Escape to Luxury: Hotels from O.C. to Palm Springs See a Surge of Angelenos
Amidst the chaos of fires ravaging Los Angeles County, a surge of displaced families and individuals are seeking refuge in Southern California hotels, from Orange County to Palm Springs. The usual ease of booking a hotel room in January has been disrupted by the urgent need for shelter, as people flee their homes due to fires, poor air quality, and general unease about the county’s safety.
Angelenos Seeking Shelter
Marie Corbett, group sales manager at the 14 West boutique hotel in Laguna Beach, described the influx of guests from Los Angeles as “insane.” She recounted heart-wrenching moments of guests in tears, their emotions raw, and their animals adding to the stress. By Friday afternoon, 14 West’s 70 hotel rooms were fully booked, with Corbett estimating that over 80% of the guests had arrived from Los Angeles in recent days.
Occupancy Rates Soar
The sudden exodus from Los Angeles has filled many hotels, particularly in coastal and desert communities like Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, where the high season was already in full swing. Mike and Libby Muney, who fled Mar Vista with their son and dog, expressed gratitude for their safety while acknowledging the loss of many homes in the fires. The Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort in Dana Point saw a significant increase in occupancy due to the influx of evacuees, with rates typically starting at $300 in January.
Emergency Travelers Adapt
Families like the Fremiels, evacuated from the Hollywood Hills, found temporary solace in Laguna Beach, taking refuge with their children while hoping for a swift return home. As emergency travelers navigate short-notice decisions on where to stay and when to return, hoteliers are faced with unique challenges, including adhering to state anti-gouging laws that limit price hikes during emergencies. Despite the uncertainty, hotels are accommodating guests at discounted rates, with fees waived to ease the burden on those seeking shelter.
Relief Amidst Chaos
For Fairfax Buchanan Banks and others, the decision to leave Los Angeles came down to air quality and the well-being of their pets. The opportunity to find clean air and spacious accommodations provided a sense of relief, even amidst the challenges of relocating with pets in tow. As communities come together to support those impacted by the fires, hotels and rental properties are opening their doors to provide a safe haven for those in need.
In times of crisis, the resilience and compassion of individuals shine through, as communities rally to support one another in the face of adversity. As the flames subside and families begin to rebuild, the spirit of unity and solidarity remains strong, reminding us of the importance of coming together in times of need.
