Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

We had no complaints and are already talking about coming back as soon as we can. The hotel exceeded our expectations. We usually stay at the Queen Mary for our anniversary, since we were married there, but after 15 years we wanted to try another Long Beach hotel. It showed up on the list of fine hotels and resorts for the specific card I used to book, and I took a chance because the reviews were so good. We were treated warmly and greeted everywhere. There’s plenty on site, including bars, restaurants, grab-and-go, the Sky Room, a rooftop bar, a spa, and excellent room service. Every food and drink we tried was delicious, so you wouldn’t need to leave. One useful detail: at check-in, they ran a deposit for all the nights. On two nights, I then saw an extra $100 deposit and called to ask what it was for, but no one seemed to know. At checkout, the front desk explained that if you charge more than $100 at one of the hotel’s bars or restaurants to your room, they’ll run another $100 deposit to ensure the funds. I hadn’t encountered that elsewhere. It wasn’t a problem for us, but it’s good to know.

André remembered us by name the next morning, as we were about to join the breakfast wait list at Nettuno. That stood out at a luxury hotel with more than 200 rooms, where keeping track of guests while managing the lobby can’t be easy. We later learned he was the GM. Breakfast was comped because of a longer wait, even though our FH+R breakfast credit would have covered most of it. The gesture felt sincere, like someone truly wanted to look after us. We finally had a chance to stay here for a short staycation using our FH+R credit. It was great to see Long Beach welcoming a true luxury brand among the area’s convention hotels. We arrived on NYE-eve, when the hotel was understandably busy and the front desk team seemed a bit overwhelmed. André stepped in, introduced himself, and welcomed guests who were waiting. When we said we wanted dinner at Sky Room but couldn’t get an online reservation, he said he’d look into it. He made calls and sent texts, and handled it discreetly and smoothly. He even took down my phone number while I was updating it with the check-in agent, without interrupting. By the time we finished checking in, he’d confirmed us a 6 pm table. Those small gestures and the genuine care make a hotel memorable and turn travelers into loyal guests. Great job!

There was a glamorous feel to The Breakers Hotel, as if modern Hollywood celebrities were following in the footsteps of their 1920s predecessors. Conrad Hilton, who used to own the hotel, would have approved of the renovation. It’s one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve visited anywhere in the world. Its historic character is paired with modern facilities and exceptional service. The rooms feel brand new and comfortable. Food and drink options are world class, from the coffee bar and jazz club to the delicious Italian restaurant on the ground floor, where we had lunch, and the grand Sky Room and Halo rooftop bar. The spa looks enticing for a future visit.

I was there for work and honestly felt sad to leave my new friends. We loved it so much that we only left the property for work events. Alex at the front desk gave us a great welcome and checked in with us during the stay. We randomly met Chef Giuseppe in the lobby, and he was so warm and lovely. Then we dined in Neptuno, where Nikki was fabulous, and the food was outstanding. Matt at concierge was helpful, and we spent hours having cocktails in Halo with Roberto, who’s a doll. We also closed down Alter Ego with Johnny and crew, and the band was so fun. Everyone remembered us each day, and we felt like weekend celebrities. The rooms were true luxury, and the whole team went above and beyond. I refuse to stay anywhere else on my next LA or Long Beach trip. Can’t wait to come back, and thank you all!