LA Wildfires: Hotels aid for evacuees & first responders

SevaSphere team / Ambika B Sanjana

As of Jan. 15 afternoon, an estimated 12,300 structures had been lost and at least 88,000 Los Angeles residents were still under evacuation orders. In the wake of the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, numerous businesses and organizations are stepping up to support those impacted. We gathered a list of handy resources to help people displaced by the wildfires.

Los Angeles Restaurants Offering Free Meals

Several restaurants across the region are generously offering free meals to both fire evacuees and the brave first responders working tirelessly to contain the blazes.   

A number of Indian-owned restaurants, including Roots, Electric Karma, Pijja Palace, Baar Baar Los Angeles, Bombay Beach LA, Badmaash and Arth Bar & Kitchen are providing free meals to people impacted by the fires and first responders. “Seva has always stood as a pillar in our upbringing, and been passed through for generations in Sikhi. Our efforts are always to put others’ needs before our own, serving with love, and fostering a sense of unity and compassion,” mentioned ​​​​​​Anmoldeep Khinda, owner of Roots.

File photo of LA hotels and restaurants / Regan Norton; Manni Singh; Eman Raif

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent Los Angeles fires. To those who’ve lost their homes, belongings, or had their lives turned upside down, we’re thinking of you. It’s been a hard week for all of us, and admittedly, we weren’t prepared to support our community the way we truly wanted to — as viscerally and immediately as so many other incredible restaurants in this city have. That being said, we know the impact of these fires will last long after this week. Next week, we’d like to do our part: on Wednesday and Thursday, we’re inviting anyone displaced by the fires and any first responders to Pijja Palace for a Desi Smash Burger and Piri Piri Fries, completely on us,” said Avish Naran, owner of Pijja Palace on an Instagram post over the weekend.

Additional local restaurants providing free meals include the Hideaway, Madre Oaxacan Restaurant & Mezcaleria, Carmel, the Surfrider Malibu, Prince Street Pizza, Chin Chin, Mel’s Drive In, Bossa Nova, Joe’s Pizza and 33 Taps. Additionally, L’antica Pizzeria da Michele and Florence Osteria & Piano Bar are donating 100% of their profits of all sales to relief efforts.

Moreover, SevaSphere, a local nonprofit, has been working day and night to offer immediate support to those in need. They have provided 800-1,000 meals daily for the last six days to first responders and evacuation centers. “Our community moved quickly, not out of obligation, but because it’s in our core to show up when others are hurting. Our volunteers have been working day and night to deliver essential supplies to those most affected—families, shelters, and first responders. Every meal served, every care kit distributed, and every bottle of water given is a testament to the power of human connection in the face of disaster. I’m so grateful to our volunteers, and our board consisting of Jeff Mccollister, Varshini Murlikrishnan, Rachel Kowalski, Shivani Parmar, Adam Weisman, Jenny Palo, Nasir Malik, Sonya Lawrence, and Kazim Raza. They have been our support through this very challenging week,” mentioned Ambika B Sanjana, founder and CEO of SevaSphere.
 

SevaSphere helping the the evacuees / Ambika B Sanjana

Southern California Hotels Offering Discounts for Wildfire Evacuees

In addition to food assistance, many hotels throughout Southern California are providing free or discounted rooms to evacuees who have been displaced from their homes, including:

The Oram Hotels group’s SpringHill Suites Oceanside Beach,  located north of San Diego in the coastal community of Oceanside, is offering evacuees gift cards to on-site restaurant Surf Club, and Always Hungry Grocery (located inside the hotel) is making grocery baskets for evacuees. Additionally, SpringHill Suites Oceanside Beach will be offering a Two Queen Bed Suite with a sofa bed for US$189/night. To book, please email: Sales@theguildhotel.com 

The Guild, located in the heart of downtown San Diego, will be offering a Junior Suite (king bed with a sofa bed) for $189/night. To book, please email: Fd@shsoceanside.com

Oram Hotels is also offering evacuees discounted rates and suite upgrades at SpringHill Suites Oceanside Beach, The Guild Hotel and Granger Hotel. Guests can email info@grangerhotel.com for booking.

STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa is offering a US$79 discounted rate and waived resort fee to evacuees and first responders on their website with promo code ‘RELIEF’.

InterContinental San Diego, located in downtown San Diego along the waterfront, is offering a US$289 nightly rate with waived amenity fee for LA fire evacuees.

SevaSphere helping the the evacuees / Ambika B Sanjana

Hotel Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles is working with the Red Cross to house displaced families. Please contact the Red Cross at (800) 675-5799. Evacuees can contact the hotel at 213-627-8971 for discounted rates, waived pet and resort fees, and discounted parking and F&B.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina, California, is offering a 20 percent discount on accommodations with waived pet fees. Reservation link is here.

The London West Hollywood is providing discounted rates for our suites, both short and long term. People can reach out to the hotel directly by email or phone for details: reservations@thelondonweho.com or 844-489-9660

The Mondrian West Hollywood is offering 30 percent off BAR and based on availability through 1/18/2025. Booking link is here.

1 Hotel West Hollywood is providing extended discounted rates for those affected by the wildfires. Additionally, the hotel is offering complimentary valet service, waiving the amenity fee, and welcoming pets. 

The Andaz West Hollywood is offering fire relief rates including 20 percent off, waived destination fee, waived pet fees.

The Grand Hyatt Indian Wells is providing a discounted rate along with waived Resort Fee, Self-Parking Fee and Pet Fee.

The Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club & Spa is offering up to 50 percent off stays through February. Call 844.478.6557 and ask for the Aviara Good Neighbor Rate.

The Thompson Palm Springs is providing a 25 percent off on their room rate.

The Pierside Hotel is offering 25 percent off room rates, waived pet fee for evacuees and complimentary rooms for first responders.

All meals and rooms are subject to availability. Please check directly with the restaurant or hotel for more information.