Multiple massive wildfires broke out across the Los Angeles area on Jan. 7, fueled by strong winds and bone-dry conditions that caused the fires to spread rapidly and posed serious containment challenges. By midday on Jan. 8, entire neighborhoods had already been ravaged, resulting in two reported casualties, the destruction of more than 1,000 buildings and the displacement of some 100,000 people.
As of the morning of Jan. 14, those figures had risen to 24 reported casualties, more than 12,000 damaged or destroyed structures and around 88,000 residents under evacuation orders. After more than a week of dangerous conditions, weather factors had somewhat stabilized and the largest ongoing fires were seeing increased containment, though it remains unsafe for many evacuated residents to return to their homes.
In response to the catastrophe, a number of hotel and accommodation options are supporting the community with offers for discounted stays or even free temporary lodging for those under mandatory evacuation orders.
Evacuees should also be aware that California law prohibits hotels from raising guestroom rates more than 10% above the average price for 30 days after a local or state agency has declared an emergency. Governor Gavin Newsom already did so on Jan. 7.
According to the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, this list of properties is offering wildfire relief accommodations. Following are more of the offers available around Southern California for evacuees. (Editor's Note: This story was updated on Feb. 18.)
Airbnb.org
Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is working with 211 LA, another nonprofit organization, to offer free temporary housing to residents who have been displaced or forced to evacuate from their homes. Stays are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts.
Airbnb.org is working with local organizations to identify residents in the greatest need of temporary housing; those interested can visit this page, which will be updated with more details, for more information.
On Jan. 10, Airbnb.org announced it would provide free housing to an additional 25,000 displaced people. It has already offered 6,500 people access to emergency housing with Airbnb hosts in partnership with 211 LA.
On Jan. 15, the organization announced that it had met its goal of offering housing to 25,000 impacted Angelenos (plus more than 6,000 pets) and increased its goal to providing 50,000 additional free nights to those in need of housing. Those interested in supporting these efforts can sign up to become an Airbnb.org host, or make a donation to Airbnb.org (100% of donations go toward connecting people to temporary housing).
Alisal Ranch
Alisal Ranch in Solvang, California, is offering discounted rates to locals affected by mandatory evacuation orders. Household pets are also welcome.
Those in need can call the front desk to make a reservation at 800-425-4725.
Anaheim Hotels
The Anaheim hotel community is offering discounted accommodations to any Southern California residents affected by wildfires. Participating properties can be found at this link.
Andaz West Hollywood
Andaz West Hollywood is providing a 20% discount and waived destination fee for evacuees and first responders. Contact the hotel directly to confirm availability and rates.
Best Western Plus Commerce Hotel
Best Western Plus Commerce Hotel is offering a discounted rate of $144.49 per room, plus tax, in an effort to assist those in need. Jeovanni Orozco, sales manager for the property, says the team is working to lower it even further to provide additional support to fire victims. To book, call 562-806-4777 and ask for Jeovanni, who is prepared to personally handle such reservations.
"With the devastating impact of the recent fires in our area, we are committed to providing support to families who have been displaced from their homes," Orozco said. "We understand how difficult and overwhelming it can be to face such uncertainty, and our goal is to create a safe, welcoming environment that feels like a second home during this challenging time. Our team is ready to go above and beyond to care for families, ensuring they feel supported and comfortable while staying with us."
Big Bear Temporary Housing Assistance
The lodging community in Big Bear has set up an evacuation assistance program that includes more than 1,000 homes available for free temporary housing through Airbnb.org. In addition, Big Bear Mountain Resort is offering four $25 dining vouchers ($100 total) that can be used at any Snow Summit or Bear Mountain eateries. Evacuees or displaced individuals can pick them up at the Big Bear Visitor Center with proof of their lodging assistance reservation. More information can be found at this link.
Casetta
California-based hotelier Casetta is offering 35% off stays, complimentary parking and waived pet fees at Casa Cody in Palm Springs, The Pearl Hotel in San Diego and Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear.
Chateau Marmont
Chateau Marmont announced on Instagram that this week, it is making its cottages available for complimentary two-night stays for L.A. firefighters and "members of the unions representing our city's creative industries." Call the hotel directly to inquire.
