Update on impact of LA wildfires

Note: This story first appeared in Travel Weekly

LOS ANGELES -- Some visitor attractions and hotels in the Los Angeles area remained shuttered Thursday as wildfires continued to tear through parts of Los Angeles County. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday as the flames destroyed homes and businesses.

The Palisades Fire, which began Tuesday, has burned through more than 17,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

“We are heartbroken to see the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires,” the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board said. “As this challenging and ongoing situation unfolds, our focus remains on the safety and well-being of residents, visitors and first responders in affected areas across our city. We urge everyone to stay informed through the Los Angeles Fire Department to follow all warnings and evacuation orders from first responders.”

Hotels open doors to residents

Hotels along Southern California's coast issued operational updates amid the region's ongoing fires, with conditions varying from complete closures in Malibu to properties in Santa Monica that remained open and were sheltering evacuees.

The Hotel Association of Los Angeles said that hotels were taking in "thousands" of Angelenos displaced by the fires.

“Many of our hotels are providing guests with discounted rates and the necessities they may have left behind in their evacuation, including toiletries,” the association said. “Many hotels are also taking in pets. Our hotels are also working to donate bedding and personal care items to temporary shelters.”

The Malibu Beach Inn said on its website that it had temporarily closed due to mandatory evacuations from the Palisades Fire. The oceanfront property was directing guests to contact them via email or phone for questions about reservations.

The Surfrider Malibu has also suspended operations, citing high winds and the continuing threat of fires. The hotel said via Instagram that it would remain closed until evacuation orders are lifted and officials confirm it is safe to reopen.

Further south in Santa Monica, the situation as of midday Jan. 8 appeared to be less severe. A spokesperson from the Fairmont Miramar said that the hotel remained outside the mandated evacuation area, though it was currently under an evacuation advisory. The hotel said it is receiving real-time updates from the Santa Monica Fire Department and local authorities.

On Instagram, the Sandbourne Santa Monica, which is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, announced special rates for affected residents and evacuees. The hotel is offering a rate to those who can present valid identification showing a Palisades or Santa Monica address.

The Regent Santa Monica Beach also said it remained operational and was able to provide shelter to those displaced by the fires.

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, the city's tourism organization, published a list of hotels that were offering discounts or waiving resort fees for evacuated residents.

“While there are no evacuation orders in Santa Monica, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is closely monitoring the Palisades Fire,” it said. “Residents and visitors are asked to avoid nonessential travel in northern portions of the city to facilitate evacuations and assist first responders.”

According to TravelAge West, a sister publication to Travel Weekly, other hotels and accommodations in the area were offering discounted or free stays to displaced residents.

One of those hotels, Shutters on the Beach, said it has been offering shelter to those displaced by the fires. As of January 8, the property said it was at capacity.