When you think of Pasadena you think of the Rose Bowl and the Rose Parade. Most Angeleno’s would not think of taking a staycation in their backyards, well I am here to convince you that this is a great place to relax, unwind, and eat glorious food!
October 26, 2014 – Arroyo Vista Inn
My stay started on Sunday at an amazing find…The Arroyo Vista Inn, high on a hill with the greatest view in all of Pasadena. The house itself was built in 1910 by noted architect Lester Moore. There are not many of his famous houses left in the Pasadena area. The Inn is tucked away in the hills above the Arroyo Seco, and offers up a very relaxed atmosphere in a secluded setting. South Pasadena has many craftsman style homes, but this is a nice example of how spacious they can be.
The Inn underwent a 2 year green restoration process and opened its doors in 2007. The interior is kind of shabby chic with lots of lovely earth tones and has owner Pat Wright’s art from her private collection on the walls. The beds are very comfortable with nice new flat screen TV’s and flawless cable. They have a lovely wine and cheese hour everyday, serving some of California’s great local wines. They offer a very delicious breakfast, with some of the fruits and vegetables grown in the garden.
Not for the faint of heart, my room was up 3 flights of stairs, with no elevator, but forget about the climb. Once your up in your room the view of San Gabriel is astonishing, as well as the extra curricular activity. During my stay in the morning, my bed was shaking like someone with a nervous shaking leg was on the bed, or clothes washer was near by causing the bed to shake. About an hour later the same shaking occurred again, it happened within a 2-hour period in the morning before check out. I could not imagine what it was. When I asked Pat if there was an abnormal activity, she said yes. The paranormal activity is from a woman, whom hotel guests have seen, she tends to appear at night between my room number 7, Monte Vista, and the room across the hall from my number 8, San Gabriel View. There are only 9 rooms at the Inn. It could have been the wife of the original owner, but no one really seems to know. In any case she absolutely made herself known to me by more than rattling the bed, pretty much shaking it like it was a small earthquake. Why these things happen to me I will never know, but they do! I would not let haunted places stop you; this Inn is a fantastic find in the hustle bustle city called South Pasadena. Just be conscious, but really the spirits are not there to harm you!
Another great thing about the Inn is Pat’s family. Her daughter greeted us when we arrived, and her Mother, Joan has a room on the first floor and is being taken care of by their great staff because she has dementia. I got to pop my head in and meet her, there was just so much family love in the room, and Joan is the matriarch and backbone to this lovely family.
Above all, the staff is so friendly and you will find a peace of mind in the Inn’s little pleasures. This retreat is meant to be enjoyed, and shared. Next time you need a little getaway go to The Arroyo Vista Inn in South Pasadena. Take in the sights and sound of Old Town Pasadena and know you have a very luxurious stay awaiting your return.
Arroya Vista Inn
335 Monterey Rd,
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Phone:(323) 478-7300
www.arroyovistainn.com/
