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.

Dame Edna Does LA Pt. 1

I didn't need to be asked twice when invited to see Dame Edna Everage in her Glorious Goodbye Tour at the Ahmanson Theatre. More on that later. Today's post covers BEFORE the show, when our group did a quick little tour of downtown Los Angeles, beginning at the Ritz-Carlton.





A quick ride up the elevator took us to the 24th floor where the Nest at WP24 is located.



Despite the smog, the large glass windows afforded some very cool panoramic views of the city.





In the distance I could see the Eastern Columbia Building.



Zooming in provides a better look at the Art Deco classic which was built in 1930.



How it looks from the street:





Love the details!



A view from WP24 showing the Staples Center and Nokia Theatre, when the sun was attempting to break out from the smog:



The Figueroa Hotel intrigued us so much we decided we had to check it out before the show.



Come back tomorrow as we go inside!

Need more Los Angeles? Fly over to my main website and get your fill.