I've lived in California my whole life and although I've been to Los Angeles countless times, I've always stayed with family. For the first time, I've booked two nights at a hotel, for a bit more privacy for my little family, and for my sister's sanity! (Having everyone "home for the holidays" can be nerve wracking in even the best of situations!)Anyone stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Pasadena? Your comments are appreciated! Any rooms with a great view? Is the spa nice?

At $169.99 a night, with tickets to the Huntington Library or Norton-Simon thrown in, it sounds to good to be true!

Thanks All,
Lynette

Good deal. Lovely hotel. Great bar. Beautiful grounds. I think a hotel for the holidays is wonderful, and you made a good choice.

Thanks Dave, I appreciate your kind response! ( I was ready to read a "do not bring kids to a hotel" post or something equally as kind!) With the holiday lights, I think it will be a beautiful treat and obviously, with that special, they must be a quiet time of year for them.
Lynette

Lynette, I've posted my impression of this hotel in the recent past.

As with all things, it depends on your expectations. We were in town for a meeting (at the RC-Huntington) and decided to splurge on a nice suite. I will preface by saying that we travel a lot and stay at very nice hotels, so our expectations are high.
We left the RC-Huntington frustrated and disappointed.
Tne positives: beautiful setting, beautiful grounds, character by the pound at this historic mansion.
The negatives: service was poor, our suite was very dirty and in major need of renovation (big cracks in the shower walls, mildew in the grout, leaking faucet) many stains in multiple places on the carpets and furniture, used room service tray sat outside the room next door for 3 days and no one came for it. I could go on. We asked (pleaded, demanded) to be moved within 5 minutes of checking in. No rooms available, we were told. Only on the last night of our stay did we get to move to a standard room which was a huge improvement. Bathroom was small...the only negative.
You'll want to get a view of Pasadena (the 'backside' of the hotel), as the hotel sits on a hilltop overlooking the valley.
Food was decent, nothing special for the price.
I wouldn't stay there again unless it was on the company's dime or unless I got a great rate on a guaranteed good room.
I think you did fine with the package you got.

Thanks Frank. I did a search before I posted and I must have missed yours. I appreciate your feedback. (Yikes!) We usually do not stay in "chain hotels" but neither are we sophisticated travelers. I usually try to find small, charming hotels in fabuous locations! I'll hope for the best and have a back up in mind.

Anyone want to be the tie-breaker?

Lynette

I don't think anyone (Frank) is suggesting that you NOT follow through on your plans at the Ritz. Sounds like one bad experience for someone who had high expectations and was paying for an expensive room. For the rate that you got you should stay at the Ritz IMO. If it were $400, that might be another story.

I agree Jackie! I will still try it our and hope it will be a wonderful weekend!

Lynette

I've stayed twice at this Ritz, both times in a lovely room on the Club floor. We had no difficulties with service, the food was terrific -- all in all, a place I recommend happily.

The spa is very nice indeed; you'll love it.

That rate is a very good deal.

I travel quite a lot, too, stay upscale (Ritz, Four Seasons, Cap Juluca, St. Regis, Savoy, Claridges, etc.).

Spent weekend of 10/18/02 here & loved it. Echoing Kat had club room, great view, loved the spa. Service was friendly & efficient- not stuffy.