Photo: Guest room / Courtesy of Hotel Figueroa
Spend one day in Los Angeles quickly hear that the city's Downtown neighborhood is in the midst of a massive overhaul. (In fact, some say the city is currently undergoing its largest transformation since the '20s.)
All that change makes it even sweeter to find spots preserved from a bygone era. Hotel Figueroa, which was built in 1926 and is now one of Downtown Los Angeles' longest standing hotels, is one such place. The property was originally run YWCA as a sanctuary stay for solo female travelers (in those days, women often needed a male chaperone to check into a hotel). Today, the Fig (as locals call it) is now open to all — and it's fresh off a three-year renovation. Here, expect reimagined rooms, a renaissance-worthy restaurant, a poolside eatery, and a pair of cocktail lounges.
The Look
Today, the property maintains the building’s original Spanish Colonial Revival style. In the lobby this takes the form of soaring ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, and couches wrapped in decadent jewel-tone velvet. Sip a Fig Manhattan and cozy up in front of the fireplace at Bar Figueroa, which blends into the lobby lounge. The hotel's main restaurant, Breva (which features tufted leather banquettes and a modern-American menu), is right next door. Veranda is the property's open-air culinary ode to Mexico City that overlooks the hotel’s iconic coffin-shaped pool. Across the sarcophagus-inspired splash pad, you'll find Rick’s: a two-story standalone cottage devoted to cocktails. From here you can fully absorb the tropical mural painted on Hotel Figueroa’s façade.
Rooms are outfitted with super comfy beds, plush linens, leather headboards, an iPad, TV, iPod dock, an espresso maker, William Roth toiletries, beautiful artwork, and rainfall shower heads. All suites come with the standard — plus a spacious living room, and the six signature suites feature show-stopping extras. For example, the crème de la crème of accommodations, the Casablanca Suite, has a secret passageway that leads to a private dining room.
The Vibe
Picture an art gallery gathering but remove all pretense… and throw in a pool. That’s the vibe at the Fig. The hallway between the lobby and the pool serves as a rotating exhibition space, featuring a new artist each quarter. And, true to the hotel’s feminist roots, all of the featured artists are women and local Angelenos.
Who Will Love It
Culturally connected travelers will appreciate the art, while both music lovers and sports fanatics will be thankful for the four-minute walk to concerts and games at Staples Center.
Who Might Not
Youngsters are allowed, but the Fig is definitely not a kid-centric place. Plus, too many rounds of Marco Polo in the coffin-shaped pool may garner a number of death stares from nearby sunbathers.
Best Amenity
The combination of the pool — surrounded by cacti and other tropical foliage — and Veranda can’t be beat. The pool here is not only notable because of its shape, but also it's the only ground-level lido in Downtown LA. All in all, taking a dip and devouring fresh fish tacos has never been easier.
What’s Included
Access to the pool and gym are included, and there's also free wifi in guest rooms and common spaces. Your stay includes a daily continental breakfast buffet — plus the chance to catch a ride in the hotel’s Tesla (within a certain radius and subject to availability).
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About
All reservations are subject to a nightly hotel fee of $25. Overnight valet parking is $48 plus tax, per day. Dogs under 50 pounds are welcome for a fee of $50 per night.
How to Get a Deal
In general, rates start from $249 per night. AAA and AARP members can save up to 10% on the best available rate. Book directly with the hotel to score a discount of up to 20%. Additionally, check the property's offers tab for the latest deals, discounts, and promotions.
In the Neighborhood
As mentioned above, the property is within easy walking distance to the Staples Center as well as LA Live, where you’ll find music venues, night clubs, restaurants, a bowling alley, movie theaters, and The Grammy Museum. If you're searching for old-school LA charm, visit The Original Pantry Café, a legendary 24-hour diner that dates back to 1924. The Last Bookstore is a little farther afield (about a 25-minute walk) but this bibliophile’s paradise — which is home to both new and used books, vinyl, and an Instagram-famous tunnel made of old tomes — is worth the journey.
Nearest Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport is 15 miles from the hotel and the drive can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. A ride-share will cost about $30. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 17 miles from the hotel (30 minutes to one hour by car); a ride-share to or from LAX will run you roughly $30 to $40.
Nearest Public Transit
The 7th Street/Metro Center Station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. Here, you can catch the Expo line, which stops at Expo Park (for the Natural History Museum and Memorial Coliseum) as well as Culver City (for shopping at Platform). Alternatively, ride the Expo all the way to the end and spend the day at the beach in Santa Monica.
The Fig is a historic sanctuary with a fresh feel — complete with ideal digs — and makes for a great place to stay while exploring Los Angeles' evolving arts scene.