Hotel Figueroa

Hotel Figueroa has one of the most interesting back stories of any hotel in Los Angeles. It was founded by the YWCA as lodging for professional women travelling alone, at a time when women generally could not book hotel rooms without a male escort. Construction began in 1925 and the hotel was dedicated in August 1926 with 13 storeys and 409 rooms, and its first manager, Maude N. Bouldin, is reported to have been the first female hotel manager in the United States.

The YWCA sold the hotel in 1929 after the Wall Street Crash, and over the decades it went through many changes. A restoration has since brought the Spanish Colonial building back to life, and the hotel's history as a haven for women travellers is celebrated in its story today.

The pool is a signature feature, a distinctive coffin-shaped pool set in a planted courtyard that feels like an oasis amid the towers of Downtown. Food and drink options include Café Fig, the hotel's restaurant serving locally sourced dishes, Bar Magnolia, La Casita and Florence by the Water.

The hotel suits couples, culture-minded travellers and anyone attending a game or concert at Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Convention Center or the Peacock Theater, all of which are within a few minutes' walk. It is a good mid-to-upper range choice for a Downtown stay with more character than a standard business hotel.

The 7th Street/Metro Center station, the hub for several Metro lines, is a short walk north, and the Pico station on the A and E Lines is even closer, so getting to Hollywood, Santa Monica or Long Beach without a car is straightforward. Downtown's Historic Core, Grand Central Market and the Broadway theatres are about fifteen minutes away on foot. Its position at the southern end of Downtown, close to the arena and convention centre, means the hotel's restaurants and bars can be busy before and after big events, which adds to the atmosphere. On quieter nights, the courtyard around the pool is a relaxing place to unwind after a day of sightseeing, and the hotel makes a characterful alternative to the large convention hotels nearby.

For bookings, the hotel lists a main phone line as well as reservation numbers. Check the website for current offers and any facility fees, and book well ahead on dates when major events are held at the arena or convention centre.