NEWS + NOTES
PARK IT HERE Inspired by its famed adjacent racetrack, the new Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia is a tribute to its surroundings. BY SA R A S M O L A
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rom nearly every west-facing floor of the six-story LE MÉRIDIEN PASADENA ARCADIA, guests have unobstructed views of the iconic Santa Anita Park. But the 87-year-old racing and entertainment venue isn’t just a nearby attraction, it’s also the inspiration for much of the interior elements at the property, which aims to cater to travelers as much as locals. Inside, the thoughtfully designed 234-room hotel gives a nod to Arcadia’s prominent equestrian-centric legacy through sophisticated interiors complemented by the brand’s signature
midcentury modern design. Details like horse-bit motifs on lighting fixtures and textiles blend seamlessly with expanses of glass and streamlined furnishings. The onsite European-Asian fusion restaurant Mélange is helmed by chef Mako, formerly of Spago, Nobu, and his own eponymous eatery in Beverly Hills. The ground-floor bar, Longitude 118, features one-of-a-kind private labels and international spirits. For a lighter afternoon, you can visit the dedicated tea space, featuring an array of premium teas. More than 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space spanning five separate rooms (including three private dining rooms), as well as an additional 1,800 square feet of indoor function space, making it ideal for weddings, meetings, and celebrations—something we can all look forward to in the year ahead. From $200; le-meridien. marriott.com
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