Bissell House 1887 is a historic Victorian bed-and-breakfast at 201 Orange Grove Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030, in the tree-lined residential area just north of Mission Street. Named for Anna Bissell McCay of the Bissell carpet-sweeper family, the 1887 manor pairs period character with intimate overnight hospitality, chef-prepared breakfast and easy access to Old Pasadena and Los Angeles rail connections.
What to Expect at Bissell House 1887
This is an overnight inn rather than a ticketed house museum, so its history is experienced through the building itself: a late-19th-century Victorian residence with a broad porch, decorative woodwork, tall windows and domestic-scale parlors. The atmosphere is deliberately quieter than a conventional hotel. Guest rooms retain the sense of a private home while supplying contemporary essentials including Wi-Fi; the property is entirely nonsmoking.
Breakfast is the central ritual. Guests receive a chef-prepared morning meal, while all-day refreshments make the house a useful base between Pasadena sightseeing and evening plans. It is an especially appealing choice for couples and architectural-history travelers who value a personal inn over a large resort. Check the official Bissell House website for room availability and current stay packages; the house does not operate as a walk-in public attraction or offer a standard self-guided tour.
- 1887 Victorian manor: A preserved South Pasadena residence where the porch, proportions and ornamental historic fabric set the tone of the stay.
- Anna Bissell McCay connection: The inn is named for the daughter of Melville Bissell, whose carpet sweeper became a major American household invention.
- Chef-prepared breakfast: Overnight guests begin the day with a prepared breakfast rather than a generic hotel buffet.
- All-day refreshments: Drinks and snacks extend the hospitable, residential rhythm beyond breakfast hours.
- Guest parking and Wi-Fi: Complimentary on-site parking and wireless internet simplify a car-based Los Angeles-area stay.
Bissell House 1887 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 Orange Grove Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Central South Pasadena, near Mission Street and the Pasadena border |
| Operating Hours | Overnight accommodations; arrival, departure and front-desk arrangements are confirmed with a reservation |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$$ historic-inn lodging, with nightly rates varying by room and date |
| Recommended Visit Duration | One to two nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | South Pasadena Station on Metro A Line, about 0.6 mile away; complimentary guest parking on site |
| Official Website & Phone | bissellhouse.com · +1 626-441-3535 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve well ahead for Friday and Saturday stays, holiday weekends and Rose Parade season, when small historic inns and Pasadena-area rooms fill quickly. Arrive before dinner to settle in and explore Mission Street on foot; confirm check-in timing directly with the inn rather than assuming a hotel-style 24-hour desk. Drivers can use the complimentary guest parking, while rail travelers can take Metro’s A Line to South Pasadena Station and complete the roughly 0.6-mile trip by rideshare or taxi.
The inn’s Victorian layout is part of its appeal but requires planning: it is a multilevel historic house, with stairs and no elevator. Travelers who need step-free access, a ground-level room, or help with luggage should discuss requirements before booking. Within a 5- to 15-minute walk, Mission Street offers independent cafés, restaurants and storefronts; the historic Rialto Theatre anchors the corridor. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is also close by, while Old Pasadena, the Norton Simon Museum and the Gamble House are short drives or rides away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Bissell House 1887 open, and what is the best time to arrive?
Bissell House 1887 functions as a reservation-based overnight inn, not a daytime museum with public visiting hours. Plan an afternoon or early-evening arrival and confirm the check-in procedure in advance; weekdays generally provide a calmer South Pasadena base than peak weekends.
Does Bissell House 1887 charge admission or require reservations?
There is no separate admission charge because the house is not a ticketed attraction. A room reservation is required to stay, and rates vary by room type, date and demand; use the official website or call +1 626-441-3535 for current pricing.
How long should I stay at Bissell House 1887?
One night is enough to enjoy the house, breakfast and Mission Street, but two nights allow time for Old Pasadena, the Norton Simon Museum or the Gamble House. It also works well as a quieter alternative to central Los Angeles lodging.
Is Bissell House 1887 accessible and suitable for families?
The historic multistory house has stairs and no elevator, so guests with mobility needs should request detailed room-access information before reserving. Its intimate setting best suits couples and considerate families seeking a quiet stay rather than the facilities of a large family hotel.
When planning your Pasadena travel guide or comparing verified attractions and hotels in Pasadena, pair this stop with standout local spots including Pasadena Museum of California Art, Pasadena Art Museum, 1969 – Architects: Ladd & Kelsey, True Food Kitchen, and Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden (0.5 km away).
