When you wish upon a star...Makes no difference who you are...When you wish upon a star your dreams come true...Oh! Sorry about that, everyone! I was busy daydreaming. You see, I just returned home from sunny Pasadena, California where I was Disney's guest for the Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! Blogger Day event.
During my stay, I stayed at the fabulous Langham Huntington Pasadena, a world class hotel nestled in the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles. The Langham has earned several awards and distinctions, including #1 Hotel in Los Angeles (US News + World Report), 500 World's Best Hotels (Travel + Leisure), #3 Spa in the World (Global Traveler Magazine), and the hotel's gourmet cuisine has even earned a much coveted distinction in the Best Chef Pacific Category, nomination for Chef Feau by The James Beard Foundation. (For those of you who aren't foodies, trust me, this is a huge deal in the culinary world!) These are just a few of the many, many recognitions the Langham Huntington Pasadena has received. So naturally, I was incredibly excited and honored to have been chosen to participate in an event with such posh surroundings.
During my stay, I stayed at the fabulous Langham Huntington Pasadena, a world class hotel nestled in the outskirts of downtown Los Angeles. The Langham has earned several awards and distinctions, including #1 Hotel in Los Angeles (US News + World Report), 500 World's Best Hotels (Travel + Leisure), #3 Spa in the World (Global Traveler Magazine), and the hotel's gourmet cuisine has even earned a much coveted distinction in the Best Chef Pacific Category, nomination for Chef Feau by The James Beard Foundation. (For those of you who aren't foodies, trust me, this is a huge deal in the culinary world!) These are just a few of the many, many recognitions the Langham Huntington Pasadena has received. So naturally, I was incredibly excited and honored to have been chosen to participate in an event with such posh surroundings.
As my driver drove onto the expansive grounds of the Langham, what unfolded before me literally took my breath away. The hotel is situated on on 23 lush acres overlooking the immaculate suburbs of San Marino. The grounds are spectacular, with stone fountains, beautiful gardens, terraces, and more.
The hotel itself is gleaming and palatial, and reminded me of something out of a fairytale. With beautiful balconies, walkways, and staircases, this is fit to be any Princess's castle. The Langham is what dreams are made of. You know, the kind of dream you have when you've been chasing children, cleaning, cooking, and dealing with pure chaos all day. The outward appearance of the Langham screams luxury, comfort, and peacefulness. To a frazzled Mom like me, it's a dream come true!
The hotel itself is gleaming and palatial, and reminded me of something out of a fairytale. With beautiful balconies, walkways, and staircases, this is fit to be any Princess's castle. The Langham is what dreams are made of. You know, the kind of dream you have when you've been chasing children, cleaning, cooking, and dealing with pure chaos all day. The outward appearance of the Langham screams luxury, comfort, and peacefulness. To a frazzled Mom like me, it's a dream come true!
A view from the Courtyard. Isn't this stunning?
You're greeted by this fountain as you drive to the valet services.
Beautiful garden view taken from The Picture Bridge.
Relaxing hot tub among colorful foliage
Take a swim in the well-maintained pool
Dining on the Terrace makes any meal more enjoyable.
Terrace dining is available outside of the Tap Room as well.
One of my favorite places at the Langham was this charming courtyard. It has lush green plants, a fountain and it's own family of ducks! At night, this area is lit by tasteful white lights, making it glow. This is where the Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3 cocktail party was held and it was such an unbelievable place to get to meet and mingle with all of the participants.
So serene
Night time view.
I also really loved the Picture Bridge. This is one of the things that makes the Langham so unique. This is a beautiful walking bridge from the main hotel to the cottages that offers great views of the pool, hot tub, gardens, and terrace. What makes the Picture Bridge so unique is the fact that each overhead panel features artwork by Frank Moore, ca 1932. Each handpainted panel depicts the artist's view of local California landmarks. There are even signs telling about the history of the various locations. I thought this was a very creative and special feature that hotel guests would be sure to remember for years to come.
