I am a big Starwood fan - in my mind, they run the best hotel chain in the business. So, I was pleased to learn Hot Topic had booked us at the Sheraton Pasadena.
We arrived and took a limo to the hotel. When you drive up, you hardly notice the hotel. It only has four floors and blends into the other buildings in the area. It's landscaped well with some large trees.
When you arrive, there is a circular driveway with a pretty fountain. The bellmen are there in a flash to help you settle in.
The hotel is a bit oddly shaped. It's really a good-sized hotel, but rather than being built up, it's long and to the ground. When you enter inside, the lobby is off to the side and not front and center. I prefer a lobby you walk into, not one that you have to hunt down.
The hotel was busy with groups and several weddings. The Qantas Airline crews also use this hotel for their layovers. It seemed to be a popular spot in Pasadena.
Our room was great. The hotel has borrowed the heavenly beds from its sister hotels, the Westins. The beds are huge and fluffy, with down comforters and lots of soft pillows. Your first instinct when coming into the room is to throw yourself down on the beds!
The bathroom was a good size with a nice marble vanity. It was well-stocked with lots of goodies. Both the room and the bathroom were a good size and comfortable. The hotel offers nightly turndown service with a piece of chocolate on the pillow.
It only costs $30 more to upgrade to the Concierge Floor. This was $30 well spent, as we had a nice, private room on our floor. A full, hearty breakfast is served each morning, and, at 5:00pm, a happy hour with wine, beer, soft drinks, and great snacks was all complimentary. The rooms also come with free newspapers each morning. We ate and drank our $30 upgrade fee in no time flat. This was a great deal and one that I would suggest you consider.
The hotel offers a pool and a nice small gym. One of the unique features about the hotel is that it connects to the city recreational building, where the Pasadena ice rink is located. So this is one of the few hotels I know where there is an ice rink attached. Do not only bring your swim suit, but bring your skates too! Actually you can rent skates at the rink.
The hotel has a large indoor parking ramp. It was easy to get around the area and we always had a good parking spot. The hotel is located near downtown and there are plenty of fun places to eat nearby. Old Town is just a short walk away as well.
The Pasadena Sheraton lived up to the Starwood promise. I was not disappointed.