MomDD, that's what it was for us --- a weekend getaway followed by a visit with my 90-year old dad (while my DH attended a conference). It's amazing what 1 or 2 days away from home can do for your psyche!

I looked at the Langham -wow - that is some place. Dh and I will be due soon for the two of us to sneak away - so will have to keep this in mind. The Langham is a little out of our current price point but nice!

>>

Ha ha - we stayed at the Courtyard in Old Town and used Marriott points!!

SF - you know that is right up my alley

Mom, take a look at this B&B. It's not as close to Old Town but in a beautiful residential area with many Arts and Crafts and Victorian homes.

http://www.bissellhouse.com/

Jean: I agree. The Norton Simon is a gem of a museum. Getty would just buy "stuff" but Simon seems to have had an eye for art.

sf7307: glad you had a good time. It's a beautiful area of Greater LA.

Jean - that looks wonderful!!

I'll wait for that french onion soup recipe as well any time you're ready, sf!

does anyone know if any of the museums have a display of weapons? especially ancient weapons?..... of particular interest to 13 yo boys.

ncounty, I posted it on it's own thread!

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...e-for-lcuy.cfm

its, not it's

Just came across your post. I love the Huntington, too. The gardens are a real treat, especially on a beautiful day. I know all the restaurants you visited and the I think your star system is right on. Mi Piache used to be a lot better. It's more a people watcher place nowadays than a good eaterie. Thanks for posting. You show that Pasadena can be a destination in its own right.

SF7307,

I also just noticed this post and as we said on other posts, the Huntington is truly a fabulous place. The desert garden is so striking. The Chinese garden is really serene and beautiful and that is just two of their many great themes. Not to mention the great art too!

How does Filoli near San Francisco compare to the Huntington gardens? I know it doesn't have the artwork or library as Huntington does, but it is supposed to have great scenic walking trails.

I haven't been to Filoli in many many years. As I recall, it was beautiful (worth visiting), but it's nothing like the Huntington.

sf7307: I didn't realize that you were in Pasadena in April. That was about a week after I got back from Paris. I'm a Pasadenean since 1965. I had the Asia forum GTG in Pasadena and over a three-day period of dinners and activities. I recommended that they stay at the Courtyard Marriott, too and they did. If you want to read about their stay, you can go to
www.guenmais-gtgpart3.cfm or Guenmai's GTG/Part 3.

And as for the Langham, I think that was formerly the Ritz Carlton and then before that the Huntington Hotel, when I was young. I had one of the pre-GTG luncheons at the Ritz Carlton. Happy Travels!

Correction: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-gtgpart-3.cfm
I must be half asleep. I hope that link works. Happy Travels!