Unless you want to pay for a 5 star hotel there is no other choice than Howard Johnsons Pasadena . Accomadations were excellent and on our stay to see the parade, Owen, Jay and the entire staff treated us like we were part of their own families. Thank you so much for making our Rose Parade visit one to remember.

This hotel is RIGHT on the parade route and the staff set out chairs the night before for guests to use. We had second row parade seats without paying more than what it would cost to stay at any other Pasadena hotel during the rose bowl festivities or for grandstand tickets. What a treat! The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and accomodating. The rooms were clean and in good shape ~ we had two nights of comfortable sleep.

In short, this was THE best low cost hotel I have ever stayed in. Clean and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful and were happy to call cabs whenever I needed. Definitely recommend this place.

After arriving at the airport and picking up my sister, we went on hotels.com to look for a hotel in the Monterey Park/Pasadena area. Found this one for a fairly decent price. When we arrived, we asked for 2 doubles, and was upgraded for "free" to a suite. The cost didn't seem correct at the time and i voiced some concern, but we didn't take the time to double check the math or the price/night. After we got back from dinner, i checked on the price again, found the lower price ($5 difference/night) and called down to the front desk. They told me that was an internet price and not available in person. If they said something when i checked in, i would have stood in the lobby and booked it on my phone.

Either way, they did honor the original advertized price and moved me back to a 2-double room. Not a big deal financially or time-wise, but I kind of feel like they tried to pull a fast one on me. Now i'm sitting in a room that has a really dark room with loud A/C/heating unit and a little smelly. It's a significantly different than the first room.

Overall, I may stay here again for the price, but would look at my bill very very closely.