Amazing stories have come out of Long Beach with small business owners, especially the food community, amping up relief efforts: from Chris Sweeney at Right Mealz delivering three U-Hauls of supplies to Robb Smith of Alley Cat Deliveries delivering much-needed fire extinguishers to people salvaging what they can.
But what about larger entities—like our collection of hotels throughout the city, from Downtown to the Long Beach Airport? They’re offering discounted spaces, with some including free food, more discounts for spa services or extra attention, and in a deep sense, some sort of comfort for those who can afford to do so.
It began with the Fairmont and has now spread to multiple hotels citywide.
The newly minted Fairmont Breakers found itself suddenly slammed on Tuesday with patrons seeking room—an oddity given their newness and the fact that their rooms are slowly (but surely) beginning to fill up. But by no means are they slammed. And come Tuesday night, they had hundreds of guests seeking shelter after being evacuated from the Palisades, offering discounts, free food, and 40% off spa services.
“We are heartbroken to see the damage unfolding from the Los Angeles wildfires,” said Fairmont Breakers General Manager Mark Steenge. “Many of us have family, friends or colleagues who have suffered losses. Residents and visitors impacted directly by the fires are first and foremost in our hearts. We have had the honor and pleasure of welcoming a number of displaced guests. Please know that we are keeping everyone affected in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
With that, many other Long Beach hotels have joined relief efforts.
A misconception about price gouging at hotels.
When the fires took off, Long Beach hotels were full thanks to the incoming Anime L.A. conference. As evacuees started to trickle in, some were met with a big sticker shock. When hotels are full, their rates climb due to supply-and-demand, as most are operated by corporate entities whose pricing is automatically generated by internal systems.
But when Visit Long Beach reached out to hotels yesterday asking if they could publicize special rates for evacuees, there was a flood of response, according to Samantha Mehlinger, VP of Communications & Marketing.
“We put a call out to all our hotel partners,” Samantha said. “Within an hour, we had half a dozen offers, which we immediately pushed out. We’re still getting more: small businesses have also reached out, offering resources like food, charging stations, rest areas, and more. And we’ll get that information out by the end of the day. We’re so thankful to our partners in the community. We hope this effort is helpful to our friends and family in affected communities. The devastation is brutal.”
Other Long Beach hotels join the relief effort.
Here are the Long Beach hotels joining relief efforts and what they are offering. Discount descriptions courtesy of Visit Long Beach:
City Center
City Center—the newly renovated independent hotel at Atlantic and 3rd—is offering an evacuee discount. Use promo code WEHEARTYOU10 (case sensitive) when booking. For instructions on how to book, click here. The hotel’s restaurant, the newest offering from Michelin-recognized Heritage owner and chef Philip Pretty, is also offering 20% to evacuees.
Courtyard Long Beach Airport
The Courtyard Long Beach Airport is offering discounted rates to fire evacuees. To inquire, please contact Kerri Franklin, Director of Sales & Marketing, at kerri.franklin@courtyardlb.com or 562-354-6818.
Fairmont Breakers Hotel & Spa
The Fairmont Spa is offering 40% off spa services to evacuees.
Golden Sails
The Golden Sails Hotel is offering a rate of $109 plus tax. Please email Vicki Arreguin, Director of Sales & Catering, at varreguin@goldensailshotel.com or call the Sales Department at 562-594-0210. The front desk can be reached at 562-596-1631.
Hampton Inn Long Beach Airport
The Hampton Inn Long Beach Airport is offering a discounted rate starting at $209 per night to fire evacuees.
Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport
The Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport is offering a 10% discount on both dining at The Vue and room service for affected individuals. Both the Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites are currently at full capacity, but once vacancies are available, they will be offering a 20% discount off their Best Flex Rate.
Hotel Maya
Hotel Maya is offering a Wildfire Relief Package that includes a discounted room, complimentary breakfast, and pet-friendly amenities. For more info, click here.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is offering a 15% discount through the end of January 2025 to fire evacuees, with proof of address required. When booking online, enter the number 11125 in the Group or Corporate Code section to access the discount.
Hyatt Centric
The Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach is offering a 15% discount through the end of January 2025 to fire evacuees, with proof of address required. When booking online, enter the number 11125 in the Group or Corporate Code section to access the discount.
Long Beach Marriott
The Long Beach Marriott is offering assistance to fire evacuees, depending on availability. Contact Mark Schwabenbauer, Director of Sales & Marketing, at 310-308-7096 or mark.schwabenbauer@marriott.com for information.
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is offering a special discounted rate of $189 per night to fire evacuees. Breakfast for two is included for each day of the stay, and pet fees and historic preservation fees will be waived. Use this link to book at this rate, or use the code STAYSAFE. The Queen Mary has created a dedicated hospitality lounge for these guests in the Capstan Room on the A-deck, open daily from 6 AM to midnight. Pets are welcome in the lounge, where guests can enjoy light snacks, coffee, and TV.
