The highly anticipated AC Hotel Pasadena opened its doors in early April within Pasadena’s Playhouse Village district and celebrated its grand opening on April 16 with a ribbon cutting and reception. Part of Maryland-based Marriott International’s globally recognized brand, the 194-room hotel’s design draws from the urban landscape, combining a contemporary aesthetic with European sophistication to offer guests a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.
“AC Hotel Pasadena brings a fresh perspective to the city’s hospitality scene—one that balances thoughtful design, European-inspired hospitality, and a seamless guest experience,” says Kristin Shelton, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. “Perfectly situated in the heart of Playhouse Village, the hotel offers front-row access to Pasadena’s most beloved cultural, culinary, and entertainment destinations. Our rooftop views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Colorado Boulevard provide a stunning visual backdrop found nowhere else in the city. This is more than a place to stay—it’s a place to gather. With refined open spaces, curated local art, and a seamless infusion of style and practicality, AC Hotel Pasadena is a modern hub for both travelers and locals to connect, create, and unwind.”
Located within a short distance of many local attractions including the Pasadena Playhouse, AC Hotel Pasadena is in a prime spot on the Rose Parade route at the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Madison Avenue. The hotel’s neutral color palette, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-concept spaces are designed to honor Pasadena’s rich heritage while embracing modern elegance.
Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, the AC Library for reading and work, and inviting public spaces for relaxation and socialization. Guests also might indulge in a menu of expertly crafted cocktails and shareable plates at AC Lounge, which includes a streetside patio. An assortment of fresh pastries, breakfast plates, and espresso are available at AC Kitchen, while AC Cafe provides handcrafted specialty coffee in partnership with locally owned Jones Coffee Roasters. Set to open in early summer, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar will showcase dishes with regionally soured ingredients, creative cocktails, and a curated wine list accompanied by a backdrop of city and mountain views.
“Guests will be inspired and refreshed with their surroundings,” Shelton says. “Our design-led guest rooms offer a peaceful escape with sleek furnishings, open floor plans, and calming natural light. Throughout the hotel, guests will discover intuitive, flexible spaces that support both productivity and relaxation. The rooftop views, paired with our signature gin tonics and tapas-style bites, create moments worth savoring. Whether it’s the warmth of our service, the effortless check-in, or the perfect espresso from the AC Cafe, everything is crafted to let guests live life by design, not by default.”
About a half mile from the Pasadena Convention Center and offering more than 10,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space with high-tech equipment—including an executive boardroom and spacious rooftop—AC Hotel Pasadena is an ideal venue for gatherings in the City of Roses. Its indoor and outdoor spaces can accommodate anywhere from intimate groups of 16 to larger receptions of 265 attendees.
“Meetings and events at AC Hotel Pasadena are elevated—literally and figuratively,” Shelton says. “Our purposefully designed event space, including rooms with 12-foot ceilings and panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains, offers a sophisticated setting for connection and creativity. Our exclusive penthouse suite, which can serve as both a luxury guest room and/or private event space, adds a unique touch of intimacy and exclusivity. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or a wedding celebration, every gathering is supported by our signature service.”
Guests also might look forward to special events and activations offered by the hotel in partnership with local businesses, including the upcoming Vino in the Valley event in May in collaboration with the Playhouse Village Association, which will be a celebration of local culture, flavor, and community.
“AC Hotel Pasadena is more than just a place to stay—it’s a thoughtfully designed experience tailored for the intentional traveler,” Shelton says. “Every element, from our sliced prosciutto at breakfast to the curated library in our lobby, is designed to delight—with purpose. We are proud to offer a place where refined elegance and heartfelt hospitality come together to support how our guests live, work, and explore.”
