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.”
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.
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 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.
