Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pasadena is a two-star budget hotel and motor inn located at 1599 E Colorado Blvd in East Pasadena, California. Situated directly along historic U.S. Route 66 and the official New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade route, this practical, family-friendly property provides travelers with straightforward accommodations, complimentary Rise & Dine continental breakfast, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free on-site surface parking. Its position between Pasadena City College and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) makes it a reliable base for campus visitors, Rose Bowl event attendees, and road-trippers exploring the San Gabriel Valley.
What to Expect at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pasadena
Designed around a classic two-story California motor-court layout with exterior corridor access, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pasadena focuses on value, convenience, and essential in-room comforts. Guest rooms and suites are decorated in bright, functional tones and come configured with either one king bed, two queen beds, or larger family suite layouts. Every accommodation includes a microwave, mini-refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, work desk, flat-screen cable television, iron and ironing board, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Select king suites add extra seating areas and jetted hot tubs for guests looking for additional space to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
At the center of the property, a courtyard deck surrounds an unheated outdoor swimming pool where guests can cool off during warm Southern California afternoons. Each morning, the lobby dining area serves a complimentary light continental breakfast featuring coffee, juice, pastries, cereal, and quick grab-and-go items. A 24-hour front desk staffs the lobby year-round, offering luggage assistance, local dining recommendations, and participation in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Because the hotel sits directly on East Colorado Boulevard, guests visiting in late December and early January are steps from the curb where the floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units of the Rose Parade pass by each January 1.
- Direct Rose Parade Route Location: Positioned on East Colorado Boulevard between Hill Avenue and Allen Avenue, placing guests right along the historic Route 66 corridor and the Tournament of Roses Parade route.
- In-Room Kitchenette Conveniences: Every standard room and suite comes equipped with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and coffee maker for storing snacks and reheating leftovers.
- Complimentary Rise & Dine Breakfast: Daily morning service included in the room rate featuring coffee, tea, fruit juices, breakfast breads, and cereal.
- Courtyard Outdoor Pool: An on-site outdoor swimming pool and sundeck open for daytime relaxation in the sunny San Gabriel Valley climate.
- Free Surface Parking & Wi-Fi: Complimentary off-street parking for standard passenger vehicles right outside the guest rooms, paired with property-wide wireless internet.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pasadena at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1599 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106 |
| Neighborhood / Area | East Colorado Boulevard / Playhouse & College District |
| Operating Hours | 24-hour front desk; Check-in from 3:00 PM, Check-out by 11:00 AM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Typical nightly rates $110–$185; higher during Rose Bowl & New Year’s events) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 3 nights |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free on-site surface lot (1 car per room); Metro Bus 180/256 on Colorado Blvd; Allen Metro A Line Station (1.1 miles) |
| Official Website & Phone | Official Website | +1 626-808-4500 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
To secure the best nightly rates—and guaranteed room availability if you are visiting for the Rose Parade, a UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl, or graduations at Caltech and Pasadena City College—book directly through the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pasadena official website several months in advance. Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM; guests must present a valid government-issued photo ID and a credit card for a refundable incidental deposit at arrival. Light sleepers should request a room set back from East Colorado Boulevard or on the upper level to minimize street and courtyard noise.
Drivers arriving via Interstate 210 (Foothill Freeway) can exit at Hill Avenue or Allen Avenue and head south for less than a mile to reach the hotel’s free surface parking lot. Travelers using public transit can board LA Metro Bus Line 180 right outside on Colorado Boulevard for direct service west to Old Pasadena and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, or connect to the Metro A Line (formerly the Gold Line) light rail at Allen Station, located about a 20-minute walk north. Accessible ground-floor guest rooms with step-free entries, grab bars, roll-in showers, and designated accessible parking spaces are available near the main lobby. Within a 5-to-15-minute walk or short drive, guests can explore Pasadena City College (immediately adjacent at 1570 E Colorado Blvd), the landmark California Institute of Technology (Caltech) campus half a mile south, and the world-renowned art collections and botanical grounds of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens just two miles south in San Marino.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in and check-out times at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pasadena?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM daily, and check-out is required by 11:00 AM. The front desk operates 24 hours a day, allowing guests arriving on late flights into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to check in after hours.
Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pasadena include free breakfast and parking?
Yes, all registered guests receive complimentary daily Rise & Dine continental breakfast served in the lobby area, as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi. Free on-site surface parking is also included for one standard passenger vehicle per reserved room.
How close is the hotel to Pasadena City College, Caltech, and the Rose Bowl?
Pasadena City College sits directly across the street on East Colorado Boulevard,less than a two-minute walk from the lobby, while the Caltech campus is roughly 0.6 miles south. Old Pasadena is 2 miles west, and the Rose Bowl Stadium is approximately 4.5 miles northwest via I-210.
Are accessible rooms and family suites available at the property?
Yes, the hotel offers ADA-accessible ground-floor rooms featuring step-free access from the parking lot, widened doorways, and accessible bathrooms with grab bars. Families can book two-queen rooms or larger suites equipped with microwaves and mini-refrigerators, though pets are not permitted outside of verified service animals.
When planning your Pasadena travel guide or comparing verified hotels and inn in Pasadena, pair this stop with standout local spots including UOVO | Pasadena, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Houston's, and Top Restaurant (0.5 km away).
