’s so plush that it’s plump without anyone being in it? Yes, that plush.
There’s also a patio, television, dresser/wardrobe and another full-length mirror within the room.
Upgrade: I had the chance to experience a penthouse-like mini suite (which was still bigger than my apartment) and I have to find somewhere to put that footage because it was stunning, but WOW! A goal for later I guess.
Why Do I Continue To Pick The Fairmont?
My whole goal in traveling with Fairmont is to enjoy establishments that are made for hospitality who display an actual belief in hospitality.
These days we pay so much for hotels or Airbnb’s and get nothing but fees and late check-ins. Now that I’ve found a chain that actually caters to the guests in the way that you’d expect a hotel/resort/travel lodging establishment to, I’m sticking to it until they do me wrong!
It’s that and the locations of the Fairmont’s! There are Fairmont’s EVERYWHERE, and most of them are on my “to-visit” list. It’s also during this trip that I added a visit to the Great Lakes and the Wonders of the World, so I can’t imagine going to these places and not stopping by my local Fairmont hotel.
Best Part: The Spa
Now, I’ve never been a big time spa girlly because I honestly hate to be touched, but just seeing the spa at this hotel will have you signing up for services like they’re candy!
Post workout, I hit the spa. I started by choosing a locker, placing my belongings inside and being giving slippers. Then I ventured over to the Salt Room. Salt caves or “halotherapy” are purported to provide benefits to your body’s lung capacity and breathing. It’s also said to provide benefits to your skin. In addition to this, studies are looking to prove that it also helps those suffering from mental health conditions to include anxiety and depression.
Because I can never resist a sauna, I scooted on over to the sauna next. But, not before grabbing a cold eucalyptus towel prior to heading in. Sauna’s are, of course, very hot, usually wooden, rooms. They are good for treating sore bodies, detoxification, sore muscles, improved skin health, improved cardiovascular health, and reduction of respiratory ailments. I usually spend between 15-30 minutes in any given sauna, and that’s me limiting myself. As an excessive sweat-er, I love any chance to sweat for a purpose.
Next up, there’s a purple area pictured below that houses a cold, essential oils shower which is amazing after a hot sauna, steam room or hammam scrub/stay. After that, there’s a long heated bench for relaxing and warming up before hitting the showers.
To conclude:
I truly don’t have to say much when it comes to these hotels because they are always good! When I visit them, I’m less inclined to walk around taking photos and more inclined to just enjoy being in the here-and-now (not that I walk around with my face in my phone anyway).
Any place that grounds you is a place that you should oft be.
With that, Fairmont, I’ll see you soon.
Best,
Bree