Those are just a few of the things you can find on the grounds of the Langham. The inside is equally glamorous and welcoming. The lobby of the Langham is amazing. With marble floors, fresh, vibrant flowers and a crystal chandelier, the lobby gives guests a taste of what's to come during their stay at the Langham.
Even the hallways in the Langham are a thing of beauty. They feature fine artwork, comfortable seating areas, glimmering wall sconces, elegant chandeliers, and some hallways even have gleaming marble floors.
Speaking of chandeliers, I have to tell a funny story. During my trip, I made friends with 2 amazing bloggers, Becky and Kelli. We all stayed in the Langham after the event concluded, as our flights didn't leave until Saturday. This gave us to opportunity to get to know each other, have dinner, and explore the hotel in depth.
As we were walking through the hotel, we noticed there were a ton of chandeliers. I inquired, "I wonder how many chandeliers there are here?" Well, Kelli decided we should visit the front desk and try to find out. Abby, the front desk attendant, handled the situation very, very well. Of course she had no idea how many there were, but she tried to find out for us, and she didn't burst out laughing at our random question. (Just for the record, Becky, Kelli and I were laughing...a lot.) So Abby, if you happen to read this review, thanks for being a good sport and if you find out the number, we'd still love to know!
I spent quite some time just exploring the hotel and taking in all of the beauty and opulence surrounding me. I can see why the Langham is a favorite location of many celebrities!
Speaking of chandeliers, I have to tell a funny story. During my trip, I made friends with 2 amazing bloggers, Becky and Kelli. We all stayed in the Langham after the event concluded, as our flights didn't leave until Saturday. This gave us to opportunity to get to know each other, have dinner, and explore the hotel in depth.
As we were walking through the hotel, we noticed there were a ton of chandeliers. I inquired, "I wonder how many chandeliers there are here?" Well, Kelli decided we should visit the front desk and try to find out. Abby, the front desk attendant, handled the situation very, very well. Of course she had no idea how many there were, but she tried to find out for us, and she didn't burst out laughing at our random question. (Just for the record, Becky, Kelli and I were laughing...a lot.) So Abby, if you happen to read this review, thanks for being a good sport and if you find out the number, we'd still love to know!
I spent quite some time just exploring the hotel and taking in all of the beauty and opulence surrounding me. I can see why the Langham is a favorite location of many celebrities!
So luxurious
I love the Italian marble floors!
The guest rooms at the Langham are comfortable, beautiful, and completely elegant. There are 380 guestrooms, cottages and suites that are sure to make visitors feel like royalty. The accommodations are truly fit for a queen. When I arrived at my room, I was immediately greeted to the sound of soft, soothing classical music. There was also a gorgeous plate of handmade truffles and a bottle of sparkling pink citrus lemonade to greet me.
I also noticed that there was a gift bag on my bed and personalized letter welcoming me to the Langham. Inside the bag were some goodies like a Langham branded coffee travel mug, some Palm Court Exotic Blend Tea, a dark chocolate espresso bar made by the culinary geniuses in the Langham kitchens, and even some doggy treats. (More about that later!) The Langham really shines in guest services, and they pay attention to detail. The entire staff was also incredibly friendly and helpful during my stay. I felt very welcomed and valued as a guest. The folks at the Langham give each visitor the star treatment.
I also noticed that there was a gift bag on my bed and personalized letter welcoming me to the Langham. Inside the bag were some goodies like a Langham branded coffee travel mug, some Palm Court Exotic Blend Tea, a dark chocolate espresso bar made by the culinary geniuses in the Langham kitchens, and even some doggy treats. (More about that later!) The Langham really shines in guest services, and they pay attention to detail. The entire staff was also incredibly friendly and helpful during my stay. I felt very welcomed and valued as a guest. The folks at the Langham give each visitor the star treatment.
Beautiful room and soft linens.
Plush chair for reading
Ice bucket and glasses
My bathroom was unbelievable. It was drenched in glamorous Italian Marble and had several extra plush, fluffy towels. There was also a nice supply of personal care products from the hotel's spa, and a kit including travel essentials housed in an attractive leather case.
