Hotel Dena - Pasadena, California

I have a project in Pasadena that will last a couple of years, and as I’ve been checking in on it, I’ve been exploring different hotels in the area. For this three-night visit, I stayed at The Hotel Dena, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio. The hotel is connected to the Pasadena Convention Center, located in the heart of a city block. At five stories tall, it doesn’t offer much in the way of views. Previously a Sheraton property, it has been rebranded under the Tribute Portfolio, a fitting choice given its eclectic and boutique-like vibe. The common areas are modest in size but thoughtfully designed, featuring an outdoor pool (too chilly during my visit), a breakfast restaurant, and a separate restaurant/bar for dinner. Adding a touch of Hollywood charm, the hotel includes a small theater near the restaurants, complete with vintage movie chairs and black-and-white films playing on a loop. I didn’t receive an upgrade during this stay, but the rate for The Dena Suite was within my budget. The suite was spacious and featured modern Marriott furnishings, with brass and brushed brass accents - reflective of the current Marriott refresh trends. The bathroom was large and stocked with Blind Barber toiletries, and the bed was comfortable enough for a three-night stay. I dined at the hotel for both breakfast and dinner during my visit. The member-included breakfast was fairly standard: eggs, potatoes, bacon, toast, and tea. However, dinner was a highlight. The hotel’s recently refreshed menu impressed me with a perfectly cooked ribeye one night and flavorful fajitas the next. The bar, Agents Only, has a dark, intimate atmosphere with eclectic decor that blends a retro 80s/90s vibe. I like to get out and walk while I am traveling and found the neighborhood to be walkable. I didn’t venture too far from the hotel to see what might be in the neighborhood. Additionally, self-parking in the hotel’s underground garage was reasonably priced. If the rates remain competitive, I’ll likely stay here again. It enjoyed the stay better than my previous experience at the nearby Westin, and while the Sheraton San Gabriel was also enjoyable, it’s less convenient for my project compared to The Hotel Dena.