The Vibe
Hotel Figueroa has such a unique history due to its significant role during the Los Angeles women’s movement. The hotel was opened for women by women in 1926 as a refuge for solo female travelers since they were not permitted to check into most hotels without a male during this time. The first-ever female managing director of a hotel in the U.S. worked right here at Hotel Figueroa. The hotel captivated women wordlwide so much it became a gathering spot for activists and creatives.
In 1976, the general manager transformed the hotel into a Moroccan riad-style hotel with a beautiful courtyard in the middle that is filled with natural sunlight and lush plants surrounding the pool. Today Hotel Figueroa has a colonial Spanish style, still with an open courtyard and pool, and is perfect for bachelorette parties, girlfriend getaways, solo travelers and couples. Although the hotel is best suited for those in their 30s and 40s, those younger and older will still find their place within the artsy doors of this establishment.
How I Felt
Empowered.
As a female, it’s empowering to step foot into a building that played a pivotal role in the progression of women in the country. The hotel’s rotating exhibitions still give a nod to its feminist roots and creative beginnings by displaying the work of female artists in photography, sculpture, sound, painting, performance and mixed media.
The Digs
The rooms are the epitome of contemporary Spanish design with colorful accents. Expect neutral furniture tones, arched doorways, colorful artwork and abundant natural light. Rooms are stocked with Claus Porto & Malin + Goetz bath amenities. The hotel also offers a “rest and recovery suite” to optimize guests’ fitness and sleep. The suite offers customized Pluto Pillows, an Eight Sleep mattress to control sleep temperature, Gamma Light Therapy’s Revive red light, Hyperice post-workout equipment, Molekule air purifiers and access to the Headspace meditation app.
The Agenda
Hotel Figueroa, located on Figueroa Street in Downtown Los Angeles, is within walking distance of many LA attractions. My morning began with taste-testing the various food vendors (there are over 40) in Grand Central Market before walking to The Broad to peruse the contemporary artwork at the museum. I then walked to the Bradbury Building, a stunning architectural landmark in the city, before returning to the hotel to lounge at the pool with a margarita. The hotel’s pool is known for its coffin shape because rumor has it that it was built to represent burying the patriarchy! For evening activities, the hotel is within walking distance of Crypto.com Arena and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The Eats
The hotel has four beautifully decorated places to eat and drink. Deme, named after Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest, grain and agriculture, serves dishes such as shawarma and dolmades; Bar Magnolia serves cocktails in the lobby lounge; Café Fig is your classic breakfast and lunch café; and La Casita is a poolside lounge and bar that’s open seasonally.
Why I Would Go Back
I’d return simply for the backstory of the hotel; it’s a really unique conversation starter! But I’d also return for margaritas by the pool.
Latifah Al-Hazzà
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