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 and sometimes oddly sized; all are in shades of gold and blue. Brocade fabrics are found throughout, as are flat-screen TVs and CD players. The hotel's formal restaurant, the Dining Room, can be counted on for a rarefied contemporary dining experience. Treat yourself and order Chef Craig Strong's multicourse tasting menu. Pros: new owners promises updates to the spa, cottages, and restaurants while maintaining the property's many charms. Cons: set in a suburban neighborhood far from local shopping and dining.
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