AC Hotel Pasadena Brings Rooftop Elegance and Community Ties to Playhouse Village

Pasadena’s hospitality and dining scene is poised for an elevation as AC Hotel Pasadena prepares to open on April 1, introducing a European-inspired aesthetic and a rare rooftop dining experience in the heart of Playhouse Village.

The 194-room hotel, located at the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Madison Ave., will feature a rooftop restaurant and bar set to debut in the second quarter of 2025. With panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains and a focus on contemporary European minimalism, the property aims to establish itself as both a travel destination and a neighborhood gathering space. 

The hotel’s accommodations include 66 double queens, 123 kings, four suites, and one exclusive penthouse suite.

“What truly sets us apart is our rooftop restaurant and bar, which offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Colorado Blvd.,” said Ben Spaulding, AC Hotel Pasadena General Manager. “It’s one of the few rooftop experiences in Pasadena, providing guests with a distinctive setting to enjoy curated culinary offerings and craft cocktails.”

Beyond its accommodations, the hotel is positioning itself as an integrated part of the Pasadena community. A collaboration with the Pasadena Playhouse designates AC Hotel Pasadena as the theater’s official hotel partner, and a partnership with Jones Coffee will bring the local roaster’s Madison Blend to the property’s AC Café.

“We’re partnering with Jones Coffee, so we’ll be serving their amazing Madison Blend, a tribute to our location, and it’s just a fantastic place to grab a coffee, have breakfast, or even hold a casual work meeting,” Spaulding said.

Even before its official launch, the hotel has engaged with local organizations. In December, it hosted a holiday event in collaboration with Pasadena Playhouse in the theater’s courtyard, featuring food, custom coffee, and carolers. It has also worked with Pasadena Humane to assemble pet adoption kits.

“We also collaborated with the Humane Society to assemble 100 pet adoption kits, underscoring our commitment to supporting local causes and organizations,” Spaulding said.

Beyond leisure and dining, the hotel is designed to serve as a hub for business and cultural events. It includes over 9,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including a ballroom and an executive boardroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.

“We’re also planning on using our flexible event spaces for community events – think art displays, local business mixers, and performances from local musicians,” Spaulding said. The AC Lounge will host live music performances by Los Angeles musicians every Friday and Saturday, further strengthening its role as a nightlife venue.

The hotel’s location along the Rose Parade route also presents an opportunity for signature Pasadena celebrations.

“For the Rose Parade, we’re really excited to offer something special,” Spaulding said. “Our street-level AC Lounge will be transformed into an amazing viewing spot, with great food and drinks, so guests can enjoy the parade in comfort.”

AC Hotel Pasadena joins the globally recognized AC Hotels by Marriott brand, bringing European-inspired design elements, modern furnishings, and curated public spaces to Pasadena’s evolving hospitality landscape. The hotel’s artwork collection features pieces from California-based artists, including a custom illuminated resin sculpture in the lobby.

With its blend of community engagement, cultural partnerships, and luxury accommodations, the AC Hotel Pasadena is poised to redefine the city’s hospitality experience, creating a landmark destination that caters to both visitors and locals alike.