Coachella Valley Hotels
Several properties in the Coachella Valley area are offering discounted rates to fire evacuees, including Infusion Beach Club in Palm Springs, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage and Holiday Inn Express Palm Desert.
Dream Hollywood
Dream Hollywood is open to evacuees with a reduced rate. Use the booking code EMERG3 to take advantage of the offer.
Drift Hotels
Drift Santa Barbara and Drift Palm Springs are offering evacuation rates with the code DRIFT-EVAC; rooms can be booked directly on the hotels' websites.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport
Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport is offering Stay Safe LA rates.
Explore Murrieta
Explore Murrieta is offering a First Responders Appreciation Package to first responders (including firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, police officers and sheriff's deputies, 911 dispatchers and search and rescue personnel) who assisted during the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. The tourism organization is giving away 100 "Relax It's Murrieta" packages with two single-day passes to Murrieta Hot Springs Resort and two nights of accommodations at an Explore Murrieta Member Hotel. To be considered, first responders should fill out an online registration form by Feb. 28.
Freehand Los Angeles
Freehand Los Angeles is offering 15% off and a waived daily amenity fee for private rooms. A representative for the property adds that rooms for up to eight guests with bunks are available, which may be particularly helpful for families. Dogs are also welcome. To book, contact the sales office at 213-395-9520.
Furnished Finder
Furnished Finder, an online rental site specializing in furnished housing for stays of one to two months, has more than 8,000 L.A.-area properties listed. The company is offering discounts to L.A. landlords who add inventory to the platform, which is completely free for tenants to use as Furnished Finder charges no booking fees.
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood is offering discounted room rates for evacuees and first responders. These guests can also cancel their reservations without a penalty fee. Direct booking links are available for both evacuees and first responders.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells is offering a $189 rate with waived resort fee, self-parking fee and pet fee (based on availability).
Hilton and American Express
Hilton and American Express are partnering to make 20,000 hotel rooms available at no charge to people across the greater L.A. area who have been impacted by the fires. The hotel company is working with local nonprofit 211 LA to coordinate the distribution of the rooms (apply with the nonprofit for accommodations here).
Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood
Though the property was recently under evacuation orders, it is now open and welcoming any guests that need to find shelter. The hotel is offering a rate of $191, waived pet fees and discounted parking fee per sales manager Monica Martinez.
Hotel Figueroa
Downtown L.A.'s Hotel Figueroa is working with the Red Cross to house displaced families (to contact the Red Cross, call 800-675-5799). Evacuees can also book with the hotel for discounted rates, waived pet and resorted fees, discounted parking and discounted food and beverage by calling 213-627-8971.
Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach's Hotel Joaquin is offering a preferred rate to inquiring fire evacuees. The boutique property is waiving its 18+ and dog rules.
Hotel Per La, Autograph Collection
Located in Downtown L.A., Hotel Per La, Autograph Collection is offering 25% off stays for displaced residents. The property is also dog-friendly and can accommodate one dog per room with a non-refundable pet deposit.
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is offering 20% off best available rates through the end of February for displaced Angelenos. Parking is included and pets stay for free.
Lakehouse Resort
Lakehouse Resort in North County San Diego is offering discounted room rates, waived resort fees and waived pet fees. Fire evacuation rates can be booked here.
L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
Special offers at L'Ermitage Beverly Hills include 20% with code "RECOVERY," waived pet fees and 50% off parking.
The Lodge at Sonoma
The Lodge at Sonoma is offering an extended stay California Relief Package. Available for stays of seven to 30-plus nights, the package begins at $239 per night and includes discounted or waived resort fee (depending on length of stay), a $20 daily coffee credit for the on-site Benicia's Kitchen and a waived one-time pet cleaning fee allowing for two pets up to 60 pounds per room. Guests must provide a valid ID with an L.A. County zip code to book the package, which is valid for stays until April 30.
Malibu Beach Inn
Malibu Beach Inn will reopen Jan. 24, at which time it will also offer discounted room rates, starting at 35% off, for displaced and evacuated Angelenos. Call the hotel directly at 310-651-7777 or 800-4-MALIBU to book. Carbon Beach Club will also offer a 20% discount on food.