Our dining was also a memorable experience. The hotel features several dining options such as The Terrace (indoor and outdoor dining), The Royce, which is highly sought after by foodies worldwide, and the Tap Room which combines inventive mixed drinks with trendy, casual fare. They even have banquet and meeting rooms like the one below where meals can be served for conferences and events.
The atmosphere in all of the Langham's eateries is elegant, welcoming, and glamorous. I particularly enjoyed The Terrace. I was fortunate enough to dine both in their dining room as well as on the outdoor terrace.The Terrace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The comforting bistro style menu, created by Chef Erik Schuster, is comprised of seasonal and sustainable California cuisine, offering a variety of choices that will delight both the discerning and casual diner. The outdoor patio offers guests alfresco dining with a view of the Picture Bridge and pool, and provides the perfect setting for a business lunch or relaxing dinner.
The food was a thing of beauty, too. The night I arrived at the Langham, I was thrilled to enjoy a nice dinner with all of the other Disney Bloggers and our awesome pals from Disney. I started the meal with a Field Greens Salad. This salad features Strawberries, Caramelized Walnuts, Bleu Cheese, dressed in a surprising Vanilla Balsamic Vinaigrette.
The food was a thing of beauty, too. The night I arrived at the Langham, I was thrilled to enjoy a nice dinner with all of the other Disney Bloggers and our awesome pals from Disney. I started the meal with a Field Greens Salad. This salad features Strawberries, Caramelized Walnuts, Bleu Cheese, dressed in a surprising Vanilla Balsamic Vinaigrette.
For my main course, I ordered the New York Steak, which is served with a flavorful Creamed Spinach, tender Roasted Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, and a nice Bordelaise. The steak was fork tender and beautifully seasoned. I loved the way the Bordelaise brought out the flavor in the meat. The fingerling potatoes were simply prepared and balanced out the meal as they are a starch. Overall, this meal was suberb. Definitely 4 star quality, in my humble opinion.
My new friend Kelli ordered something that wasn't on the menu at The Terrace: Grilled chicken smothered in cheddar cheese and bacon. They brought it to her in sandwich form, with a generous side of Pomme Frites. (That's Fancy-Speak for French Fries)
Because everything's better with bacon!
We were also provided a catered lunch in the courtyard. The menu was full of delightfully inspired dishes that completely fit into our "Viva La Fiesta" theme. We enjoyed Steak Fajitas, Chicken Mole, Spanish Rice, and several wonderful salads. We were also provided fresh toppings for our fajitas. I loved the Cilantro and piled it on!
There were also artisan breads and a dessert bar, which included a sinful Chocolate Flan and Dulce de Leche Ice Cream. Yum!
My favorite dish during our luncheon was the marinated Avocado and Tomato Salad. It was fresh, had bright flavors, and was oh so tasty. The chefs at the Langham are phenomenal. They pair imagination with culinary knowledge and exceptional skill. The results are absolutely amazing. The flavor profiles found at any of the hotel's restaurants will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure.
There were also artisan breads and a dessert bar, which included a sinful Chocolate Flan and Dulce de Leche Ice Cream. Yum!
My favorite dish during our luncheon was the marinated Avocado and Tomato Salad. It was fresh, had bright flavors, and was oh so tasty. The chefs at the Langham are phenomenal. They pair imagination with culinary knowledge and exceptional skill. The results are absolutely amazing. The flavor profiles found at any of the hotel's restaurants will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure.
My lunch
But there's something else that makes the Langham Huntington Pasadena the go-to destination for travelers. This hotel is pet-friendly, and offers complete pampering for the furbabies in your life. (Up to 30lbs.)
During your stay, your pooch will be spoiled with doggy spa services and massages, and even their own plush Langham dog bed. You will also receive handmade doggy delicacies and treats.
