Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia is the perfect stay-cation location

Located opposite Santa Anita Park and near the LA County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Arcadia, the new Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel houses 234 rooms and suites with a mid-century modern Asian vibe.

Designed by Linda Snyder Associates and AO Architects, the resort incorporates equestrian, Asian and Paris inspired design elements.

Artwork curated by local art consultancy Daniel Fine Art is placed throughout the hotel including a handmade porcelain and glass abstraction of peacock tail feathers by Ron Dier Design in the lobby. There are also beautiful French illustrations from artist Serge Bloch throughout the property. Guests also will be able to enjoy a French Bossa Nova soundtrack and breath in the hotel’s signature scent in all public spaces.

Rooms and suites are beige with orange and blue accents. Our room featured floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a comfy sleeper sofa/sitting area, beige leather chairs, a small round sitting area with orange chair accents, huge televisions and comfy big beds. The circular carpet floor design and custom brown, grey and white accent wall provide interesting design elements. The bathroom is also unique with circular dual sinks and mirrors and a brown and white graphic shower tile design.

The spacious lobby houses Longitude 118, a grand bar and lounge with comfy grey and plaid chairs and booths and red leather bar chairs. The open design provides an abundance of natural light and is a perfect spot to enjoy an aperitif, small plates, and indulge in the resort’s High Tea & High Balls re-imagined afternoon tea service. The unique afternoon tea includes a selection of blended and hot teas; savory finger sandwiches; scones with matcha Devonshire cream and lemon curd and a sweet selection of desserts including pastry with taro cream mochi and salted egg yolk, divinity, red velvet cupcakes, chocolate truffles and mochi balls.

Craft cocktails featuring tea-infused spirits are also available.

Mélange, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, is outstanding. It’s worth a visit just to dine on Executive Chef Makoto Tanaka’s Asian-European dishes. The restaurant also offers unique artwork with one of kind plates; a two-story wine cellar, a large brown and beige flowing mural and peacock art. Bright orange and blue chairs, aqua banquettes and unique light fixtures add to the unique space. Starters include tuna tataki, braised octopus, salmon carpaccio, yellowtail crudo, Asian chopped salad; mélange of beets; chilled tofu, chilled sweet white corn soup, blistered Shishito peppers, crispy oysters, quail, BBQ baby back ribs and crispy spicy tofu.

Main courses include sautéed scallops with uni; lemongrass bouillabaisse; seafood risotto; whole East Coast Hirame; Chilean sea bass; salmon; lobster; Jidori chicken, duck; braised short ribs; lamb chops and a variety of steaks. Sides include sautéed wild mushrooms, crispy Brussel Sprouts and a potato gratin.

Desserts are equally inspired and include a delicious pecan tart and gelato and ice cream from Le Scoop.

There is also a petite pool, a fitness room and plenty of pretty places to sit al fresco or inside. Through Le Méridien’s Unlock Art program the resort has partnered with Santa Anita Park to offer a unique experience for guests to visit the world famous racetrack, it’s horses and beautiful venues. The behind-the-scenes tour allows guests to connect with horses, history and art during their stay.

Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia is located at 130 West Huntington Drive in Arcadia. Call 626.777.6699 or visit www.lemeridienarcadia.com for reservations.