How to Make the Most of Your Hotel Stay During a Pandemic

When you’ve been in the house for almost three months, any type of getaway will do, even if it is just going to stay at a hotel in another part of town lol. This past weekend I decided to treat myself to some much-needed R&R at the Hotel Figueroa, in DTLA (Downtown LA). I know you’re probably thinking, “why would you want to go and stay at a hotel, during this time?”, but “hey sometimes you just want a bit of an escape and why not at a nice plush hotel?!” Also if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for great design and aesthetics, both of which the Hotel Figueroa have down pat!

If you do decide to book a hotel stay, just to get away for a bit, here are a few things to consider to make sure you know what to expect and how to make the most of your stay, during this pandemic.

Keep an open mind

Although the hotel is open their number one priority is keeping guests healthy and safe. This means social distancing, limiting the number of people in elevators, contactless check-in, wearing masks outside of your room, and limited services and/or amenities.

Make the most of the available amenities

Some amenities may be limited (ie. hotel restaurants, bars, room service). The hotel’s bars and restaurants were closed but they did offer a fully stocked mini bar and this also gave me the opportunity to support some of my favorite DTLA eateries, like Tocaya Organica, by ordering take out.

Book a Suite

Most hotels are offering discounted rates at the moment, so this is the perfect time to upgrade to a suite and live out your best life on a budget! I booked The Classic Suite at the Hotel Figueroa.

Relax by the Pool

If the pool and surrounding pool area are open, take a dip in the pool or relax and catch up with friends, poolside, over refreshing summer cocktails. (at a safe social distance, of course). Expect chairs to be spaced out, increased disinfecting of areas as people come and go, and be prepared to put your mask back on as the number of guests around the pool increase, just to be on the safe side.

Sleep in and Stay in Bed

There’s nothing like waking up late on a weekend morning in a comfy hotel bed without anything thing or anywhere to go. Factor in restaurant and store closures that’s even more of a reason to stay in and order food, have breakfast in bed and catch up on your favorite book or magazine.

More about The Hotel

Hotel Figueroa

A well designed gem right in the heart of downtown LA with a lot of history to match. Hotel Figueroa was built in 1926 and was originally a YWCA, meant to provide shelter and a safe place for female solo travelers, who were otherwise prohibited from checking into hotels without a male chaperone. Fast forward to 2014, the hotel began a 3 year restoration project to bring the hotel back to it’s original Spanish Mediterranean design style and reopened in Feb 2018.

The hotel is made of 14 floors of artfully designed space, including a lushly landscaped courtyard and pool, 3 restaurants and 2 bars, a fitness center, and event space. During this time, the hotel is offering a special discount for California residents where they can save 26% off their booking!

I was quite pleased with the level of service I received and the hotel’s efforts to keep guests safe but also satisfied. I can’t wait to go back and get the full experience when their restaurants and bars reopen!