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Costa Mesa hotels brighten community during coronavirus times

The Westin South Coast Plaza lights windows in the shape of a heart in Costa Mesa on Tuesday.
The Westin South Coast Plaza lights windows in the shape of a heart in Costa Mesa on Tuesday.
(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)
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In the spirit of togetherness, several hotels in Costa Mesa emblazoned their empty guestrooms with lights in the shape of hearts or positive messaging this week.

Beginning Monday evening and lasting through Friday, the Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County, DoubleTree By Hilton Orange County Airport, Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, and the Westin South Coast Plaza are brightening the community. Most chose a heart shape to send a positive message to the community.

The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa lights windows in the shape of a heart in Costa Mesa on Tuesday.
The Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa lights windows in the shape of a heart in Costa Mesa on Tuesday.
(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)
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Hotels are struggling to survive during the decimated economy. In Costa Mesa, occupancy rates are hovering around 10% to 15%, according to city officials. Typically this time of year, they are closer to 80%.

Across the globe, hotels are preparing for a seismic shift for when guests return, including masked staffers, more visible cleaning and, in some instances, white-gloved service.

The Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County lights windows in the shape of a heart on Tuesday.
The Crowne Plaza Costa Mesa Orange County lights windows in the shape of a heart on Tuesday.
(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

In a recent news release, South Coast Metro Alliance, the nonprofit grouping of property owners and businesses in the South Coast Metro urban center, promoted the ramped-up cleaning protocols of area hotels in light of the coronavirus.

“The hotels in the South Coast Metro have always been focused on the well-being of their guests and neighbors,” South Coast Metro Executive Director Diane Pritchett said in a statement. “They are open during this crisis and want to express their heartfelt thanks and best wishes to all of the first responders and other essential personnel going above and beyond the call of duty as we persevere through the pandemic and emerge stronger on the other side.”

The Avenue of the Arts hotel in Costa Mesa lights windows in the shape of a heart on Tuesday.
The Avenue of the Arts hotel in Costa Mesa lights windows in the shape of a heart on Tuesday.
(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

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