The chefs at the Langham prepare nutritious gourmet dog foods that can be delivered right to your room. Some examples of this carefully prepared doggy cuisine include:
The Bowser Burger:
All-beef burger meat served with raw carrots and snap peas
Chow Down Chicken Breast:
Grilled free range chicken breast served with a side of rice
Scrappy’s Steak n’ Eggs:
Petite filet mignon, served with two scrambled eggs
The Doggie Diet: Crunchy Crudité
Raw carrots, snap peas, green beans and sliced apples
Sides & Treats:
• Pooch’s Pilaf
• All Natural Dog Treats from Three Dog Bakery
• Tiffin Afternoon Tea Treats from Three Dog Bakery
Choice of Mini Donuts, Cupcakes, Carrot Cake
Afternoon Tea Treats made with yogurt powder, buttermilk, sugar-free apple sauce and honey
Below I have photos of Papi and Chloe from Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! enjoying a relaxing dog massage as well as of in-room dog amenities.
During your stay, your pooch will be spoiled with doggy spa services and massages, and even their own plush Langham dog bed. You will also receive handmade doggy delicacies and treats.
The chefs at the Langham prepare nutritious gourmet dog foods that can be delivered right to your room. Some examples of this carefully prepared doggy cuisine include:
The Bowser Burger:
All-beef burger meat served with raw carrots and snap peas
Chow Down Chicken Breast:
Grilled free range chicken breast served with a side of rice
Scrappy’s Steak n’ Eggs:
Petite filet mignon, served with two scrambled eggs
The Doggie Diet: Crunchy Crudité
Raw carrots, snap peas, green beans and sliced apples
Sides & Treats:
• Pooch’s Pilaf
• All Natural Dog Treats from Three Dog Bakery
• Tiffin Afternoon Tea Treats from Three Dog Bakery
Choice of Mini Donuts, Cupcakes, Carrot Cake
Afternoon Tea Treats made with yogurt powder, buttermilk, sugar-free apple sauce and honey
Below I have photos of Papi and Chloe from Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! enjoying a relaxing dog massage as well as of in-room dog amenities.
Pet massage has wonderful benefits.
Chloe soaking it up.
In room pet essentials make pooches feel pampered
How adorable are these dog treats?! The personalization is wonderful, too!
Overall, I was absolutely thrilled with my experience at the Langham Huntington Pasadena. This is honestly the most beautiful place I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. My room was incredibly comfortable and included all the amenities I wanted.(like free WiFi!) The bed was plush and inviting, and the linens were superior quality. The staff was amazing and so very friendly. I was catered to and treated like a celebrity during my stay!
Add to that the beautiful scenery, posh gardens, and acclaimed restaurants, and the fact that they're pet-friendly...Wow. This hotel has everything a guest could ever want. I was so impressed with my surroundings and the overall feel of the Langham, I was almost sad to depart for home. Now when I am stressed out, I have the perfect setting for all of my daydreaming. Right there on the Terrace of the Langham with a nice cocktail, a good book and a Terrace Burger.
Want to learn more about the Langham Huntington Pasadena?
Check out their website!
You can also connect with them on Facebook and on twitter for their latest events, news, and promotions!
I would like to thank the generous folks at Disney and the Langham Huntington Pasadena for a once in a lifetime experience. It was an honor to be your guest during this event.
***Disclosure: I received travel and accommodations from Disney to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
Add to that the beautiful scenery, posh gardens, and acclaimed restaurants, and the fact that they're pet-friendly...Wow. This hotel has everything a guest could ever want. I was so impressed with my surroundings and the overall feel of the Langham, I was almost sad to depart for home. Now when I am stressed out, I have the perfect setting for all of my daydreaming. Right there on the Terrace of the Langham with a nice cocktail, a good book and a Terrace Burger.
Want to learn more about the Langham Huntington Pasadena?
Check out their website!
You can also connect with them on Facebook and on twitter for their latest events, news, and promotions!
I would like to thank the generous folks at Disney and the Langham Huntington Pasadena for a once in a lifetime experience. It was an honor to be your guest during this event.
***Disclosure: I received travel and accommodations from Disney to facilitate this review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
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