One of the best ways to spend a hot summer day is relaxing by a swimming pool, and where better to escape to than a luxury hotel or resort like The Langham Huntington, Pasadena?

Located in the stunning Oak Knoll neighborhood of Pasadena, the historic 23-acre property offers a picturesque getaway with luxurious accommodations, a world-class spa, exquisite culinary options, fun activities and events, and two swimming pools.

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Prior to this summer, the Langham Pasadena had one swimming pool, the Lanai Pool, which was only open to overnight hotel guests. Now, the property has expanded to include a brand-new swimming pool, the Royce Pool, which offers the ultimate setting for outdoor relaxation surrounded by palms and lush gardens.

The best part? Non-hotel guests can purchase a day pass via ResortPass that provides access to both swimming pools. Recently, my husband and I spent the day at the new Royce Pool in one of their luxurious cabanas where we enjoyed an elevated poolside experience.

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The Royce Pool is located across the hotel’s historic Picture Bridge, which overlooks the stunning Japanese Gardens and Lanai Pool.

A popular spot for wedding photos on property (fun fact: we shot our first look photos on this bridge when we got married at the hotel in 2018), the Picture Bridge was restored in 2020 and underwent a multi-million dollar structural upgrade.

It also features beautiful replicas of Frank M. Moore’s paintings from the 1930s depicting a series of California landscapes, which add to its charm and beauty.

The large pool is located behind a gate on the other side of the bridge and is accessible via keycard. It’s surrounded by poolside loungers with umbrellas and has several poolside cabanas.

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When we visited it was a Sunday and the weather was sunny and beautiful, so it was pretty busy with families and guests who were enjoying themselves by cooling off and splashing around in the pool. The scene was fun, friendly, relaxed, and laidback—it felt like we were on vacation.

The Royce Pool Cabanas are spacious, stunning, and outfitted with luxurious and modern amenities including TVs, mini fridges, high-speed Wi-Fi, outlets for plugging in your devices, extra towels, and ceiling fans to keep you cool in the heat. Our mini fridge was stocked with water bottles, coconut water, and sodas. There was plenty of room to store additional beverages if you choose to bring your own.

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The cabanas have generous and comfortable seating for multiple people, along with a table and additional loungers at the entrance to the cabana if you want to get some sun. There was ample counter space for storing belongings so we didn’t need to use the lockers in the restroom.

Two of our friends (who coincidentally were staying at the hotel that weekend) came out to join us in the cabana for part of the afternoon and they were impressed with how nice it was.

There was plenty of space for the four of us (we could have fit two to four additional people in the cabana comfortably), which makes the cabanas a great option for group entertaining.

Poolside service is offered at the Royce Pool and the cabanas come with menus that offer a wide variety of food and beverages. Drink offerings include beer by the can or bottle; hard seltzer; champagne, sparkling wine, white and red wine by the glass or bottle; as well as a selection of cocktails ranging from Froze and Pina Coladas to signature drinks such as the Langham Pink Lemonade and Langham Hard Tea.

I tried the Froze, which was sweet and refreshing with rose, vodka, strawberry puree, and lemonade. My husband ordered the Rosemary Paloma, which was equally delicious with tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and rosemary-infused agave nectar. All of the drinks had lovely presentations and paired nicely with our dishes.

For lunch, we started out with shared chips and salsa including house-made guacamole. I ordered the Summer Stone Fruit Salad, which featured baby gem lettuces, plum, nectarine, peach, goat cheese, toasted sliced almonds, and poppy seed vinaigrette.

My husband ordered the Tuna Poke Bowl, which included marinated tuna, edamame, quinoa, cucumber, yuzu dressing, pickled radish, and pickled ginger. Both dishes were extremely fresh and tasty.

Other items on the menu included a Chicken Club Wrap, Tuna Nicoise Salad, Spicy Thai Prawn Salad, Baja California Shrimp Cocktail, Caesar Salad, and Mexican Achiote Salad. You can also add protein (salmon, chicken or shrimp) to any salad for an additional charge.

Everything sounded good and I have no doubt that next time we come back, we’ll be trying more dishes off the menu!

Additional amenities at the Royce Pool include brand-new men’s and women’s bathrooms with lockers for storing belongings, as well as an outdoor shower for rinsing off. The interior of the bathroom featured beautiful tile work and light fixtures—it looked very upscale and chic.

We really enjoyed our experience in the Royce Poolside Cabanas. Not only are they spacious and comfortable, but they have everything you need to enjoy a full day out in the sun. My husband (who has a lighter complexion than I do) said that without the cabana, he wouldn’t have been able to spend as much time by the pool.

The cabanas are also a great option if you want to get a group of family and friends together for a pool day, or celebrate a special occasion like a birthday or bridal party. It’s also the perfect way to treat yourself if you’re looking to escape the heat and enjoy a nice pool day!

For hotel guests, cabanas cost $350 on weekends and holidays, and $250 on weekdays. The half-day rate for a cabana is $250 on weekends and holidays, and $200 on weekdays. Daybeds cost $90 and fit two people. Lounge chairs are free for hotel guests.

For non-hotel guests, cabanas cost $450 on weekends and holidays, and $350 on weekdays. The half-da rate for a cabana is $300 on weekends and holidays, and $250 on weekdays. Daybeds cost $150 and lounge chairs cost $60.

In-house guest reservations can be made at the front desk and Club Lounge.

For more information about The Langham Huntington, Pasadena and to make a reservation, visit their website or call (626) 568-3900. Follow on Instagram: @langhampasadena

[Photos by Kamala Kirk]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk