Photo Credit: Langham
We’ve all been there: no matter how much you love your life and love where you live, sometimes, you just need to get away. But instead of going through the hassle of booking flights (or securing your private plane) and dealing with the drama of travel, why not hop in your car and head to an epic relaxation spot that’s virtually in your backyard? For many Westsiders and South Bay residents, Pasadena, which is just over an hour’s drive away, might feel like a world away. But make the effort. In addition the world-famous Huntington Library and Gardens, Old Town Pasadena is as charming as it comes and then, there’s the Rose Bowl, which, in addition to being the home of college football’s New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Game, also hosts one of the best swap meets in the country monthly. And should you decide that Pasadena is the perfect place for a staycation, the place you need to stay is the gorgeous, opulent and supremely relaxin Langham Pasadena, a former play stay for the rich and famous: the property, which was purchased by railroad tycoon and art collector Henry Huntington in 1911, has hosted everyone from religious and political leaders to royalty to the Hollywood elite (Jean Harlow was a frequent visitor). Here are five reasons why modern-day Angelenos need to make this a frequent staycation spot as well.
Photo Credit: Langham
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A GREAT PLACE TO LAY YOUR HEAD. The rooms at the Langham are nothing short of palatial. There are 380 elegantly appointed and classically furnished guest rooms, suites and cottages on the massive property, many of which have views of the nearby mountains. All guest rooms feature flat screen TVs, Italian marble bathrooms, coffee makers, complimentary high-speed Internet, Chuan Spa amenities and Blissful beds. While we love the cottages, we should note that there are two standouts on site: the Club Lounge floor, which offers exclusive privileges, including bespoke concierge services, a computer, premium Internet access, and a selection of newspapers and magazines in addition to all-day refreshments and five culinary presentations daily. That it’s always stocked with homemade cookies is a welcome bonus. Then, there’s the Big Daddy of all rooms, the Tournament of Roses suite. This gigantic 3,660 square foot two-bedroom, two-story penthouse includes a living room with a baby grand piano; a dining area that accommodates six; a full kitchen with refrigerator, microwave oven and service entrance; two Jacuzzi soaking tubs; hardwood floors, hand-carved furniture and views of the San Gabriel Mountains as well as the Horseshoe Garden below. It is the epitome of luxury.
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2. FINE DINING. There are five—count ’em, five—on-site dining options. The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse is largely considered to be one of the best meat-eries in Southern California thanks to its serious selection of USDA Prime Cuts, Australian Wagyu and authentic Japanese Kobe beef, all expertly prepared over a wood-fired grill with white oak and seasonal wood to sear in the maximum flavor and juiciness of each cut. Walking in to The Royce is a treat, especially if you’re an oenophile. To your right is red wine room, liberally stocked with global varietals, and to your left, a white wine room. Your setting is as opulent as your fare: you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the garden if you sit near the glass-enclosed veranda, or a more relaxed, communal dining experience at the Chef’s table, which seats up to eight guests and includes a personalized seven-course tasting menu. There’s also The Terrace, which offers lighter, all-day fare with views of the garden ponds and Picture Bridge; The Tap Room for cigars, cocktails and craft beers; and—our favorite afternoon tradition—tea. The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood is spectacular. You’ll be served specialty teas on custom-made “Langham Rose” Wedgwood serving Wedgwood teaware while you nibble on savory tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream, fruit tarts, mousse torts and French macaroons.
3. FITNESS. Just because you’re having a staycation doesn’t mean your workout routine needs to go to hell in a hand basket. There’s a year-round heated pool on site, a fitness center with top TechnoGym equipment for cardio and strength training, as well as treadmills, ellipticals, free weights and stationary bikes; scheduled classes including yoga, Tai Chi and both Mat/Reformer Pilates. You can also schedule an appointment with an on-site personal trainer if fitness is your number one goal. For the less athletically inclined, there are also fun options in bocce ball, croquet and badminton.
Photo Credit: Langham
4. RELAXATION. The hotel’s Chuan Spa is a haven of wellness and transformation, featuring 12 treatment rooms including a couple’s suite and VIP suite, locker facilities with showers, sauna, herbal steam and whirlpool, a fitness center and full service salon.The spa is unique in that it offers signature treatments inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and cutting-edge skin care technology, including HydraFacial MD. We recommend the Bamboo Massage, which is meant to balance your yin and yang energies through the use of hot (yang) and cold (yin) stones; Kerstin Florian’s Chuan Yu Facial—an ancient Gua Sha technique is applied to revitalize different skin types, and through stimulation on important meridian points, it increases the flow of body circulation. The use of Jade, known as healing stone, will nurture, heal and restore skin. And who can resist the Caviar and Pearl facial? This luxurious facial, also executed with Kerstin Florian products, firms, tones, refines and deeply hydrates the skin with protein-rich caviar, firming marine elements and powerful antioxidants. Precious pearl powder gently refines and renews the skin and imparts radiance.
Photo Credit: Langham
5. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Although it isn’t close to the beach, Pasadena—and the Langham—is still central to many things on the east side, including downtown Los Angeles, Silver Lake and Los Feliz. The hotel itself is conveniently-located in an upscale neighborhood, quite close to top dining, shopping and museums. Historical landmarks are just a hop, skip and a jump away, including the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens and Norton Simon Museum. The surrounding neighborhood is also walkable, if you feel like venturing away from your soothing stay. You might…but we didn’t.
Photo Credit: Langham 
Photo Credit: Langham Pasadena 
Photo Credit: Langham 
Photo Credit: Matt Armendariz
Photo Credit: Langham 
