“We’re bringing back The Sky Room,” founding partner John Molina of local Long Beach investment and development group Pacific6 Enterprises says to a cheering crowd, referring to one of the city’s most beloved former restaurants.
After sharing his own intimate memory about the restaurant, he notes, “it will be lovelier and more special.” Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia adds, “The work that’s happening here is quite incredible.” Shortly after, the official unveiling of the latest distinguished addition to Long Beach followed with a formal announcement that Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of world leading hospitality group Accor, in partnership with Pacific6, are redeveloping the iconic Breakers Hotel in Long Beach.
The historic skyline staple, originally built in 1926 as a lavish hotel on the waterfront, is currently undergoing significant restoration and redevelopment and is slated to open in 2023 as Long Beach’s first luxury boutique hotel. The reimagined Fairmont The Breakers, Long Beach will feature 185 boutique rooms and suites; five restaurants including the re-opening of the Sky Room on the 13th floor; multiple bars; the opening of the rooftop terrace fit with a pool overlooking the Terrace Theater Plaza and 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles basin; a two-story lavish spa, the only one in the City; a live jazz club and lounge; and over 12,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.
“With The Fairmont’s investment as a brand here in Long Beach, we are seeing an incredible renaissance opportunity,” continues Mayor Garcia. Setting the standard for luxury hospitality in Long Beach, The Breakers will not only be an enviable haven for locals and visitors ̶ it will also establish the City as a destination for corporate functions, weddings and events, including the Summer Olympics in 2028. “Fairmont’s presence in Long Beach allows us to grow both our convention and pleasure travel markets. Previously, certain conventions were not able to choose our destination because we were unable to offer a luxury boutique hotel. In addition, today’s travel segment of people looking for unique, intimate, luxury experiences has also grown dramatically,” said Steve Goodling, President & CEO of the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Fairmont answers the needs of both of these sectors for us and will help Long Beach continue to grow in its tourism marketing and sales.”
With over a century of distinction itself, Fairmont is no stranger to the importance of preserving history. Strictly choosing properties for their ability to provide grandeur and glamor, the addition of Long Beach adds The Breakers Hotel to a roster of more than 80 of the most prestigious hotels in the world. Renovations will preserve significant elements and adaptively reuse inherent qualities to maintain The Breakers original atmosphere.
The project speaks to the strength of Long Beach’s local economy and will help bring additional opportunities and tourism, according to local leaders. “Having this team here means a very great partnership: The Breakers is an iconic piece of our city’s history,” emphasizes Mayor Garcia.
The grand opening of Fairmont The Breakers, Long Beach is a milestone and is going to be very special for the Long Beach community. Adjacent to the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center and waterfront attractions such as the RMS Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific, the hotel is also near cultural charms such as Restaurant Row on Pine Avenue and the East Village Arts District, as well as a short walk to Shoreline Village at the Downtown waterfront.
Continuing his genuine passion for the project, Molina adds, “Fairmont and my father have a lot in common. If you ever knew my father, he was sophisticated, but he had this little, tiny bit of devilish fun and I can’t think of a better description for the Fairmont. That’s why I am so pleased that we were able to bring them here. Not only is this going to be a beautiful hotel but it’s going to set the standard for Fairmont worldwide.”
Also, on stage sharing their joy for the project at the unveiling were Ben Caldwell, COO of Accor North & Central Americas; Long Beach Councilwoman Mary Zendejas; and Tom Lemmis, Founding Partner of Pacific6 and Chair of the Long Beach CVB Board.
The 1920s landmark building under this partnership will provide unforgettable hospitality, transforming moments into priceless memories, and will offer a range of exceptional services. Select members of the community came together at the unveiling to share their memories and excitement is bubbling to learn more. Long Beach deserves a 5-star hotel and coupling Fairmont Hotels & Resorts with Pacific6 will bring just that while additionally providing employment opportunities to more than 1,500 during the redevelopment and more than 230 hospitality jobs upon opening. The Fairmont brand is one the Long Beach community will soon hold dear.
