The Langham just might be the grand hotel in L.A. County. Yes, there are other impressive properties in the region—the castle-esque Chateau Marmont, Terranea’s sprawling resort grounds and Hotel Bel-Air’s suburban seclusion—but only the Langham manages to combine all of those elements into one exceptional stay. Its Pasadena address means that you’ll be far from the attractions that first-time visitors to L.A. typically seek out, but if the key thing left on your sightseeing list is a classy retreat, this is the place.
You could spend an afternoon just wandering the grounds here—and you should. The main hotel building (a late-1980s rebuild of the seismically unsafe Gilded Age original) exudes elegance from the second you walk into its lovely-smelling lobby. The palatial Horseshoe Garden offers plenty of space to admire the central tower or putt around a few holes of mini golf. Follow the path into the canopy of trees to the west, where the Japanese Garden winds past century-old bungalows and up to the Picture Bridge, a wood span lined with 40 paintings of iconic California locations.
The dining options are just as scenic, whether you’re having a bite at the Terrace, a California bistro that overlooks the pool, or afternoon tea from the sumptuous lounge off the lobby. The Royce is the signature restaurant here, but if you don’t want to pay steakhouse prices, head down the hall to the Tap Room instead. I had a charmed evening of cocktails and bar bites on the patio there and caught some live jazz in the Prohibition-inspired interior on my way out.
If you’re not out and about during the day (or busy pampering yourself at Chuan Spa), you’ll likely be unwinding at either of the two pool and hot tub areas. The older Lanai Pool feels like a stately Roaring ‘20s retreat while the brand-new Royce Pool gives off more contemporary Palm Springs resort vibes. The latter was the clear kid-favorite during my visit, but it was still relaxing enough to be a prime sunning spot; regardless, both are absolutely worth a plunge, and both serve tasty fare at reasonable-for-a-SoCal-pool-bar prices.
So what’s the only thing keeping this from being a five-star hotel? The rooms. Don’t worry, they’re clean and comfortable and shouldn’t hold you back from booking a stay here. But compared to the rest of the hotel—and certainly for the price—they feel a generation behind in terms of both in-room tech and decor. Thankfully, the rooms are due for a refresh starting toward the end of 2024, and after a tour of a model room I can say that the updated accommodations should correct basically all of my critiques: The creamy color palette has been swapped for a much lighter, brighter one, the carpet has given way to hardwood with an area rug and the finishes all feel much more premium.
Neighborhood
The hotel sits surrounded by some of Pasadena’s most ritzy real estate (including the Blacker House, an exquisite Arts and Crafts home you’ll need to admire from the sidewalk), which makes for a lavish, secluded setting—but that does mean you’ll need to drive or hail the hotel’s shuttle if you want to venture into town.
South Lake is the nearest shopping and dining area; stroll through the London-inspired Burlington Arcade for a sandwich from Float or specialty beans from Mandarin Coffee Stand, and sip a cocktail down the block inside the craftsman bungalow Magnolia House. You’ll find most of the city’s activity, though, about a mile west in Old Pasadena, one of the most beautiful, walkable downtown districts in Southern California. I’d also suggest scoping out Mission Street in South Pasadena, an utterly charming main drag with a small-town feel. All three are no more than a 10-minute drive.
Nearby
The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens: A historic trio of attractions (the themed gardens are particularly remarkable) that was the bequest of railroad tycoon Henry E. Huntington, the namesake of this Langham location.
Lacy Park: A swanky, dog-friendly San Marino park with a tranquil mile-long walking path and a picturesque rose garden.
Caltech: One of the world’s preeminent science and engineering universities—but more usefully for you, basically a handsome public park.
Time Out tip
If you’re a local who just wants a taste of that Langham lifestyle, consider a day pass for access to both pools and hot tubs (they’re otherwise gated off and reserved for hotel guests). As of writing, a pass during a peak period costs $82 per person, but that drops to $44 on off-peak weekdays.