We are staying for 1 night in Pasadena, going to the Playhouse. Any hotel suggestions? We are going in 2 weeks

Price per night, including tax?

I am not fussy---up to $250 incl tax

We want to be in the town closer to the playhouse--old or new part

This was on the playhouse website:

https://www.concerthotels.com/venue-...-hotels/329179

I know Pasadena fairly well, going there often, and when I saw your post I couldn't think of a single hotel there. So I did what I suggest you do also:
Googled Pasadena Playhouse, zoomed in heavily until most business names appear on the map, and moved the map around. Hardly a hotel in sight within reasonable range of Old Pasadena along E. Colorado and adjacent street.

However, I found one, a Westin, on S. Robles at the corner of Walnut. Looks decent, and only ten minutes on foot from the theatre.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin...language=en_US

If you look around the map a bit more, you may find others.

While you're there, go to the Norton Simon museum, it is exquisite! Lots of other good attractions in and near Pasadena, but to me the N.S. is absolutely tops.

I was going to suggest the Westin (though I don't know their rates) - I stayed ther on business once and it was fine.

Hopefully maitaitom will see your thread and know if there are some other/better options.

I wouldn't say there was hardly a hotel in sight near the Playhouse, there are several, there is a Hilton and Sheraton, as well as that Westin, and a Courtyard by Marriott over near Memorial Park which isn't very far and close to Old Pasadena.

I stayed in that Westin once, also, of course it is fine, although the Sheraton and Hilton are probably cheaper. I think any of these are going to be fine for one night.

With a daughter in college in the area and family in Pasadena we find ourselves in the area fairly often. We have stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott several times, mostly recently a few weeks ago. The staff were all helpful and I love being able to walk to the Old Town area.

Three hotels I can think of within 15 minute walk of the Playhouse.

Hotel Constance...relatively new addition to Pasadena hotel scene located in a historic building is an eight minute walk. Here's a story behind it from the LA Times. I have heard it's funky, but is very close for your needs.
http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-property-report-constance-20140814-story.html
Tripadvisor review
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32859-d7075786-Reviews-DusitD2_Hotel_Constance_Pasadena-Pasadena_California.html

Westin is about a ten minute walk.

Sheraton is about a 15-minute walk.

Since I live here, of course I haven't stayed in any of these.

Good restaurant within walking distance of Pasadena Playhouse is Cafe Verde (about ten minutes in the other direction down E. Green Street). I've been there many times for dinner, and they also have a really good breakfast.
http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/cafe-verde-pasadena-ca/

redwhite+bluezz is right next door and is also good, although I like Cafe Verde much better.

There is Roy's within a couple of minutes, too.

Are you coming for the Pacino play? I hope to make it over myself.

The Constance is very close, and starts @ $175 with AAA, plus $25 parking. There is loud construction on that corner but I don't think it would be a problem if you're staying Sat night/Sun morning, or if you're generally early-risers.

The Hilton is an easy walk of a few blocks.

The Westin is $400 that weekend, unfortunately.

If you don't mind hopping in the car for brunch, this morning we just tried Magnolia House on South Lake. Fantastic!

That Westin has a free shuttle that will take you anywhere within a 5 mile radius. It's in a great location and I've stayed there several times and it's always been great.

We've stayed in the Courtyard by Marriott on several occasions, and it's a particularly nice one, with a very pleasant lobby.