As a Los Angeles native, I’ll be honest — downtown isn’t the first place I think of for a quiet retreat in L.A. But during my recent stay at the boutique Hotel Figueroa, I found a hip, yet peaceful, enclave that made me completely rethink that assumption.
The hotel, which originally opened in 1926, emerged from a two-year restoration project in 2018 and became part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in 2021. Following the renovation, Figueroa pays homage to its past with public spaces that exude old Los Angeles style, but still feel edgy (thanks, in part, to a focus on local art and a vibrant food and beverage program). A courtyard-like outdoor space (home to the hotel’s iconic coffin-shaped pool) is another highlight, filled with greenery that shelters guests from the bustle of downtown, creating a true urban oasis in the heart of the area.
Unique features of the property include a striking mural and a coffin-shaped pool.
Credit: 2022 Hotel Figueroa
Fascinating Hotel Figueroa History
First opened by the YWCA, Hotel Figueroa was originally exclusive to women, designed as a haven for solo female travelers. Over the course of the property’s history, Figueroa has also served as a meeting place for many women’s clubs in L.A. and has played host to a variety of press conferences and political rallies focused on sexism, racism and other social issues. (Fun fact: While no one knows for certain why the pool is coffin shaped, the rumored story is that it was built in the 1950s “to bury the patriarchy,” in line with the hotel’s political and feminist roots.)
Today, visitors can find nods to the hotel’s past around the property, including historical photos and memorabilia on display, as well as through the revitalized Spanish Colonial style of the original building. In addition, Figueroa draws on its woman-centric ethos by highlighting the works of female artists: The building exterior itself features an eye-catching, 14-story fig mural designed by U.K.-based muralist Bella Gomez, while hand-painted elevator banks (which are different on each floor) feature the work of local artists including Gabby B-Vasquez.
Hotel Figueroa’s Restaurants
The dining program at Hotel Figueroa (with food and beverage outlets from restaurant group Noble 33) is also new — and certainly a selling point.
Sparrow Italia, which opened in October 2021, offers Italian and Mediterranean fare in a scenic indoor-outdoor setting just off the pool. (Evening dining outside is especially atmospheric.)
Among the dishes I tasted, the freshness of the marinated tomato bruschetta stood out, as did a vibrantly green and delicious pistachio pesto pasta. Cocktails are another highlight — inventive options include ingredients such as tomato and red bell pepper, strawberry and basil, or nitrogen-infused honeydew pisco. My favorite was the Genovese, a super refreshing blend of tequila, cucumber, basil and lime.
The new all-day Cafe Fig, meanwhile, feels like a quintessential Los Angeles eatery. Dishes feature fresh, local ingredients and incorporate global influences. At breakfast, menu options range from shakshuka (a Middle Eastern/North African baked egg dish) and Mexican chilaquiles to an acai bowl brimming with colorful fruits. I opted for the avocado toast, topped with poached egg, roasted tomato jam, arugula and pickled onions for a delicious mix of flavors and textures. (Later in the day, diners can enjoy classics like burgers and sandwiches, entrees such as steak frites or Impossible meatballs, salads and small plates.)
Cafe Fig is a new all-day eatery.
Credit: 2022 Hotel FigueroaOn the other side of the pool from Sparrow is La Casita, a bar and lounge area that also serves shareable small plates. I didn’t dine there on my visit, but the intimate space felt like its own little retreat when I passed through. Clients should note, however, that it is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Guestrooms and Unique Suites
Hotel Figueroa’s 268 guestrooms and suites feature an eclectic, contemporary design aesthetic and plenty of modern comforts. The property also offers a number of cool specialty suites with unique amenities that will speak to clients with specific interests and lifestyles.
I stayed in the Figueroa’s Rest & Recovery Suite, a concept that was launched last year. The suite has been specially outfitted to cater to wellness-minded travelers, featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment such as a Peloton bike and a Forme workout mirror, along with amenities including a body massager and health supplements for post-exercise recovery. Top-quality rest comes by way of Eight Sleep technology, which allows guests to personalize the temperature of the mattress on each side of the bed. The suite also features a kitchenette, a large dining table, a living room, a separate bedroom, two strikingly decorated bathrooms and a fantastic view of L.A.
The H.E.R. Suite comes with a selection of women-made products.
Credit: 2022 Kelly RosenfeldAnother special option is the H.E.R. (Happy, Empowered and Restful) Suite, which launched in March as a celebration of Women’s History Month (while the experience was originally only planned for the month of March, it is still available at the property as of press time). A stay in this suite includes a variety of products from women-owned businesses that guests can use or take home, from a Dieux Skin eye mask to Plus eco-friendly, dissolvable body wash sachets; Mintly toothpaste tablets; Pomp & Whimsy gin; and more.
An Exceptional Art Program
Art-loving clients will also appreciate Hotel Figueroa’s dedication to local creators; the hotel features works of photography, painting, mixed media, sculpture sound and performance throughout its public spaces and guestrooms. In addition to permanent pieces, the property showcases rotating artists through its Featured Artist Series Exhibit. The 2022 Featured Artist is Los Angeles-based Ruthanna Hopper, whose exhibition, “The Emergence,” can be viewed in the hotel’s Artist Alley space (open to both hotel guests and the public) through March 14, 2023.
The Details
Hotel Figueroa
