Breakers Hotel

The Breakers Hotel in Long Beach, California, stands as a testament to the glamour and resilience of a bygone era. This historic 14-story hotel, originally opened in 1926, has been a symbol of luxury and architectural beauty on the Pacific coast. As it prepares to reopen as the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach in late 2024, its storied past and promising future continue to captivate visitors and locals alike.

The Roaring Twenties and the Birth of a Landmark

In the mid-1920s, Fred B. Dunn, a visionary banker and capitalist, embarked on an ambitious project to create a premier oceanfront resort in Long Beach. Construction began in 1925, culminating in a grand opening in September 1926. The Breakers Hotel was an architectural marvel, featuring a 13-story central tower and a sprawling base that occupied an entire city block. With its Spanish-inspired design, the hotel quickly became a beacon of sophistication and luxury.

At its inception, the Breakers boasted 330 guest rooms, a 500-seat dining room known as the Hall of Galleons, and a rooftop garden. Guests could enjoy modern amenities like in-room radio broadcasts, a novelty at the time. The hotel even catered to surf bathers with a special elevator leading directly to the beach. It was a place where the affluent and famous gathered, setting the stage for decades of glamour and allure.

Trials and Triumphs Through the Decades

The Breakers Hotel's journey through the 20th century was marked by challenges and transformations. The onset of the Great Depression and the devastating 1933 Long Beach earthquake tested its resilience. Despite sustaining only minor damage, the hotel faced financial difficulties, serving as a Red Cross headquarters during the earthquake's aftermath.

In 1938, Conrad Hilton acquired the hotel, transforming it into a jewel of his burgeoning empire. The Sky Room, located atop the hotel, became a hotspot for Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Rita Hayworth. During World War II, the hotel played a strategic role, with its rooftop serving as an Airwatch headquarters.

The post-war years saw the hotel change hands and names, becoming the Wilton Hotel in 1947. Despite promises of renovation, it struggled to regain its former glory. In 1961, Fred Miller attempted a revival, renaming it the Breakers International, but financial woes persisted, leading to its closure in 1964.

A New Era of Elegance

After several years of dormancy, the Breakers found new life as a retirement hotel in 1967. It underwent various renovations, aiming to provide luxurious living for its senior residents. By the 1980s, the hotel was partially converted back to its original purpose, undergoing a $15 million restoration that revived its Art Deco charm.

The Breakers' designation as a Long Beach Historic Landmark in 1989 marked a turning point, preserving its architectural heritage for future generations. The building continued to serve as senior housing until 2015, maintaining its status as a beloved community fixture.

The Fairmont Transformation

As the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach prepares to welcome guests once more, the hotel's legacy as a symbol of elegance and innovation endures. The upcoming reopening promises to blend the historic charm of the original structure with modern luxury, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past while providing all the comforts of contemporary hospitality.

Visitors can look forward to exploring the revitalized Sky Room, now a chic dining destination with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel's rich history will be celebrated through carefully curated exhibits and events, inviting guests to step back in time while enjoying the vibrant culture of Long Beach.

Discovering the Breakers

For those seeking a blend of history, luxury, and coastal beauty, the Breakers Hotel in Long Beach is an unmissable destination. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply in search of a luxurious retreat, the Breakers offers a unique experience that captures the spirit of Southern California's golden age.

As the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach opens its doors once more, it invites you to be part of its ongoing story—a story of resilience, elegance, and timeless allure. Don't miss the chance to explore this iconic landmark and create your own memories in a place where history and modernity meet in perfect harmony.