Where is it? Located in the Century City area of Los Angeles, less than 3km from Rodeo Drive, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza stands amid three well-landscaped hectares, making it a true urban resort.
What's the style? Thanks to a US$30 million facelift, the hotel, which draws lots of corporate types, proves that business doesn't have to be boring. Clean and contemporary yet traditional in style, this crescent-shaped property was dubbed the world's most beautiful hotel when it opened in 1966.
Who goes there? It is known as the Western White House because every US president from Lyndon Johnson to George W. Bush has bunked here. Ronald Reagan held his 1980 and 1984 victory parties in the ballrooms. Other overnight guests have included British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. With behemoth Hollywood talent agencies CAA and ICM across the street, don't be surprised to spot a celebrity or two enjoying lunch or drinks.
What about the rooms? Santa Monica-based Design 360 dreamed up the rooms, which are decorated in soothing neutral tones with ebony and sage accents. Residential furnishings include sumptuous Hyatt Grand Beds, granite countertops and desktops, textured window coverings, oversized flat-screen LCD high-definition TVs and iPod docking stations. Every room features a private balcony and marble bath.
What's new? The new X Bar (above) is sure to become popular courtesy of its imaginative cocktails and outdoor fire pits, a necessity on chilly LA evenings. Also, VIPs, celebrities and chief executives love the newly opened Regency Club, which offers a private entrance with its own reception desk and concierge service, DVD library and continuous honour bar and gourmet snacks.
What's on the menu? Breeze, the hotel's only full-service restaurant, advertises itself as specialising in sushi, but southern California is full of better establishments. However, the Belgian waffles melt in your mouth and the oversized hamburgers served poolside are delicious.
