Hotel Constance Pasadena

The stately, seven-story building that holds this hotel reflects its past life as the Hotel Constance, a Jazz Age beauty that opened its doors in 1926. But its latest incarnation, refreshed in 2014, is a departure from this rich history. The hotel is now an ultra-modern property that’s a visual feast of stimulating light and shapes. Some traditional touches remain, such as the beautiful white coffered ceilings, marble walls, and terra-cotta-style floors. But, the modern elements of the decor is what captures the eye, with clear, white, or frosted acrylic walls and front desk flowing in sleek, undulating patterns. Swirling rugs in bright red, black, and gold also suggest movement, as do the wavy leather benches that are wrapped around white columns. Even the hallways have bold colors and swirling patterns that could border on vertigo-inducing for some people. But, the hotel is quiet and has an upscale boutique feel that attracts couples and younger travelers looking for something beyond the typical chain property.

The DustiD2 Hotel is located in Pasadena’s business district at the corner of Mentor and Coloardo, about a four-minute drive to the Pasadena Convention Center and City Hall. It’s a safe area that has numerous restaurants and shops within three-to-five minutes on foot, including a Starbucks, Target, and a cinema complex. The hotel also operates a free six-seat, Asian-style Tuk Tuk that takes guests to places within a three-mile radius. This hotel is on the route of the world-famous Tournament of Roses Parade as well. A grocery store can be reached in a six-minute walk, and a bus stop is just one minute away. Paseo Colorado -- a sprawling retail complex with a cinema and restaurants -- is a 15-minute walk or three-minute drive, and Old Pasadena is a six-minute drive or 10 minutes by bus. The Rose Bowl and Santa Anita Park are about 10-minute drives, and the Pasadena Museum of California Art is a 13-minute walk or five-minute bus ride. Dodger Stadium, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Burbank Bob Hope Airport take approximately 20 to 25 minutes, traffic permitting. It takes 50 to 55 minutes to get to Los Angeles International Airport by car, and 55 to 65 minutes to get to the John Wayne Airport. 

Similar to the hotel’s public spaces, the stylish guest rooms mix soft earth tones with bold neon colors including yellow, green, purple, and fuchsia, along with atypical shapes like swirl-pattern carpet. Furniture and wall paneling in some rooms are done in a light oak finish, contributing to an airy look, along with white linens and plantation shutters. Deluxe (standard rooms) are on the small side at 230 square feet, with desk chairs providing the only seating. Deluxe Terrace rooms are larger (290 square feet) with small terraces and street views. The 12 suites range from 350 to 1,100 square feet. Bathrooms vary, with some having solid sliding doors, while others use frosted glass between the bedroom and bathroom areas, which could cause privacy issues. Vanities can either sit inside or outside bathrooms, but they're chic with marble tops and vessel sinks. Roomy walk-in showers have rainfall showerheads, and some suites have large soaking tubs. Standard amenities include mini-fridges with free bottled water, turndown service, Keurig coffeemakers, safes, free Wi-Fi, and robes. Each room also has an iPad that controls lighting and temperature, and offers other applications like housekeeping requests. The rooms are generally quiet, but some ambient noise can be heard rather easily from other rooms and the street below.

This chic and modern hotel’s amenities are scheduled to get an upgrade when their new addition opens in 2017 that will include a rooftop pool, fitness center, underground parking garage, spa, meeting space, restaurant, and more attractions. Until then, highlights include upscale Perry’s by Claud Beltran restaurants that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on Cal Asian cuisine. Alfresco dining is offered in the historic courtyard, which has gas heaters to keep diners warm on chilly nights. Free cookies and water also are offered at the front desk. The bluRoom lounge is drenched in cool cobalt blue light and decked out with ultra-modern furniture. It serves custom cocktails and a light menu for lunch and dinner. Valet is the only parking option, and free shuttle service within a three-mile radius is provided by a six-seat, Asian-style Tuk Tuk. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, which has a boardroom that seats 20 people. More meeting space is made available to hotel guests in an adjacent office building. Guests get access to a computer with internet access and a printer to use for business purposes. There is no fitness facility until the addition opens, but guests are provided free passes to a nearby gym. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.