New AC Hotel Opens in Pasadena’s Playhouse District, Marking City’s First New From-the-Ground-Up Hotel in Nearly 40 Years

In a major milestone for Pasadena’s hospitality landscape, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to officially open the AC Hotel Pasadena, the city’s first hotel built from the ground up in the Playhouse Village district in nearly four decades.

Situated on the corner of Colorado Boulevard and Madison Avenue, in the heart of the Playhouse Village, the 194-room hotel blends European-inspired design with local artistry and a contemporary aesthetic that developers and city officials are hoping will appeal to both visitors and local residents.

“This is day one,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo during the ceremony. “It’s a place built with quality materials and a sense of place that we want to see here—historic, cultural, vibrant. Pasadena is evolving, and this is part of that story.”

The property, developed by the Welcome Group and operating under the AC Hotels by Marriott brand, represents a years-long vision brought to life through partnerships with East West Bank, First Bank, the Charles Company, the City of Pasadena, and several design and construction firms. The AC Hotel’s Spanish roots are reflected in the brand’s emphasis on “sophisticated simplicity,” which hotel management says aligns naturally with Pasadena’s style.

“Welcome to a special day for our team, our community, and everyone who helped make this dream a reality,” said Ben Spaulding, general manager of the AC Hotel Pasadena. “With 194 beautifully designed guest rooms, a rooftop bar with stunning views, and a design that celebrates comfort and style, we’re proud to open our doors and become a part of this vibrant, innovative city.”

The hotel features over 9,500 square feet of meeting and event space, a fitness center, and three dining venues: the AC Lounge, AC Kitchen, and a soon-to-open rooftop restaurant. It also features works by California artists and custom-designed interiors curated by Olsen Interior Architecture.

As the first ground-up hotel development in Pasadena in 37 years, city leaders are hopeful that the project will stimulate further economic activity in the Playhouse District, a dynamic neighborhood already known for its theaters, galleries, and dining scene.

“We’ve got a vibrant residential component, entertainment, culture—it’s everything that makes Pasadena special,” Gordo said.

Spaulding credited the dedication of the hotel’s staff, many of whom attended the ceremony, calling them “the heart of this hotel.”

From bartenders to housekeepers and front desk staff, “this team is ready to bring the AC style of life to Pasadena,” he said. “We look forward to being a home away from home for travelers, locals, and the business community for many years to come.”

The AC Hotel Pasadena is at 19 South Madison Avenue in Pasadena. (626) 310-4420.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/burpa-ac-hotel-pasadena/overview/