May 7, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

From celebrities to presidents, Hyatt Regency Century Plaza remains a jewel for major red carpet events

The Century Plaza Hotel under construction during the early 1960s and a model of the design.
The Century Plaza Hotel under construction during the early 1960s and a model of the design.

The glitz and glamour of the red carpet may seem to be detached or distant – but in reality, the heart of Century City is home to many entertainment awards shows, important conferences, and other prominent events.

Ever since opening in 1966, the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza has been able to put itself on the map as a notable venue. In line with a flurry of various celebrities crossing through Century City during the recent awards show season, Westside Today explored the background of the hotel that hosts a number of such occasions.

According to Adrienne De Vore, Director of Public Relations at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, there appear to be two main factors as to why such significant annual events remain loyal and keep returning to the Hyatt.

Alongside a strong reputation of excellent service, the Century Plaza boasts a rich historical setting that De Vore believes is one of the hotel’s major assets in hosting such big-name events year-round.

“The Century Plaza Hotel is not just a pretty face,” De Vore said. “It is linked to countless events of historic importance, such as awards presentations, presidential press conferences, political fundraisers, peace rallies and protests, inaugural celebrations, and all types of social gatherings, including charity balls, galas, and annual awards presentations.”

Century City was dominated for much of its early history by the Century Plaza Hotel, as it was the highest building on the hill.
Century City was dominated for much of its early history by the Century Plaza Hotel, as it was the highest building on the hill.

Only three years after its debut as the first hotel in Century City, the Century Plaza hosted the first and only Presidential State Dinner ever conducted outside of the White House in 1969. The dinner honored the Apollo 11 Mission and was the start of the hotel’s numerous politically-centered affiliations.

“Ronald Reagan also put us on the map because the Century Plaza was known as his ‘Western White House,’” De Vore explained. “Every president since Ford has stayed here or visited in some capacity.”

2014 marked the noteworthy visits of two of the nation’s political leaders, as President Barack Obama attended the USC Shoah Foundation’s Ambassador for Humanity Gala at the Century Plaza in May, during which Steven Spielberg recognized the President with the Institute’s highest honor, the Ambassador for Humanity Award. A month later, it was Hillary Clinton’s turn to pay the Century Plaza a visit as she was honored at the Public Council’s William O. Douglas Dinner.

A variety of celebrities have also graced the grounds of the Century Plaza, with last year’s Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Gala featuring performances by Cee-Lo Green, Natalie Cole, and Steven Tyler.

“We’ve also had Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and the Eagles as past performers,” De Vore said.

Ronald Reagan held his 1984 victory celebration at the Century Plaza Hotel.
Ronald Reagan held his 1984 victory celebration at the Century Plaza Hotel.

Among the more star-studded entertainment awards shows housed at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza this year include the Producer’s Guild Awards (PGA) held on Jan. 24, the Director’s Guild Awards (DGA) held on Feb. 7, the Writer’s Guild Awards (WGA) held on Feb. 14, and the American Cinematographers held on Feb. 15.

Although the DGA and WGA “had to relocate the other hotels for a few years due to labor negotiations,” shows like the DGA have been conducted on and off at the Century Plaza since 1997 and “is probably one of the oldest” productions to occur at the hotel.

Several of these significant events would not be the same without the Hyatt’s grand ballroom, which is one of the hotel’s most signature elements and has been crucial to such important activities hosted by the hotel through the years. With a maximum capacity of 1,800, the ballroom has housed attendees and guests with class and elegance.

The Hyatt Regency hosted the Producer’s Guild Awards earlier this year on Jan. 24.
The Hyatt Regency hosted the Producer’s Guild Awards earlier this year on Jan. 24.

The ballroom underwent a recent makeover in 2012 in accordance with the hotel’s ongoing role in significant yearly events. According to De Vore, the renovation included “restoration of its original 1966 chandeliers, new carpeting, wall coverings, and paint, as well as an upgrade to the WiFi technology.”

