The Breakers Hotel opened in 1926 but has long towered over Ocean Boulevard as a shadow of its former glory. It was the city’s first luxury hotel and later became the first Hilton hotel on the West Coast. By the 1950s, however, its glittering legacy was all but forgotten.
“Maybe another Hilton will come along to rescue the behemoth on the beach from its present and sad condition,” a Press-Telegram columnist wrote in 1963.
Its savior wouldn’t come for many years, and it wouldn’t be another hotel czar. Instead, it was the Long Beach-based investment group Pacific6. After years of painstaking renovations, the 15-story beacon has reopened as the Fairmont Breakers Hotel. Restored to its original Spanish Renaissance Revival grandeur, the hotel now boasts six bars, two restaurants, and a vibrant jazz club.
The revival of the Breakers was a labor of love for Pacific6, says Todd Lemmis, one of the group’s founding partners. He sat down with Long Beach City Lifestyle to share the journey of restoring the city’s beloved landmark.
For Lemmis, the Breakers was not only his first foray into the hotel world, but also a place where he made memories himself. It was here, in the building’s iconic Sky Room, that he once took his then-girlfriend—now wife—on a date 25 years ago.
“It was magical,” Lemmis recalled. “We felt like the fanciest people in the world.”
A Storied Past Meets a Modern Vision
The Breakers has endured a checkered history. After Conrad Hilton bought the hotel in 1938, it attracted stars like Cary Grant, Rita Hayworth, and Errol Flynn. But World War II chased out its Hollywood glamour, with the Sky Room repurposed for Navy officers. By 1990, it had become an assisted living facility before being abandoned in the mid-2010s.
When Pacific6 acquired the property in 2017, they knew it would be a massive undertaking.
“We felt a responsibility to save this building. It was the last chance it had,” Lemmis said. “We see ourselves as custodians of this landmark, restoring it for future generations.”
The restoration was monumental. Much of the interior was gutted to meet modern safety standards while preserving historic elements. Workers uncovered treasures like hidden nautical patterns in the area now home to the Italian restaurant Nettuno.
“We discovered these beautiful, rectangular, cast-concrete patterns with nautical themes behind drywall,” Lemmis said.
In the Sky Room, Polynesian-style wallpaper was found wrapped around columns, revealing it had been a Trader Vic’s during Hilton’s tenure. A basement pool once used for saltwater baths was also unearthed. These elements were reintegrated into the design, offering guests a glimpse into the hotel's storied past.
Overcoming Challenges
Reviving a century-old building came with challenges, including delays during the COVID-19 pandemic when lenders pulled out. Pacific6 also navigated federal guidelines to qualify for historic preservation tax credits.
“The Department of the Interior initially denied our application because they thought the lobby contained a historic ballroom, which it never did,” Lemmis explained. “We appealed with evidence from Conrad Hilton’s memoir and successfully overturned the decision.”
A Community-Centered Future
While the Fairmont Breakers’ reputation as a luxury hotel precedes it, Lemmis stresses that its success hinges on community patronage. Half of its revenue model relies on food and beverage sales.
The hotel offers amenities appealing to locals and visitors alike. The rooftop bar, Halo, provides sweeping views, while Alter Ego is set to become a music venue. The Sky Room, restored to its original design, offers upscale dining and live jazz.
“Long Beach has a rich musical history, especially in jazz,” Lemmis said. “We’re working with KJazz and local talent to make the Breakers a hub for live music.”
Looking Ahead
The Breakers has long defined the Long Beach skyline but now stands as a symbol of the city’s revitalization. As it approaches its centennial in 2026, plans are already underway for a grand celebration. Until then, locals and visitors are encouraged to enjoy its vibrant offerings.
“Every detail has been carefully considered,” Lemmis said. “This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a love letter to Long Beach.”
“We felt a responsibility to save this building. It was the last chance it had.”
“This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a love letter to Long Beach.”