Marina del Rey Tourism Board
The Marina del Rey Tourism Board has created a resource with important information for both locals and travelers. The page includes special offers for those affected by the fires; seven pet-friendly hotels in the area are offering a range of discounts, starting at 10% off, plus deals on food and beverages and more.
Mojave Resort
At Mojave Resort in Palm Desert, evacuees can book at a discounted rate by calling 760-346-6121 or emailing hello@mojaveresort.com. Dogs are also welcome.
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort
Murietta Hot Springs Resort, about 80 miles south of Los Angeles, is providing safe shelter to L.A. evacuees with discounted rates. Rooms start at $159 per night, including hot springs passes for two adults, and can be booked with the code "evacjan."
The Nautical Beachfront Resort
The Nautical Beachfront Resort in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is offering a discounted "LA Strong" rate and flexible accommodations for its California neighbors. California residents can book a $75 nightly rate (35% off) for long-term stays of 14 days or more. The resort is also offering waived resort fees, no pet fees and resort amenities to make the stays more comfortable. Use this link to learn more and book.
Oliver Hospitality
Oliver Hospitality is offering complimentary stays (for up to five nights) for Los Angeles residents who have lost their homes or who are under immediate evacuation orders. The complimentary stays are for the brand's California properties: Station House Inn in South Lake Tahoe and Lodge at Marconi in West Marin. After five nights, clients will receive deeply discounted rates for those who are in need. Proof of address or an evacuation notice is needed to validate the offer.
Additionally, the company is hosting clothing drives at its portfolio of properties throughout the U.S. including in Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi, where they will collect clothes and essential items for delivery to LA partner charities.
Palisociety
For the next week (as announced Jan. 14), Palisociety is offering complimentary three-night stays for first responders and displaced Angelenos at Palihouse West Hollywood, Palihotel Culver City, Palihotel Melrose, Palihotel Westwood Village, Silver Lake Pool & Inn, Palihouse Santa Barbara, Palihotel San Diego and Arrive Palm Springs. Rooms are subject to availability and requests will be allocated in the order they are received. To learn more, contact safehaven@palisociety.com.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club & Spa
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club & Spa is offering up to 50% off stays through February, depending on occupancy. To book, call 844-478-6557 and ask for the Aviara Good Neighbor Rate.
Pasea Hotel & Spa
Huntington Beach's Pasea Hotel & Spa is offering 20% off, waived resort fees and waived pet fees. Displaced residents can book by calling 855-622-2472.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill is offering refuge to Angelenos with a special rate of 20% off extended stays in its private villa accommodations. Ranging from two to four bedrooms, villas include a kitchen and a variety of convenient layouts for families and pets, plus Clubhouse access. The property can accommodate stays of 100-plus days as needed, pending occupancy.
Royal Sun Palm Springs
Royal Sun Palm Springs' Los Angeles Wildfire Relief offer includes up to 15% off best available rates, 20% off food and beverage and a waived pet amenity fee. The hotel will also be donating 5% from every booking to the American Red Cross Los Angeles.
The Sanctuary Beach Resort
The Sanctuary Beach Resort is offering displaced residents a 20% discount on accommodations with waived pet fees. This special rate will be available until Feb. 12 (at which point, the hotel will consider extending if/as needed). Reservations can be booked at this link.
San Diego Hotels
Several San Diego hotels are offering discounted rates and special pricing for those affected by the wildfires. Participating properties include InterContinental San Diego, the Rancho Bernardo Inn, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla and many more. Visit this link for a full list and details on how to book the special rates.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is offering a $199 per night discounted rate through January. To book, call the hotel at 866-751-7625. Omni San Diego's special $199 rate can be booked until Jan. 24 using its corporate code, 45271246919.
In addition, San Diego properties such as Hilton San Diego Bayfront, DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown and Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines are offering free rooms as part of Hilton and American Express' commitment to providing 20,000 room nights at no charge, distributed by 211LA (more information on this can be found earlier in this story).
San Louis Obispo Hotels
According to KSBY 6, a number of San Louis Obispo area hotels are offering discounts to L.A. fire victims, including the Peach Tree Inn, Lamplighter Inn & Suites, Hotel Buena Vista and Hotel San Luis Obispo.
