The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena Review

An azalea-filled Japanese garden and the unusual Picture Bridge, with murals celebrating California's history, are just two of this grande dame's picturesque attributes. Long a mainstay of Pasadena's social history, the hotel first opened in 1907. The Italianate-style main building, Spanish Revival-style cottages, and lanai building sit on 23 acres fronted by the historic horseshoe garden. In 2008 the hotel was bought by Langham Hotels ending its storied, 15-year stand as Ritz-Carlton. Traditional guest rooms are handsome though sometimes oddly sized. Brocade fabrics are found throughout, as are flat-screen TVs and CD players. The Royce, with a glass-walled wine room and showy chef's table, is the hotel's newly renovated contemporary restaurant, serving Cal-French cuisine. Also updated: the Tap Room, now a cheery bar with comfy outdoor booths.