The Westin Pasadena

The Westin Pasadena gives off an upscale vibe from the get go, thanks to a fountain at the main entrance that’s framed by four stately palms and lined with beautiful Spanish tile-work. Interiors are impressive, with huge wooden lattice arches and walls illuminated by elaborate wrought-iron chandeliers with dozens of lights. Polished, sand-colored marble flooring sparkles, and modern rugs and colorful art pieces abound. There are also plenty of comfortable leather armchairs and benches in the spacious lobby, and lots of quiet places exist for impromptu meetings, including a cozy space next to a marble-framed fireplace and a wall of wooden bookcases containing volumes of encyclopedias. Nearby, a long wood table with high-back chairs and media plug-ins enables the hotel’s many business travelers to get some work done. This large hotel hosts many conferences so it gets busy at times.

The Westin is located in the heart of downtown Pasadena, about a five-minute walk to the historic City Hall. It’s a safe area, with a good choice of places to eat and drink within a few minutes on foot. Walking to the Pasadena Convention Center takes nine minutes, while Old Pasadena takes 13 minutes on foot. The hotel also runs a shuttle that transports guests to both locations free of charge. The shuttle also goes to Paseo Colorado, a sprawling retail complex with a cinema and restaurants -- it’s otherwise a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The Rose Bowl is a seven-minute drive, and drive times to Dodger Stadium, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Burbank Bob Hope Airport take approximately 20 to 25 minutes, traffic permitting. It takes 45 to 60 minutes to get to Los Angeles International Airport by car, and 55 to 70 minutes to the John Wayne Airport. 

Rooms and suites are spacious (starting at 350 square feet) and have pale shades of tan and green on the walls and carpet, bright white bedding and lots of reddish-brown wood, including headboards and sliding doors that conceal marble counters. That said, some of the wood furniture is showing signs of wear, a situation that should be remedied when the hotel undertakes its scheduled renovation in 2017. Other notable features include long desks and white plantation shutters over windows that guests can open (a rarity in upscale business hotels). All rooms have popular Westin Heavenly Beds and come in King or Double-Double configurations. Some rooms include private patios or balconies with seating and views of the city or San Gabriel Mountains that most rooms offer. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, robes, safes, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs.  Bathrooms are on the small side, with white acrylic sinks atop smallish wood vanities, beige tile, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. White Tea by Westin toiletries and magnifying mirrors come standard.

This Westin has all the amenities one would expect at a large, upscale urban business hotel, including a free area shuttle service to Old Town and the Pasadena Convention Center (though note that during large conferences the wait times for the shuttle can drag on). Ventana’s Restaurant and Bar serves breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner, with a focus on California cuisine. There's also a lovely outdoor patio with a gas fire pit. Room service is available around the clock.

The fourth-floor heated outdoor pool features sweeping views of historic City Hall and is surrounded by lounge chairs, a few private cabanas, and a whirlpool. The 24/7 fitness center is exceptionally large and well equipped with Life Fitness equipment. It also has men’s and women’s locker rooms, each with private showers, saunas, and steam rooms. In-room massage treatments are available as well, and the hotel has workout gear guests can rent for a nominal fee. 

Meeting facilities include a 5,000-square-foot ballroom that can host up to 800 people, plus 28 additional meeting spaces. The 24/7 business center has PCs with internet access and a printer. Wi-Fi is free for SPG members booking through the hotel's website. (It's an extra fee for others.)

Pets up to 50 pounds are welcome for a fee, and dog beds and other pet-friendly gear are available upon request. The lobby gift shop sells snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.  On-site valet and self-parking options are available at reasonable fees. Valet costs a bit more, but it has unlimited in/out privileges (self-parking does not).