When most folks think of Southern California, peaceful is not the first descriptive term that comes to mind. Quiet is not something that’s easily achieved in the land of movie stars and freeways, but The Langham Huntington, Pasadena has a way of making it look effortless.
Located in Pasadena, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, The Langham Huntington is an easy drive from downtown Los Angeles, but still manages to feel a world away. More than 100 years old, the landmark hotel was opened in 1914 by railroad tycoon and art collector Henry Huntington.
The property pays tribute to its beginnings. Antique paintings can be found on almost every wall. A huge crystal chandelier hangs at the center of the lobby above a collection of ornate furnishings. It’s elegant, but even better, it’s not stuffy. The sparkle of the chandelier may be what catches your eye first, but it’s hard to not sneak a peak of the kids reading and play room tucked away next to the front desk. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.
The property features 380 guestrooms including 38 suites, and eight cottages. With 450-plus square feet, my Grand Double Room offered plenty of space to stretch out and would make most travelling families smile. If you must work, the desk is large enough for you to get the job done. Basic internet is complimentary. The oversize Italian marble bathroom features a shower and soaking tub, another perk for families traveling with young kids. Housekeeping comes twice a day.
The Fitness Center is located at Chuan Spa and is equipped with an assortment of equipment, including treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, and free weights. There’s also a fitness studio that offers a variety of complimentary classes including yoga, Tai Chi and Mat Pilates.
My recommendation though is to get your exercise exploring the property. Located just off the lobby, the courtyard has sun, shade, flowers and a pond that’s popular with some most likely spoiled ducks. The Japanese Garden is lush with a bright red bridge that’s a popular spot for photos. The beautifully manicured Horseshoe Garden offers a palm tree studded view of the property.
The saline swimming pool is heated year-round. There’s plenty of chairs to lounge in the sun, as well as a hot tub. The pool is open daily from 6am to 10pm.
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Steps from the pool you can grab a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner at The Terrace restaurant. The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse serves dinner five nights a week and brunch on Sunday. Afternoon Tea, complete with scones, Devonshire cream and views of the Horseshoe Garden, is served every day in the Lobby Lounge. For those in need of a dose of caffeine before your day can officially begin, coffee and a nice selection of teas are served outside in the porte cochere every morning.
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena is a non-smoking property. Grand Double Room rates range from $299 to $745 per night. Make your reservations at the hotel website. Or you can compare rates and book through one of the many search engines such as Booking.com.
Dana was hosted by The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.