1scs1

We will be heading out to Pasadena at the end of December to go to the Tournament of Roses Parade. I am finding that a lot of the hotels in Pasadena are already booked. My question is: what other areas are nearby that would be convenient? We would be flying in and out of Orange County. Our son, who will be marching, will be staying with his high school band at a Marriott in downtown L.A. We will be renting a car, but don't want to stay too far away that we are in our car all the time. Thanks for your help!

Jun20

With all the participants, and the hundreds of tours, accommodations for the Rose Parade are spread all over LA and surrounding communities. Most hotels require a 3 night minimum over New Years.

I would look at a map and decide if you want to stay towards Pasadena, or Orange County. AAA may be your best bet regarding a hotel. Does anyone from your son's school have any information as other parents would be interested,too. Or go to tripadvisor.com and take it from there.

rjw_lgb_ca

Orange County is quite far away from Pasadena, as you must be aware. Personally, I'd be looking at better hotels in Burbank, Universal City, or even Hollywood. The drive isn't too bad from these communities to Pasadena. However, if you're trying to drive from the SNA area (that is, Costa Mesa) to Pasadena, it's a long haul, and it'll be a huge hassle to get to the Parade.

Travelkitty

I'd say it depends on how long you are staying and what else you want to do while you are there. If you are going only for the parade, then you might want to try nearby towns like Alhambra. They also have a lovely arboretum in Alhambra that you might enjoy. Also try Altadena. Those areas tend to be more residential with fewer "tourist" attractions but if there are a lot of activities associated with the parade this is probably your best option. There are some things in the Pasadena region to enjoy including some historical homes and lovely botanical gardens.

If you want to do more of the tourist type things you can try hotels in downtown LA or out by Universal studios and only go to Pasadena for the parade. This area is more centrally located and provides good access to the beach communities and Pasadena although you'd have to drive to get there (probably about 20-45 minutes depending on traffic)
You could also try hotels closer to the ocean in Santa Monica or Venice. This is further away from Pasadena than downtown LA, so if most of your actitivites are around pasadena, I wouldn't pick this option. But if you are only going to Pasadena for the parade and want to enjoy the beach, this is an option, although the drive to Pasadena could be 60-90 minutes.

sgbslo

We went to the parade this past new years and stayed in Glendale. It was pretty easy to get to Pasadena from there.

1scs1

Thank you for helping me get started. Unfortunately, we won't be flying in LAX because the students are taking up the majority of the flights out of Atlanta that day. We have more options into Orange County. I do see that it is too far to stay in that area, so I will be looking into your suggestions.

here_today_gone2Maui

You might want to try Arcadia or Monrovia. This is just minutes east of the parade route and has a good selection of hotels. They have an Embassy Suites, Marriot, Hilton, Hampton Inn, Sheraton, and more from which to choose. It's a nice area, lots of restaurant choices, close to the track, the arboretum, and very close to the float viewing area the day after the parade. it is easily accessible via freeway and an easy drive from John Wayne.

tracys2cents

Sometimes the fares are higher, but Burbank/Pasadena airport (BUR) would be MUCH more convenient than Orange County Airport...and I think even Ontario Airport (ONT) would be better.

There is a Days Inn and a Best Western in Glendale if you're not too fussy, and a Hilton in Glendale that may already be full. It's a 15 min drive to Pasadena from the Burbank Holiday Inn which is well located near restaurants/shops. There is also the Coast Annabelle hotel in Burbank.

Cali

I agree that I would try Arcadia or Monrovia Area as it is close and has a lot of restaraunts and hotels. Also easy to go over to Old Town Pasadena to play.

here_today_gone2Maui

Another serious consideration that makes me choose the SG Valley over the SF Valley: that the traffic in Glendale/Burbank is about the worst there is that side of the 405! And on a beautiful, clear January morning the foothills are spectacular from Arcadia.

TC

We went to the Rose Parade a few years ago. We purchased a hotel, transportation, seats package from a tour operator and I'm sure glad we did. The traffic was a gigantic mess the morning of the parade. I was so happy to be on a bus with a driver and (yes, its true) a police escort to get us there on time. We had amazing reserve seats on the corner where all the TV cameras are perched. After the parade we had great box lunches waiting on the bus for the journey back to the hotel - which I think was a Hilton near the airport. The tour also included transportation to and from the build barns the day before the parade to watch the last minute application of flowers. In my opinion, that was one of the best parts of the experience. Our tour operator was "Al Brooks Company". They probably have a web site. Even if you don't use a tour, definately go to the barns to view the final preparation of the floats. Its possible to volunteer the last few days as well and I would surely do that if we went again. This was my very favorite Christmas present. It is a real treat.