Hilton Pasadena

This rather large hotel has an expansive lobby and several lounging spaces, including a partially covered outdoor patio, where guests can relax with beverages from the on-site Starbucks. However, as an older property, most of its furnishings look dated: couches, rugs, and wallpaper throughout the common areas, and even the patio seats, are clean, but could use updates. As of August 2017, renovations are underway, which can make for considerable noise that adds to the sounds of traffic from outside. Though tourists aren’t uncommon here, the hotel is clearly geared to business travelers, and a slightly older clientele. 

Located on a busy main road, the hotel is susceptible to noise, but its location is still ideal for anyone who wants easy access to the shops and eateries of Old Pasadena, 15 minutes away on foot. Conveniently for business travelers, the Pasadena Convention Center is a five-minute walk away. Colorado Boulevard and Paseo Colorado mall are both seven-minute walks away. Several other attractions, including the Norton Simon Museum, Gamble House, and the Rose Bowl Stadium, are under 10 minutes away by car. Eaton Canyon is a 14-minute drive away. The hotel has free shuttle service within a limited radius. Bob Hope Burbank Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Los Angeles International Airport is 45 minutes away by car. All drive times are variable, due to Los Angeles traffic. 

Rooms are on the smaller side, and like the common areas, in need of renovations. The beds are comfortable, but patterned carpeting and drapes are ill-matched, upholstery on the armchairs (and sofas in suites) look dated, and generic wall prints do little to add character. Guests have reported that rooms that have been updated are more modern and tasteful. 

All rooms have desks with built-in electric outlets, air-conditioning, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Cuisinart coffeemakers and tea-making facilities are provided, along with ironing equipment. Suites have separate living rooms. 

Guests can expect standard-sized bathrooms with granite sink tops, shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. Windows provide lovely views of Old Pasadena or of the San Gabriel mountains, which can be enjoyed even more from Deluxe Rooms with balconies. 

Features are varied. There are two full restaurants on-site. Grille 168, next to the lobby, serves lunch and dinner, with a menu focusing on California-style fare and a small bar area serving cocktails. Trevos has a similar emphasis on local ingredients, but serves breakfast and lunch buffets. Breakfast is a sizable selection featuring fresh fruit, French toast, croissants, and even smoked salmon and made-to-order omelets, but the meal isn’t included with rates and the per-person charge is pricey. Other food options on-site include the Coffee Corner (serving Starbucks coffee), plus room service (children’s menus are available). There’s also a small Pavilion Pantry in the lobby for beverages, snacks, and toiletries.

The outdoor pool area (undergoing remodeling as of August 2017) is small but inviting, including a hot tub and a handful of chaise lounges to the side. The fitness center is spacious and clean, with a solid range of equipment. 

A four-computer business center is available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The hotel also houses the largest meeting capacity among hotels in the downtown Pasadena area. Self-parking is available, but with expensive per-day fees and a rather confusing layout.