Pasadena United States
Pasadena sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, about 15 kilometres northeast of downtown Los Angeles. It has a distinct character from the rest of the LA metro - quieter, more walkable, with a compact old town centred on Colorado Boulevard and a strong institutional identity anchored by Caltech and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Pasadena Convention Center hosts SCALE, the Southern California Linux Expo, every year in early March. Old Town Pasadena has a good concentration of restaurants and bars within walking distance of the convention centre, and the Metro A Line connects directly to downtown LA and Union Station in about 45 minutes. The Rose Bowl stadium is a short distance north of the city centre.
- Colorado Boulevard - The main street through Old Town Pasadena has good restaurants, coffee shops, and independent bookstores within easy walking distance of the Convention Center.
- Huntington Library and Gardens - World-class art collection and botanical gardens about 3 km east of Old Town, worth a half-day.
- Rose Bowl - The iconic stadium in Brookside Park hosts flea markets on the second Sunday of each month.
- Caltech campus - A compact and beautiful research university campus a short walk from the Convention Center.
Los Angeles International (LAX) is the main hub, about 40 km southwest. Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank is closer at 20 km and has fewer crowds. Both connect to Pasadena via rideshare in 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Old Town Pasadena and the Convention Center area are walkable. The Metro A Line (Gold Line) runs from Union Station in downtown LA to Pasadena in about 45 minutes. Rideshare is widely available for trips to the wider LA area.
March is ideal - mild temperatures around 18-22C with low rainfall. Pasadena avoids the summer heat of the inland valley and the marine layer of coastal LA. SCALE in early March gets excellent weather.
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1 upcoming conference in Pasadena
Pasadena is a rare case where every option works. All five hotels are within 1.2 km of the Pasadena Convention Center, and four of them are inside 400 m: the Marriott and the Westin on Los Robles at 300 m, the Hilton at 400 m, and the Hyatt Place directly across Green Street at 400 m. The Hotel Constance on Colorado Boulevard is 1.2 km and the most characterful of the group. Pick on price and style rather than distance. The convention centre sits a block from Colorado Boulevard and Old Pasadena, so restaurants and bars are on your doorstep, and the Metro A line runs into downtown Los Angeles in around half an hour if you want to get out of town. Spring is the pleasant season; note that the Rose Parade around New Year makes early January impossible to book cheaply.
Our picks in Pasadena
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Hilton Pasadena
168 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Four-star hotel a short walk from the Pasadena Convention Center, with an outdoor heated pool and fitness centre. The most convenient full-service...
Hotel Constance Pasadena
928 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
Boutique four-star hotel on Colorado Boulevard with a rooftop bar and modern design. About a 15-minute walk from the Convention Center along...
Hyatt Place Pasadena
399 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Modern three-star hotel on Green Street directly adjacent to the Pasadena Convention Center, with complimentary breakfast and a pool. The closest hotel...
Marriott Pasadena
21 S Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Reliable three-star Marriott property steps from the Pasadena Convention Center and in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. A practical mid-range choice...
The Westin Pasadena
191 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Upscale four-star hotel a few blocks north of the Pasadena Convention Center with a heated outdoor pool and spa. A solid choice...
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