The Best Hotels to Book in Pasadena, California

Taking over a Victorian house, this hotel in Pasadena is a local cultural landmark. Floral designs and draped curtains dominate the rooms, one of which – the Anna Bissell room – features an antique high-back chair and footstool that is said to have been Albert Einstein’s favorite smoking spot when he stayed here. It’s all purposefully quaint; if you’re into period design, you’ll be in heaven.

This Pasadena hotel has lovely rooms with separate living, sleeping and work areas – ideal for longer stays and workations. Blackout curtains and dimmer switches ensure optimal rest, leaving you energized to explore Old Pasadena, right on your doorstep. Fill up on burgers, Caesar salads or turkey pesto sandwiches at the on-site diner before heading out to discover the area’s theaters, museums and retro arcades.

Comfortable rooms can be found at this functional hotel in neighboring Rosemead. Start the day right with a hearty American breakfast before hitting the road to explore Downtown LA or Old Pasadena, both a 20-minute drive away. The family suite is great if you’re traveling with the kids, and the hotel is within walking distance of a number of dining options, ranging from Hawaiian barbecue to Mexican to classic American.

This boutique hotel in Glendale sits at the junction of Burbank, Pasadena and Eagle Rock. Each room is decorated with local artists’ works, which pop thanks to the calming neutral backdrop of deep browns and whites. Olia Restaurant serves Mediterranean brunch with a Californian twist. For craft cocktails and snacks with gorgeous views of the Verdugo Mountains, head to the seventh-story bar, Rooftop at the Glenmark.

This 10-room bed and breakfast takes over a historic craftsman home built in 1910. Perched on a hillside, it boasts beautiful views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The classically styled rooms come with padded headboards and plush armchairs, and some have private balconies. Downtown LA is 7mi (11km) away, while Old Town Pasadena is 3.5mi (5.6km), or a 10-minute drive away. Don’t have a car? The metro is within walking distance.

Dating back to the late-19th-century Gilded Age, this luxury resort sits in 23 acres (9ha) of picturesque grounds, with a backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. Inside, chandeliers and polished-marble floors give it a European sophistication. Rooms at the Pasadena hotel range from spacious doubles to entire cottages and standalone suites. A draw in its own right, the Chuan spa combines new-age treatments with principles of ancient Chinese medicine.

This treasured historical landmark, which opened in 1926, features a Mediterranean-revival design infused with a tasteful postmodern flair. The colorful, imaginative rooms boast a modern aesthetic and state-of-the-art amenities, including 50in smart TVs and super-fast wifi. Located directly on the Rose Parade route, many rooms offer direct views of the annual event. Walk, cycle or take the complimentary tuk-tuk to the Pasadena Playhouse, the Rose Bowl and the Norton Simon Museum. Check out our article for more adventures you can have in LA.

This centrally located Pasadena hotel is within walking distance of the trendy shops and restaurants in historic Old Town Pasadena. Rooms have a redwood motif with muted green and tan accents, creating a tranquil ambience. Take a dip in the heated rooftop pool with magnificent views of the surrounding town, then attend a concert or event at the nearby Rose Bowl.

Ideally positioned minutes from Old Pasadena, the Convention Center and the Rose Bowl, the Hilton Pasadena offers convenience in a clean and comforting setting. Grab a coffee at the on-site coffee shop, enjoy breakfast at the restaurant or relax in the outdoor heated pool and hot tub. Enjoy serene views of the adjacent San Gabriel Mountains from the balcony of your deluxe room, before grabbing dinner at the Corner Craft Kitchen, with its extensive Californian wine list and sharing plates.

Take it slow close to Old Town with your stay at this Pasadena hotel. The rooms here provide space to unwind after a long day of exploring the historic district. If a laid-back itinerary is desired, spend hours by the outdoor pool, cool off with a skate at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, or settle in for lunch and a movie at the dine-in IPIC cinema. Before heading out for dinner, allow the front desk to make you reservations at a local restaurant to receive exclusive perks, like discounts or even free food.