Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Hotel Figueroa symbolises simplicity and sophistication. Originally opened in 1926 as a Middle Eastern Mediterranean haven, the hotel has since evolved into a regal address that captures the essence of Los Angeles’s vibrant history and heritage.
When patrons step into the foyer of Hotel Figueroa, they are greeted by creamy gold-tinted interiors—reminiscent of refined regality. Intricately interspersed with these classy interiors are sleek furnishings with pops of gold. The hotel also pays homage to its Spanish Colonial roots, with arched doorways, tiled floors, and ornate ironwork lending a sense of old-world charm.
One of the most iconic features is its elaborate, expansive outdoor oasis. This urban retreat whisks you away from the boisterous bustle of downtown LA. The courtyard, with its manicured lawns decked with sophisticated sculptures, provides a serene setting for patrons to unwind. Whether soaking up the Californian sun by the pool or savouring cocktails under the shade of a cabana, you are wrapped in a world of indulgence.
The accommodations are equally indulgent. Each suite is thoughtfully styled to tease your sensuality, ensuring a memorable stay—all while allowing you to admire the panoramic views of the city skyline.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Veranda Al Fresco, offers a sumptuous set of seasonal menus inspired by the appetizing California cuisine. The Bar Figueroa serves craft cocktails in a stylish setting that pays homage to the hotel’s storied heritage.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of the hotel is its rich history and heritage. Originally conceived as a haven for female patrons, the hotel has long been a trailblazer in the hospitality industry. It has also been integrally embedded in California’s Hollywood culture, hosting legendary parties attended by Hollywood’s A-listers and serving as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films.
Despite its location in the city’s glitz and glamour, Hotel Figueroa stands out as a gem. It offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of LA’s effervescent spirit. For a long time, it has been at the crossroads of the past and the present, coalescing simplicity and sophistication throughout.
Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture
From its establishment in 1926, the hotel’s exterior has been a quintessential representative of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The architecture, often known as the Spanish Eclectic style, “emphasises the interplay of cubic volumes, patios, verandas, and pergolas. It’s a remnant of traditional Spanish architectural themes seen in Spain’s early American colonial settlements that gained widespread popularity in Southern California after the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego,” states the Californian Architectural Guide.
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The hotel’s exterior is characterised by its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs. The arched windows and doorways, adorned with wrought iron accents, evoke old-world regality.
One of the most distinctive features of its architecture is its soaring tower, which rises majestically—mythically, even—above the surrounding cityscape. Crowned with a tiled dome and ornamented with decorative elements, the tower serves as a beacon, gently guiding patrons to the hotel’s grand entrance. Flanked by palm trees and framed by a colourful pop of bougainvillaea shrubs, the entrance is like a tropical paradise amidst the bustling city.
While the architecture pays homage to its historic roots, the recent renovation has introduced contemporary elements. Sleek metal accents and glass balustrades exude sophistication while still honouring the hotel’s original aesthetic.
At night, the hotel takes on a defining dimension in the city’s skyline, bathed in the warm glow of soft golden lighting.
