Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Once and Again: 'World's Most Beautiful Hotel'

40 and Fabulous -- Hyatt Announces Ambitious Renovations to Restore Luster to West Coast Gem

The Century Plaza made its debut as the "World's Most Beautiful Hotel" on June 1, 1966 and achieved instant legendary status as the West Coast's symbol of grandeur, promise and importance. Even today, as guests walk through the towering glass doors of the gleaming crescent-shaped, 19-story hotel, they feel a sense of excitement, of mystique, of "having arrived."

The buzz continues and now with more reason. As the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel prepares to celebrate its 40th ruby anniversary as Los Angeles' preeminent urban resort, it proudly waves the Hyatt flag for the first time in its history. In recognition of the occasion, Hyatt, which assumed management in October 2005, has embarked on a significant $22 million renovation to the iconic property to begin July 1. Every guestroom and suite will be wholly refurbished, the famous Lobby Bar will serve host to after work events and live music, and a new restaurant-bar with outside patio and street access will be added. A one-of-a-kind, ground level, VIP lounge is planned along with two floors devoted to executive club guest accommodations; and an upscale, European style espresso bar and international newsstand will compliment the hotel's long list of services and amenities.

"This hotel is the princess of the community. Every special occasion, every event of importance was held here," says David Horowitz, General Manager. "As a Hyatt Regency, this hotel will once again live up to the history and reputation it has had over the years."

From the very beginning, the Century Plaza -- built on the site of the 20th Century Fox movie ranch -- enjoyed notoriety as the place where the rich, the famous, and the fabulous came to see and to be seen. Over the years, its guest list has included a dazzling parade of dignitaries, royalty, and celebrities. Every U.S. president from Lyndon Johnson through George W. Bush stayed at the hotel, dubbed "The Western White House" during the Reagan years. President Ronald Reagan celebrated his election-day victories at the Century Plaza; President Bill Clinton delivered the keynote speech to the National Education Association here, with Sir Elton John and Rod Stewart entertaining on stage; it was here that President Richard Nixon hosted a "Dinner of the Century" honoring the Apollo XI astronauts, attended by 50 members of Congress, 44 state governors and ambassadors from 83 countries.

"This hotel is California's premier destination, located in the West Coast's premium location," Horowitz says. "Hyatt's goal is to put this iconic property back on the map -- polishing the gem, so to speak."

Several major enhancements will take place over the next 12 months -- during which time the hotel will remain open:

* All 726 guestrooms and suites are being wholly refurbished in a clean and contemporary, yet traditional style. The new rooms, decorated in soothing neutral tones with ebony and sage accents, are designed with warm residential furnishings, including Hyatt's sumptuous "Grand Bed," granite countertops and desktops, textured window coverings, and oversized flat-screen LCD TVs. Every guestroom has a private lanai, seating arrangement and views of the Pacific Ocean or the Los Angeles skyline.

* A new street-level casual restaurant-bar on the corner of Constellation and Avenue of the Stars will open in 2007. The style is best described as "modern pub," with a clubby, comfortable environment. The menu will feature traditional, casual food that caters to the hotel's international and business traveler guests, and the local community. A long list of boutique beers, wines and libations from around the world will be available.

* In the warm-weather months, the hotel's gardens and pools will become Hollywood's after-work and late-night hotspot, featuring cocktail hours, special happy hour menus, live music and themed events such as al fresco movie screenings in the backyard and special wine tasting evenings. "This new venue is destined to become the after-work social center to the young professionals in the community," Horowitz predicts.

* A sleek new modern espresso bar, international newsstand & gourmet sundry shop will open in 2007. In addition to a supply of international newspapers, the most popular travel essentials will be available here -- as well as fresh-baked pastries, light fare, gourmet salads, sandwiches and tempting savories for guests on the go. A selection of imported cigars will be available and in the evening, guests may take part in a late night cordial or fine Brandy.

* The famous Lobby Bar, a longtime favorite venue for conversation, cocktails and cappuccino, will be updated serving a new menu of snacks, appetizers, and signature drinks. Wine tasting evenings, live music and after-work happy hours will take place regularly.

* The reception desk and concierge are relocating to the south side of the building for easier, more convenient guest access. Additionally, a new paparazzi-proof VIP lounge with a separate, private entrance for executive club check-in/check-out and concierge services, will be created exclusively for prestigious guests who consider the hotel their second home. "This will be the first and only domestic Hyatt -- in fact, the only hotel in the area -- to offer this level of luxury and privacy for VIPs and senior-level executives from the time they step into the lobby," Horowitz says. Reservations for the executive club will be accepted early 2007.

* Hyatt's E-Concierge, available at www.hyatt.com, allows guests to plan and organize the perfect stay with destination activities such as spa treatments, dinner reservations and special requests such as a champagne amenity in advance of their stay. The hotel's concierge sends the guest an electronic itinerary confirming plans up to a week before arrival.

* Hyatt's Fast Board kiosk allows travelers to check-in, check-out and print airline-boarding passes in the hotel lobby.

Horowitz says, "For years, the community -- as well as countless dignitaries and celebrities -- have had a warm affection for the hotel and this tradition will continue as the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is restored to its legendary stature for the next generation."

About the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza: Located at 2025 Avenue of Stars, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is adjacent to Beverly Hills, in the fashionable Westside of Los Angeles. It has 726 guestrooms, a world class state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, Yamaguchi Salon by celebrity stylist Billy Yamaguchi, three restaurants, the largest ballroom in Los Angeles and more than 100,000 square feet of function space. For reservations and more information, call: 310-228-1234. For reservations at any Hyatt hotel worldwide, call 800-233-1234 or log onto www.hyatt.com.

About Global Hyatt Corporation

There are 216 Hyatt branded hotels and resorts (over 90,000 rooms) in 44 countries around the world, operating under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Grand Hyatt® and Park Hyatt® brands. Currently, there are an additional 32 Hyatt hotels and resorts under development, including 11 new hotels in China. Hyatt Corporation (domestic U.S., Canada and Caribbean hotels) and Hyatt International Corporation (international properties) are subsidiaries of Chicago-based Global Hyatt Corporation. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operators of the Hyatt Vacation Club (timeshare and fractional residential product), Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. (hotel ownership), Select Hotel Group L.L.C. (which owns, operates and franchises AmeriSuites hotels, Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suites hotels) and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (which franchises Hawthorn Suites, and Microtel Inns and Suites). From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or logging onto www.hyatt.com

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