I recently decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and headed to Pasadena for a staycation at Hotel Dena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, and it turned out to be a perfect choice for a quick, relaxing escape.
Location, Location, Location
Hotel Dena is ideally situated in Pasadena, just a short drive from downtown LA and very close to the Rose Bowl and a short walk to Colorado Boulevard. The location is perfect for a peaceful retreat, while still being close enough to the city, and is SUPER handy if you are catching a game or concert at the Rose Bowl. As soon as we pulled into the long stylish driveway, we felt like we were on vacation, far away from our usual routines.

Stylish and Thoughtful Design
One of the first things that caught my eye was the hotel’s cool and unique design. Each room features creative headboards that showcase the work of L.A. street artist WRDSMTH, adding a personal and artistic touch to the space.

The attention to detail is sprinkled throughout the property, and I loved all the hip design elements that made the hotel feel hipster-cool.

The hotel’s amenities were top-notch. Our room had a gorgeous bathroom that felt like a spa, complete with luxurious fixtures and plenty of space to unwind.
Hotel Dena Dining
Dinner at Lyric Cafe restaurant was a highlight, with incredible Mexican food that’s all about fresh, local ingredients. The tuna guacamole was heavenly, and I’m still thinking about the steak fajitas and lobster enchiladas. Everything on the menu looked so good, I honestly wish I could have tried it all.

After dinner, we headed over to Agents Only, the hidden bar and lounge. This place has such a cool vibe, with cocktails that nod to old Hollywood. I tried the Smoky Piña and the Spicy Watermelon margarita, both seriously good.


The whole experience, from the smokey mezcal cocktails, the DJ spinning tunes on weekends, and the fresh, farm-to-table Mexican dishes, made it a simply perfect evening all about great food and even better drinks.
Friendly and Attentive Staff
From the moment we arrived, the staff at Hotel Dena were friendly and attentive. They made us feel welcome and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Their warm hospitality added to the overall positive experience.

Hotel Dena Pool, Fitness Center, and More
If you like to stay active on vacation, you can take advantage of the nearby hiking trails or the hotel offers a well-equipped fitness center. Or if soaking up the sun poolside and relaxing in the serene environment is more your vibe, you can do that too! We snuck in a quick hike before heading back to reality, and it was the perfect end to a great stay.

Our staycation at Hotel Dena was exactly what we needed. The hotel’s combination of stylish design, luxurious amenities, and excellent service made it a perfect getaway from our busy lives in Los Angeles. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or just need a break from the daily grind, Hotel Dena in Pasadena is a fantastic choice. We left feeling refreshed and recharged.

Hotel Dena
a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
303 Cordova St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Los Angeles County
+1 (626) 469-8100
Reservations
If you’re looking for other ‘Staycation’ ideas, you might enjoy these articles:
Hotel Centro Sonoma – A Great Getaway to Wine Country
Our Stay at the Knoll Hotel in Napa
EmptynestCation – 48 hours in Ojai
Have you visited Hotel Dena?
Let me know in the comments below and join me on Instagram and X (Twitter)!
*** this article was sponsored but all opinions are my own ***











Thank you!
Your comment has been received and is awaiting approval.