The Langham Huntington, Pasadena: we heart this field trip

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Langham-Hotel-1press visit

In late 2014, I got to check an item off my bucket list. An item that I really don’t know why it took me so long to complete, considering its subject has been within mere miles for my entire LA existence. It was a stay at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena and it did not disappoint.

The iconic hotel marked its 100 year anniversary, and we heart this was there to help celebrate…

Langham-Hotel-7The lobby entrance

I have been obsessed with this hotel since the moment I heard of it. I mean, just look at it. It’s like something from a storybook; a castle with 380 guestrooms nestled on 23 acres at the base of the San Gabriel mountains. You’d never guess it was only a few minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Its rich history spans the great depression, prohibition and World War II (when the US army rented the entire hotel for $3000 a month.)

The “Huntington” in its name stands for Henry Huntington, who bought the property in 1911. He’s also responsible for bringing the railroad to Southern California and the namesake of the Huntington Library and Gardens (another Pasadena landmark). And wow, did he know how to design one hell of a hotel!

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Upon check in I was shown to my room, though “room” doesn’t seem grand enough of a word. The Huntington Suite was almost 900 square feet, complete with two rooms, a gorgeous view of the Horseshoe Garden and a bathroom that can only be described as an Italian marble cavern!

Langham-Hotel-11That’s the bathroom, which ran the entire length of the two rooms.

Langham-Hotel-12There were 19 toiletries in the well-appointed bathroom (yes, I counted!)

Langham-Hotel-6The view of the Horseshoe Garden from my room.

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Attention to detail was a theme I’d soon realize was a specialty. Just checkout the chocolate confection that met me upon my arrival.

Langham-Hotel-5Yes, that’s an edible we heart this logo!

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With Facebook cookie in hand, I was off to my appointment at the Chuan Spa. Recently renovated, the relaxing retreat offers treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, like the Chuan Stone Therapy massage I received.

Once my element was determined (wood) and a custom oil was blended for me (including rose absolute, sweet orange and lavender), the massage aimed at balancing the yin and yang energies with cold (yin) and hot (yang) stones.

It was one of the most relaxing treatments I’ve ever had. I literally needed help walking to the Dream Room afterwards, a dimly lit, comforting space to enjoy a cup of tea while slowly coming back to the world.

I also had the chance to experience a Mistral LHE facial (that stands for light heat energy). This highly advanced technology uses a blend of light and heat to treat visible signs of photodamage and acne, without the side effects, downtime and price tag of similar laser treatments.

Though my session was only a half hour, a dark spot on my cheek that I’ve been battling for years flaked off within the next week and did not return. Impressive!

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All that relaxing made me hungry. Luckily my suite included Langham Club Privileges. Club level access can be purchased even if you aren’t in a suite, and I highly recommend it!

In addition to perks like three garment pressings and bike rentals, there are all-day beverages and five culinary presentations throughout the day. I was there for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails so I snacked on sushi and champagne, whilst pinching myself.

Langham-Hotel-10I could have eaten about 20 of these sticky rice and shrimp cones…

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I had to drag myself away to save room for dinner at The Royce. What a restaurant! What a meal! Forget every mediocre hotel dining experience you’ve ever had. This wood-fired steakhouse is beyond impressive.

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We sat at the private Chef’s table, behind an edged glass wall and just outside the kitchen, and had a meal that rivaled any I’ve EVER had, with each dish more delicious than the previous.

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Langham-Hotel-16Amuse Bouche, including a corn-stuffed avocado bite.

Langham-Hotel-18Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, the best I have ever had.

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Leading to my entree, Australian Wagyu Skirt steak, served rare with an assortment of sides that I am still dreaming about today including wild mushrooms and truffled spinach.

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Not thinking it could get any better, it did when the Chef brought out an assortment of every dessert they offered. Yes, EVERY dessert. After an artful drizzle of dry ice and chocolate crumbles, we devoured the display despite insisting we couldn’t eat another thing.

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After a night’s sleep that can only be described as heavenly, followed by a healthy spa breakfast, we got a tour of the hotel and grounds where my love for this beautiful landmark was firmly established.

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The tour ended in one of the properties three ballrooms, The Georgian, dating back to 1907. With 25-foot vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and gold framed 100-year-old oil paintings, it was hard not to swept away by its beauty. I may or may not have waltzed my way back to my room afterwards…

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I couldn’t more highly recommend a visit to The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. It’s my bucket list item that’s sure to get crossed off multiple times!

Stef is many things. Amongst them: co-editor of we heart this, photographer, condiment connoisseur, Philly girl in the California desert, borderline hoarder and a hardcore beauty junkie.

Author

  • Stef Andrews

    Stef is a plethora of things. Amongst them: co-founder of we heart this, photographer, condiment connoisseur, Philly girl in the California desert, borderline hoarder and a hardcore beauty junkie. She also has a touch of wanderlust and, arguably, the cutest dog in the whole world... skin tone: NC 25/30 skin type: oily with a fear of rosacea favorite beauty product: high end skincare and lip products

8 Comments

  1. I devoured every detail of this post… the room, the grounds, the food, the toiletries. The dessert tray… there are no words! Thanks for this intriguing introduction to the Langham Huntington, Pasadena. Now it’s on my bucket list, too!

  2. I loved this post, looks like you had a wonderful time! They also have a really nice Afternoon Tea service. I’ve enjoyed that several times.

    1. I’d love to check out their teas sometime. I can only imagine how luxurious they are. Thanks for your comment!

  3. Wow! These pictures are amazing and I KNOW they don’t do it justice!
    The food looks amazing and I’m betting you were making lots of noise whilst partaking! Pasadena is gorgeous!

  4. One word to describe this post? LUXURIOUS! Looks like the perfect little getaway. Don’t you love exploring these gems in your own city? It’s beautiful!

  5. Wow! I have always wanted to go here and after reading this it’s on my bucket list too! What a magnificent welcome tray to boot. :)

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