Stately and extravagant, The Langham Huntington, Pasadena was one of California’s first resorts and it remains one of its finest. Located in Pasadena’s serene Oak Knoll neighborhood, just 11 miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, the resort has been a West Coast landmark for more than 100 years. Despite its modern touches, the hotel retains a Gatsby-era charm with a palatial facade, gilded ceilings, and massive crystal chandeliers.
The Langham is a resort in the purest sense. Once you enter the 23-acre estate, named USA Today’s #4 Grand Hotel in the U.S. in 2018, there’s little reason to leave. Guests can enjoy a number of high-end dining options, along with floodlit tennis courts, a heated saltwater pool, and an 11,000-square-foot spa and wellness center. Shuttles ferry guests to Old Town Pasadena on request, and bikes are available for self-guided adventures in the San Gabriel Mountains, which frame the grounds.
No matter who you travel with, the Langham can cater seamlessly to your group’s needs. Little ones will love the Kids Program, which includes a teddy bear backpack filled with art supplies and chocolate. Adults will gravitate toward wine tastings and the Australian Wagyu served at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse. The hotel even has special packages for four-legged guests, including in-room doggie dining and canine massage.
The resort’s Chuan Spa is a destination in and of itself. Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, the spa is designed to be a transformative journey. First, guests identify their element of the day before walking through the Moon Gate to enjoy the herbal steam rooms and whirlpool tubs and relaxing with a warm ginger oil wrap or Gua Sha facial.
Chuan’s delights extend to the 379 stately guest rooms as well, which are stocked with signature amenities from the spa. Those looking for a more secluded experience should book a private cottage. The Ford Cottage Suite, named after the late president who was a frequent guest, features two master bedrooms, china cabinets, and floor-to-ceiling windows.