Saturday, February 21, 2015

Dame Edna Does LA Pt. 2



When last I had your attention, we were looking out over the Figueroa Hotel from the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Los Angeles. I had checked it out online when we were considering staying overnight and from the website, the Figueroa looked incredible. From the 24th floor, it looked a little sketch. With a car wash and Mexican Restaurant next door, The Figueroa seemed like it might be more like a flophouse than the beautiful Moroccan-styled hotel seen online.

Built in 1925 as a YWCA hotel, Hotel Figueroa became a victim of the Great Depression, forcing it to expand its customer base. Still, it continued to be a special place for women, hosting exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and presentations by female artists and influencers. Over the years, the hotel has changed hands and stylings; the website promises that the rooms themselves are currently undergoing a makeover. Based on some of the Yelp reviews from last year, that is probably a wise move.



The outdoor entrance is pretty enough with this welcoming tile sign, but nothing would necessarily cause you to look twice.



Once inside though, I was thoroughly amazed.



This place looked like it would be right up my alley of interest, with its 1930s Hollywood bones with a little Moroccan flair to spice it up.



Wow…



and double wow.



Gorgeous stained glass…



and vintage-style light fixtures.



This geek was in hog-heaven.



I would definitely stay here the next time I am visiting downtown; I only hope that the rooms and the service match. Anybody out there ever stayed here? Don't worry, possums; I haven't forgotten about Dame Edna. She makes her appearance tomorrow!

If you need help picking a great getaway hotel, go to my main website and see more hotel photos.

1 comment:

outsidetheberm said...

Looks like it's time to check out the Figueroa! Thanks for the nice find, Dave.