The Langham Huntington is just nine miles north of downtown Los Angeles, but it seems worlds away from the concrete and congestion of the city. Its out-of-the-way location at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, in one of Pasadena’s most beautiful residential neighborhoods, makes it ideal for peaceful getaways.
For ultimate privacy, families (and celebrities) book one of eight cottages located on the Langham grounds. It’s difficult, however, to keep a 23-acre, 380-room property completely secluded. The eight-floor main building is a statement of grandeur, where 19th century opulence meets modern elegance, and the hotel’s luxury amenities have earned it status as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Among those amenities is the 11,000-square-foot Huntington Spa, newly renovated and reopened. The spa now features signature Chuan Body + Soul treatments based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture and Ho Guan (cupping).
The new spa is just part of the allure for leisure travelers and business groups. Guests and local foodies also turn out to sample dishes from Chef Michael Voltaggio, a winner of the Bravo’s “Top Chef” (season six). Voltaggio is Chef de Cuisine at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, The Dining Room – the only hotel restaurant in Los Angeles to receive a coveted Michelin star. The Dining Room, along with the property’s main bar (appropriately called “The Bar”) will be closed for renovations from July to September 2010. The plan is “to make the spaces a bit more dynamic while preserving the history the Langham was built upon,” explained Elsa Schelin, director of public relations for the Pasadena property.
That history dates back to 1907, when the original hotel was opened by General Wentworth and later sold to Henry Huntington of local railroad fame, who purchased the property to entertain his visiting guests. The hotel has since changed hands and been remodeled a few times but several classic design elements remain. There is the crystal chandelier in the Viennese ballroom, for example, that was shipped from Vienna in the 1920s. Outside, the Picture Bridge, modeled after one in Lucerne, Switzerland, features 40 hand-painted murals depicting scenes from California’s past.
A bit more modern are the hotel’s suites, including club suites, cottage suites and the two-story Tournament of Roses suite. In December 2007, 24 rooms were converted into 12 larger Huntington suites. We stayed in one overlooking the property’s horseshoe garden. The view, separate parlor and beautiful mahogany bed were nice, but the highlight was the bathroom area – a hall complete with shower, whirlpool tub, a large vanity and a small bathroom. You could spend hours pampering yourself.
In fact, the property as a whole has a soothing effect. The entire hotel smells like fresh flowers, with a different floral scent around every corner. Service-wise, everything – from the on-site trainers in the fitness center to the free car service transporting guests within two miles of the resort – is first-class.
If Pasadena truly is “the Crown of the Valley,” as its name has been interpreted, then the Langham is the crown jewel.
The Langham Huntington Pasadena
1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, California 91106
(626) 568 3900
http://pasadena.langhamhotels.com/en/