Archive for the ‘The Langham Huntington’ Category

This is by far one of my favorite hotels in Los Angeles.

And by L.A., I’m not talking about the chic modern hotels of Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip. This is old Los Angeles…when railroad moguls built mansions in paradise and the only freeway was a two-lane stretch connecting Downtown to Pasadena.

If your only connection to Pasadena is watching the Rose Bowl game on New Year’s Day, you’re missing out on one of Southern California’s coolest towns.

Quaint, elegant, and culturally rich, this community north of the city offers a vibrant “old town” shopping and dining district, rows of impeccably resorted craftsman homes, the Norton Simon Museum and the sprawling Huntington Library and Gardens in nearby San Marino. Pasadena’s more than a parade, it’s a destination unto itself.

Recommended Resort: The Langham Huntington in Pasadena. A local legend since 1907, The Huntington Hotel was a quick escape for celebrities and the well-to-do in the nearby metro. It was recently the Ritz-Carlton before Langham took over the property a few years ago.

All the elegance and charm of years’ past are perfectly preserved, like the portrait paintings that line the hallways and the pristine gardens that flush against the regal façade.

Rooms and suite vary, from well-appointed hotel rooms, to a 1930s mission-style cottage, to the Tournament of Roses Suite, a two-story beauty with a balcony, garden and San Gabriel Mountain views, a baby grand and more.

Check In: 1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena. 626-568-3900, www.pasadena.langhamhotels.com.

Check Out: The Huntington Spa. Chuan Body + Soul is a recent addition to the 11,000-square-foot space, offering Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

The principles of TCM include the five elements, breathing rituals and acupressure for a comprehensive wellness experience. The hotel also offers a fitness center, pool, tennis courts and bike rentals for exploring the grounds.

Don’t Miss: Sunday Champagne Brunch and Chocolate Afternoon Tea. Dining’s a treat at the Huntington every day of the week, but Sunday’s are particularly special.  The fun begins with a delicious brunch on the terrace overlooking the gardens with live jazz music. If your appetite is not satisfied, there’s also the Afternoon Chocolate Tea, serving savory tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream, fruit tarts, mousse torts and crème brûlées – all containing different chocolate essences. And did I mention the chocolate fountain?

Want more honeymoon ideas? Check out our other Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Blog Posts!

Blog Post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of The Langham Huntington.

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