Santa Barbara Hotels
Evacuees seeking shelter in Santa Barbara have a number of discounted hotels to choose from, including Best Western Plus Santa Barbara, The Eagle Inn, Hideaway Santa Barbara, Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Hotel Californian, Hotel Santa Barbara, Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara and many more. A full list of participating hotels and their offers is available here.
Santa Monica Hotels
Among the Santa Monica hotels offering special rates for evacuated area residents are Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Gateway Hotel, Hilton Santa Monica, The Pierside Santa Monica, Regent Santa Monica Beach, Sandbourne Santa Monica, Shutters on the Beach, Viceroy Santa Monica and more. A full list of participating properties and their offers can be found here.
Shore Hotel has set up a special wildfire rate code for displaced residents. Helping Hands at The Shore includes up to 25% off best available rates, 4 p.m. same-day cancellation, discounted valet fees, waived destination fee and waived pet fees. It is valid for stays until Feb. 9 and can be booked at this link.
(Note: As conditions surrounding the Palisades Fire evolve, some areas of Santa Monica may be included in evacuation orders. It's recommended to check the latest evacuation notices before booking hotels in this area.)
The Shay
The Shay in Culver City is offering discounts for displaced individuals and first responders, including $25 parking, waived destination fee and waived pet fee. Contact the hotel directly to confirm availability and discounted rates.
Short Stories Hotel
Short Stories Hotel in the West Hollywood/Fairfax area is offering flexible room rates to those who have been displaced. And, as a gesture of gratitude, the hotel is extending discounted room rates and 20% off food and beverages at The Bar at Short Stories Hotel to first responders.
Stile Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa
Stile Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa is offering a %79 discounted rate and waived resort fee to both evacuees and first responders. Book on the hotel's website with the promo code "RELIEF."
Terra Palm Springs
Terra Palm Springs, a new wellness resort opening Jan. 15, is offering 30% off room bookings for those impacted by the ongoing fires. To take advantage of the discount, residents will need to show an ID with a zip code from an impacted area at check-in.
Terranea Resort
Terranea Resort, located south of Los Angeles, is providing support with its Extended Stay program, offering accommodations in one-, two- or three-bedroom casitas with kitchens, laundry rooms and dedicated parking. Rates begin at for $300 per night (with a minimum requirement of 10 nights). Guests will also have full access to the fitness center and wellness classes, a 25% dining discount and other benefits. To book, call 844-602-5140 and ask for Claudia Garnica, sales manager, extended stays.
Thompson Palm Springs
Thompson Palm Springs' offer for evacuees includes 25% off room rates, based on availability.
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa is offering special fire evacuation resort rates and flexible booking with no fees. Discounted rooms can be booked at this link.
Town and Country Resort
Town and Country Resort in San Diego is offering a rate of $129 per night, along with a waived resort fee and free parking. To book, call 800-772-8527 and ask for the evacuee rate.
Travel + Leisure Co. Timeshares
Travel + Leisure Co. is offering emergency housing for its Southern California timeshare owners evacuated due to the fires. The company operates 22 vacation club resorts across Southern California; owners in Club Wyndham, WorldMark by Wyndham, Margaritaville Vacation Club and Shell Vacations Club who live in an evacuation zone are eligible for up to seven complimentary nights (subject to availability and occupancy limits). More information can be obtained through owner websites or by calling owner services teams.
Travellers Autobarn
In an effort to assist fire victims, Travellers Autobarn is offering 33% off all campervans booked from its Los Angeles locations through March 31.
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Visit Greater Palm Springs is also offering a comprehensive list of hotels offering discounts to evacuees. That list can be found on the tourism board's website.
Visit Temecula Valley
Visit Temecula Valley is offering support with a variety of wildfire relief lodging and dining discounts. A full list can be found at this link.
The Westgate Hotel, San Diego
For California residents, The Westgate Hotel in San Diego has reduced its room rates by 20% in addition to offering a $50 daily credit (for dining, parking or other property amenities).
Editor’s note: If you know a member of the travel community who has been impacted by the LA Wildfires, please add their GoFundMe or other donation links to this Google Doc.
