I enjoyed a restful long weekend recently with my sisters at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena.

Everything about our stay was lovely — well, except perhaps for the extreme heat (highs above 100 every day). We arrived before noon after early-morning flights and were immediately greeted by friendly valets who unloaded our luggage and offered to take it in for us, but as we were traveling light, we declined.

This beautiful property impresses from the moment one approaches its gates. Set in San Marino, a residential neighborhood of established homes, most built in the ’20s and ’30s and ranging in style from Georgian manors and large Craftsman bungalows to English cottages, the hotel rests on 23 lush, landscaped acres.

If offers a true oasis from the bustle of greater Los Angeles, though it lies only 26 miles from LAX. We entered through the porte-cochère (where ice water, thankfully, was always available and the valets quickly retrieved our car whenever we went out) and checked in quickly at the front desk. The light-filled lobby opens onto an interior courtyard with a pond, trees, and patios for dining and special events.

Making our way to our Deluxe Patio Room on the first floor, we discovered a quiet, classically decorated room whose double French doors opened onto a patio set with a table and four chairs shaded by a large umbrella. Our view took in the large horseshoe garden (a large expanse of lawn which hosted two weddings during the course of our stay), with palm trees and flowering shrubs framing the grounds. Inside, we had plenty of room to spread out, with a large desk offering plenty of outlets for our devices; a comfortable armchair, table and lamp for reading; an armoire housing a well-stocked mini ‘fridge, cocktail glasses and a bottle of wine; and a large, flat-screen TV.

The nightstand between the two signature Langham Blissful Beds (very comfortable, and housekeeping thoughtfully removed the heavy duvets for the duration of our warm stay) also offered convenient outlets. A large closet in the entryway housed the ironing board and iron, bahrobes and slippers, and a safe. The Italian marble bath featured a single-sink vanity of moderate size (two sinks and more counter space would have suited the three of us better!), a shower/tub combo and Langham’s own Chuan Spa bath products as well as a box full of handy amenities such as sewing, shaving and dental kits.

Housekeeping kept us well-stocked with large, extra-plush towels and also provided extra hangers. We also very much appreciated the complimentary high-speed internet access. With more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, this property seems to be busy all week (though our room was always quiet), with weddings and receptions booked on the weekends (there are at least three historic ballrooms on site), and meetings and seminars booked into various boardrooms and meeting rooms throughout the week.

I welcomed the chance to use the  small business center, as I chose not to bring my laptop with me on this trip. We didn’t visit the Chuan Spa nor the Fitness Center (though I would have liked to try a yoga or Pilates class in its private studio), but we took advantage of the large, heated pool to cool off. Dining includes the all-day, casual The Terrace; The Royce (a wood-fired, classic steakhouse); the Tap Room (a dark-paneled lounge offering light bites as well as all manner of liquid refreshments); and 24-hour in-room dining.

The Langham Huntington provided the perfect luxurious, peaceful sisters’ getaway retreat, and I’d happily return for another stay to enjoy the gracious hospitality of the excellent staff and this beautiful property.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor