Located in a tree-strewn enclave in Pasadena, California, this sprawling location has opulence at every step. Complete with a day spa and bungalows, the roominess of the suites and grounds are unparalleled.
The first floor bar offers small jazz groups on the weekends, and we happily crashed out in one of the delightful small groupings of sofas and chars for the guests to huddle and be pampered within. The dining room has the best Sunday brunch I have ever enjoyed, featuring pastries, an omelet bar, a sushi bar, desserts, and numerous other chef-stationed bars that I did not have the hunger to investigate. Next time I’ll leave room for a bit of everything.
The rooms, not unlike San Francisco’s Mark Hopkins, are very posh and old school, and the lush grounds are great for long walks, and invigorating jogs, for which the concierge will gladly offer a map. Their service is at a very high level, with all staff exhibiting politeness and happiness to see you enjoying their hotel. It’s pretty rare to see this!
There are many good restaurants a short drive away to downtown Pasadena, and the hotel itself is a 15 minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. The weekend after my wife and I stayed there, I read that Desperate Housewives’ star Marcia Cross enjoyed her reception at this same hotel, and after a weekend here, it is easy to see why.