Nestled in the heart of vibrant Pasadena, California, Hotel Dena brings a unique blend of artistic charm and urban sophistication to the city’s renowned hospitality scene. Newly renovated and reimagined, Hotel Dena embraces its SoCal roots with mid-century modern aesthetics and a laid-back vibe, making it a perfect retreat for travelers. At the center of this urban oasis is Agents Only, an exclusive, on-site restaurant that elevates your stay with culinary innovation from renowned Chef Pablo Salas, who interweaves flavors from his Mexican heritage into the cuisine, creating a unique menu and unforgettable dining experience.

 

An Overview of Hotel Dena

Hotel Dena is a contemporary escape that’s as much about style as it is about comfort. Guests are greeted by a warm, earthy color palette throughout the hotel, complemented by carefully selected art pieces from local artists that reflect the area’s creativity and flair. Dash Design was tapped to oversee the interior design and art curation for Hotel Dena. WRDSMITH©, an LA-based street artist who utilizes colorful and mindfully chosen words to inspire others, created a lobby mural and signature guest room art. Large-scale outdoor murals featuring music and dance were hand-painted by artists Ian Schuler and Leah Tumerman.  Artist Kate Neckel developed Pasadena-inspired wall coverings for each corridor of the property, and wooden sound wave art in the lobby area by artist Erin Harris captures Van Halen’s hit song ‘Jump.’

 

The hotel’s accommodations are designed with both style and relaxation in mind. The modern and vibrant guest rooms offer both a relaxing respite and an energizing homebase, with a variety of categories including King and Queen rooms, Studios, and Suites. Specialty suites include the Screenwriter’s Suite, Director’s Suite, and Dena Suite — each boasting 600 to 650 square-feet, a king bed with a lush pillow-top mattress, a sofa bed, a writing/work desk, and more. All accommodations feature Blind Barber® bath amenities, a company that values the benefits of community, inclusivity, and confidence.

 

With its prime location near Old Town Pasadena, Hotel Dena offers guests easy access to iconic sites such as the Rose Bowl Stadium, Norton Simon Museum, and the bustling shops and restaurants of Colorado Boulevard. From the lobby to the rooms, every inch of Hotel Dena reflects a keen attention to detail, inspired by the rich cultural history of Pasadena while maintaining a fresh, minimalist appeal.

 

Agents Only: A Culinary Experience Like No Other

One of the highlights of Hotel Dena is Agents Only, the hotel’s exclusive on-site restaurant that serves up an extraordinary dining experience with dishes inspired by the traditional flavors of Mexican cuisine. With a focus on farm-to-table ingredients and inventive flavors, Agents Only prides itself on curating a menu that celebrates heritage, tradition, and vibrancy. This 42-seat haunt is the perfect place for guests to let loose and embrace their inner spark, surrounded by a vintage TV art installation by Media Pollution and a captivating speaker wall. A plethora of mesmerizing weekly live performances will keep guests on the edge of their seats.

 

Signature Dishes

Agents Only is known for its flavorful menu, blending Mexican-inspired flavors with beloved dishes. A few stand-out dishes include:

• Seared Salmon with Poblano Crema: This dish features fresh salmon, perfectly seared and topped with a poblano crema, served with corn esquite, pickled red onion and crushed peanuts It’s a healthy yet flavorful choice that epitomizes the restaurant’s approach to freshness.

• Portobello El Pastor Tacos: This dish brings an innovative vegan twist with pineapple gel and grilled pineapple enhancing the portobello mushroom's earthy flavor.

• Lona Chopped Salad: A bright and refreshing starter, this salad combines mixed greens, crispy bacon, roasted corn, queso fresco and cilantro ranch, ideal for those seeking something light yet satisfying.

• Lobster Quesadillas: An indulgent dish for those looking to treat themselves, this delicious quesadilla is elevated with butter-poached cold-water lobster with a side of chipotle aioli, red onion, and cilantro, adding a luxurious twist to a classic comfort food.

 

Agents Only also offers an impressive array of plant-based options, making it easy for vegetarian and vegan guests to find something exciting on the menu.

 

Desserts and Cocktails

No meal at Agents Only is complete without trying one of their signature desserts or craft cocktails. The Tres Leches is a guest favorite, featuring a sponge cake base with mascarpone whipped cream and raspberries. Another must-try is the Cajeta Flan, a modern take on a traditional dessert, served with cream cheese whip, orange-ginger compote and brûlee orange.

 

For drinks, Agents Only boasts a well-curated cocktail menu that rivals some of the best bars in Pasadena. Signature cocktails include the Prickly Pear Margarita, a tequila-based drink with pear syrup, fresh lime juice and black lava salt, and the Painted Bird, made with tequila, select aperitivo, lime, grapefruit soda, salt and a grapefruit garnish.

 

Why Stay at Hotel Dena?

Hotel Dena’s unique blend of elegance, art, and comfort makes it a standout option in Pasadena.

The hotel offers meeting and event spaces that reflect a stylish atmosphere, making it a popular choice for business travelers and special occasions. Whether you’re planning a business retreat or a weekend getaway, Hotel Dena has the accommodations, amenities, and dining options to make it exceptional.

 

Final Thoughts

Hotel Dena, with its impeccable design, warm hospitality, and outstanding dining experience at Agents Only, offers a slice of modern luxury with a distinct California flair. Every meal at Agents Only is crafted to delight and surprise, bringing a fresh perspective to traditional favorites. For travelers seeking more than just a place to stay, Hotel Dena and Agents Only together provide a vibrant and memorable Pasadena experience.

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303 Cordova St, Pasadena, CA 91101

Phone: (626) 469-8100

 

 

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