Last week I joined the rest of the Global Traveler team for our annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards. This year the event was held at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, a gorgeous property tucked behind the mountains in this beautiful part of the state. It’s only my second time in the Los Angeles area and my first in Pasadena. My first time in Los Angeles was last year for our 2022 awards.

It was so great to see everyone again and meet some new faces. The Langham was the perfect venue for both a stay and the event. The blush pink exterior, Christmas tree and scent of roses (the hotel somehow managed to maintain this fresh scent of roses throughout each public space) were only some of the things that made this experience fun.

For breakfast one morning, I headed down to the Terrace restaurant where I enjoyed the fattest French toast I’ve ever seen. I was blown away with how fresh the fruit was, and the chicken apple sausage on the side couldn’t have been better.

I tried out the gym, located within the spa entrance, while I was there, too. Filled with all the equipment you could need from a hotel, the treadmills even looked out over the entrance of the hotel, and I enjoyed some fresh cucumber water after my workout.

On the second day I worked from the lobby lounge with gorgeous views overlooking the massive Christmas tree and gardens below. I tried working outside in the morning, but it was still too chilly, but the comfy seats and tables inside let me set up camp for a few hours with views almost as good from inside.

One of my bucket list things I wanted to do while out in California was try In-N-Out Burger. I was sad to learn, however, that this fast-food joint doesn’t deliver, either on its own or via third parties like Uber Eats or Door Dash. While I had to put my bucket list wish to try a burger and animal-style fries from In-N-Out on the back burner, I did get to try another fast food place I don’t have back home. I ordered some Dave’s Hot Chicken for lunch, and nothing could have hit the spot more. A medium spicy chicken sandwich with pickles and slaw, a side of cheese fries, and a chicken tender with that classic side sauce, I finished only wishing one of these restaurants will soon open up back home. The nearest one to me is Orlando.

I loved spending time with the team and seeing the event come together in such a beautiful venue. Here’s to another successful event thanks to the hardworking team!

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor