Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

A 1926 Southern California landmark emerges anew in Downtown Long Beach as RVD Associates and HBA San Francisco announce the transformative completion of Fairmont Breakers Long Beach. With a vision championed by developer Pacific6 Enterprises and designed in collaboration with Eden For Your World, the restoration of the 185-room hotel gracefully balances classic glamour with modern sensibility, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality within the city.

Stories from the hotel’s opulent past unfold upon arrival at the newly restored entrance, where Renaissance Revival-style architecture pays homage to the original work of architects Walker & Eisen. Historic storefronts and windows, carefully retained and replicated, adorn the façade along an entire city block, reinstating the building’s interwar period character. Previously sealed by seismic infill, transoms across the front exterior and two banks of windows rising 14 floors now flood the interiors with natural light.

Inside the grand lobby, poetic symmetry and striking elements of contrast create a welcome worthy of the Roaring Twenties. Soft-spoken hues form the base palette and bring a moment of calm to the luminous interiors. The lobby preserves its 1926 origins through restored columns, intricate plaster moldings, and original ceiling heights, while polished marble floors, saturated accents, and a magnificent chandelier reference hallmarks of the era’s design. Sculpted furnishings in plush fabrics, stone and metal detailing, and artwork and accessories lend layers of rich tactility.

Enveloped by bronze-mirrored screens, the reception desk serves as a sparkling focal point and sets the tone for the experience ahead. A black-and-white checkered floor pattern lays a classic yet contemporary foundation in the concierge area, while a black-and-gold wallcovering provides a dramatic touch.

Like gems in the grand dame’s crown, the outlets and amenity spaces each express individual personality and cohesively work together in a distinctly Californian blend of the old and new.

La Sala bar and lounge beckons guests to relax and marvel at the playful surroundings of its jewel-toned setting. Walls swathed in green chinoiserie motifs are met with whimsical palm chandeliers and mosaic flooring whose patterns of repetition mimic water’s movement. The bar showcases an elegant dialogue between its green stone countertop and structured metallic bar front.

Nettuno exudes a familiar feeling of home with Italian sophistication and effortless California charm. The three-meal restaurant occupies the space once renowned as the “Hall of Galleons,” the original hotel’s extravagant, 500-seat dining room. Soaring ceilings and refined proportions create a backdrop for gallery walls of artwork, grounded by dark wood flooring. A rich material palette of deep blue velvet, leather, marble, and brass punctuates the bright interior architecture. Sculptural blown-glass globes suspend at varying heights and diffuse a soft glow. Antique-mirrored columns march in procession, casting enchanting reflections throughout the space.

A sultry jazz and bar lounge, Alter Ego transports guests to the Gilded Age with its moody, speakeasy atmosphere. Button-tufted seating in deep emerald offers sumptuous comfort for hushed conversation. The bar commands attention, where shelving rises in sleek modernity to define the back bar. A vibrant wallcovering makes a bold statement, its large-scale floral motif emerging vividly from the shadows of wood-paneled walls and dark mahogany accents.

The iconic Sky Room, once graced by Hollywood legends like Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor, reclaims its position as the crown jewel, standing as an emblematic symbol of the past and a beacon of the future from its perch atop the hotel. Wrapped in midnight blue and embellished with brass and bronze accents, the meticulously crafted space exemplifies timeless elegance. Intricately patterned mosaic flooring intuitively guides guests to the masterpiece of a 24-seat bar outfitted with a deep red counterstone. Dining booths and plush lounge seating are cleverly arranged in intimate vignettes for enjoying handcrafted cocktails and world-class meals. Overhead, an opal glass fixture undulates in rhythmic form and shimmers with the radiance of a harbor sunset. Curated vintage art and artifacts weave nostalgic moments of discovery throughout the glamorous space.

At Halo rooftop lounge, gorgeous shades of emerald green and pink transform sunset champagne and nightcaps into ceremony. Vibrantly layered design elements put on a symphony for the senses both indoors and out, from tile selections to wallcoverings and fabrics.

The spa is a haven of tranquility, shaped by gentle curves and soft illumination in a serene palette of light wood tones and neutral creams, harmonized with blues and greens. The wellness journey culminates in a two-story relaxation lounge, where luxurious seating and flowing fabrics cradle guests in ultimate repose. On the pool deck, sun-soaked orange accents invigorate the space, inviting revelry and relaxation.

Guestrooms and suites embody residential warmth with destination allure. Soft coastal tones combine with light- and dark-wood finishes and brass metal detail, establishing serenity and charismatic personality within the private sanctuaries. The three-bay Breakers Suite celebrates craftsmanship through custom moldings, tailored furnishings, and artisanal touches such as the hand-painted entertainment credenza and hand-blown chandelier. The bathroom experience is a highlight, where a black-and-white mosaic rain shower encourages a luxurious start to the day, and a deep-soaking tub is perfect for unwinding after a day well spent.

Design: HBA
Design Team: RVD Associates, Eden For Your World, Kevin Barry Art Advisory
Photography: Noah Webb