At the core of the historic nature of the ballroom and the rest of the hotel are of course the dedicated staff members of the Century Plaza, many of whom have served for decades.

“Some of our staff have been here for over 40 years, opening doors for celebrities, carrying bags to dignitaries’ rooms, and being a part of history,” De Vore said. “We have had a reputation of service excellence combined with a rich tradition in a historic setting.”

The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is located at 2025 Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

Related Posts

New Lawsuit Alleges Excessive Force by CHP, LAPD at UCLA Pro-Palestine Protest in 2024

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

Civil Rights Groups Say Law Enforcement Violated Students’ Rights Civil rights attorneys representing demonstrators at UCLA have filed a federal...

Caltrans Gives an Update on Sepulveda Pass 405 Project

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

Freeway Rehab Project Through the Sepulveda Pass Start Date is TBA Update: Caltrans has not delayed the I-405 project, and...

Culver City to Honor Fallen Officers with Memorial Ceremony and Police Ride Tribute

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

Police Riders to Arrive in Tribute as Culver City Remembers CCPD Officers  Law enforcement officials, families, and community members will...

(Video) Billy Francesca and the Ever-Glamorous Derby Divas Perform at The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood’s Derby Day Party

May 6, 2025

May 6, 2025

A great time was had by all at The Godfrey Hotel’s Derby Day where the mint juleps flowed all afternoon...

Loyola High School Senior Athlete Killed in Suspected DUI Crash in Manhattan Beach

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

Former Palisades Resident Moved to the South Bay After Losing Home in Fire Braun Levi, a senior at Loyola High...

Actress Jennifer Aniston Home During Gate Crash; Suspect Detained by Security

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

Investigation Underway After Intruder Breaches Star’s Property An unnamed man was arrested Monday after driving his vehicle through the front...

‘A Wonderful Place for the Community’: Urban Jungle Celebrates One Year Anniversary

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

From soil to sanctuary, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, is celebrating one year of business this spring....

Los Angeles County Declares Hepatitis A Outbreak as Case Numbers Triple Over Previous Year

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

Health Officials Urge Residents to Get Vaccinated Amid Rising Infections  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has declared...

Major Mixed-Use Project Unveiled for Culver City’s Fox Hills

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

New Housing, Retail Project Could Redefine Fox Hills Corridor A new chapter in Culver City’s Fox Hills neighborhood is beginning...

Bruce Willis’ Former Beverly Hills Canyon Property Listed for $15 Million

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

Eight-Lot Mulholland Estate Includes a 1950s Ranch Home. 31 Acres A sprawling canyon estate in the Beverly Hills Post Office...

Prices Spike in Brentwood, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica Amid Post-Fire Housing Rush

May 5, 2025

May 5, 2025

Displaced Families Are Reshaping Los Angeles’ Housing Market on the Westside Home sales and prices across Los Angeles surged in...

Summer at Crossroads: Students Create, Grow and Learn Over the Summer

May 4, 2025

May 4, 2025

A catalog of programs and classes has opened for Summer at Crossroads, an immersive experience for students to continue to...

‘Missing Puzzle Piece’: Santa Monica Fire Department Partners with Wise & Healthy Aging

May 4, 2025

May 4, 2025

Support Services Lead to Reduction in Frequent Emergency Calls A collaborative effort between the Santa Monica Fire Department and Wise&Healthy...

Jessica Alba’s “Dream Home” Hits the Market for $19M Amid Split from Cash Warren

May 4, 2025

May 4, 2025

After 16 Years, the Couple Parts Ways and Prepares to Sell Their Family Estate. Actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba and...

Golfers Stunned as Plane Lands at Golf Course Instead of Santa Monica Airport

May 4, 2025

May 4, 2025

No injuries reported after unexpected landing in Pacific Palisades On Friday, a Cessna 172  that was unable to complete its...