![Professor Lowe had a dream to make the beautiful Mountains overlooking the cities of Altadena / Pasadena accessible to average citizens. After much planning, many exploratory trips on horseback, he and Engineer Thomas McPherson located a series of routes that could be built upon with a series of rail cars to reach miles back into the forest and eventually all the way to the top of Mount Wilson. Financing the project himself, Professor Lowe proceeded to build his dream which eventually reached all the way to the base of Mount Lowe (named after Professor Lowe, previously known as Oak Mountain). At its peak, it was the top honeymoon destination in America. Beginning with the famous red car lines in California, Professor Lowe extended the line up through the rolling hills in Rubio Canyon where a small hotel was built at the base of new incline rail systems that would take a visitor up a mile along a ridge overlooking the LA Basin to the top of Echo Mountain.
The top of Echo Mountain became a little city of its own with places to eat, order picnic lunches, shop at stores, dormitories for employees, power generating station to power Echo Mountain facilities. There was also a trolley repair building and pit, observation decks at various spots, trails that could be taken by hikers both up and down the mountain and into the Alpine regions, tennis courts, stables and a now little known zoo. The entire assembly of buildings were painted white and because of the view from far below, became known as "The White City in the sky". The “opera box” great incline cars were also white and could be seen from afar ferrying up and down the hill. On a ridge behind the Echo Mountain ridge was an observatory building with a working 16 inch telescope housed in a round domed building. The foundations can still be found at the site as well as the cement stand which is what the telescope was mounted upon. It was Professor Lowe's intention to build the rail system all the way to the top of Mount Wilson along with additional hotels and facilities on the top of Mount Wilson. Later, much of the path of the large 100" telescope and observatory built on Mount Wilson was used to transport the delicate 100" mirror to the top of Mount Wilson.
[From Wikipedia]](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6058643/03e5e617-ede3-45ea-9817-79e95ae8eb81.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=1920&ra=fit&ch=480)
Photo by CHH Hiker
Hotels in Altadena
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2b2b APT Close to Rose Parade and Pasadena Oldtown
2b2b APT Close to Rose Parade and Pasadena Oldtown
2.0 star property
Altadena
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
10/10
Exceptional
(1)
The price is $198
$198
$366 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 13 - Jan 14, 2026
Charming Elegant Retreat in the San Gabriel Valley
Charming Elegant Retreat in the San Gabriel Valley
2.0 star property
Altadena
The price is $198
$198
$366 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2026
Newly Remodeled 2b2b APT Near Pasadena Old Town
Newly Remodeled 2b2b APT Near Pasadena Old Town
2.0 star property
Altadena
The price is $201
$201
$382 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 14 - Jan 15, 2026
Modern Family Getaway With Spacious Living Areas
Modern Family Getaway With Spacious Living Areas
2.0 star property
Altadena
The price is $191
$191
$371 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 14 - Jan 15, 2026
Newly Remodeled 2b2b APT Near Pasadena Old Town
Newly Remodeled 2b2b APT Near Pasadena Old Town
2.0 star property
Altadena
The price is $189
$189
$357 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 14 - Jan 15, 2026
2b2b APT Close to Rose Parade and Pasadena Oldtown
2b2b APT Close to Rose Parade and Pasadena Oldtown
2.0 star property
Altadena
The price is $191
$191
$359 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 14 - Jan 15, 2026
Pasadena Hotel & Pool
Pasadena Hotel & Pool
4.0 star property
South Lake Avenue District
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1431)
8.8/10
Excellent
(1431)
The price is $161
$161
$204 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 10 - Jan 11, 2026
Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel
Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel
2.5 star property
Pasadena
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1533)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(1533)
The price is $121
$121
$141 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 3 - Jan 4, 2026
Hyland Inn Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Hyland Inn Pasadena Civic Auditorium
3.0 star property
Lamanda Park
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1006)
8.4/10
Very Good
(1006)
The price is $98
$98
$119 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Glendale Hotel
Glendale Hotel
2.5 star property
Somerset
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (2954)
8.4/10
Very Good
(2954)
The price is $88
$88
$99 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
The LEEF Hotel
The LEEF Hotel
2.0 star property
Citrus Grove
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (402)
8.6/10
Excellent
(402)
The price is $72
$72
$81 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 8 - Jan 9, 2026
Alhambra Hotel
Alhambra Hotel
2.0 star property
Alhambra
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (161)
8.8/10
Excellent
(161)
The price is $99
$99
$111 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 28 - Dec 29
Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Arcadia/Pasadena
Hampton Inn Los Angeles/Arcadia/Pasadena
2.5 star property
Arcadia
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1099)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1099)
The price is $107
$107
$120 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 18 - Jan 19, 2026
GreenTree Inn & Suites Alhambra
GreenTree Inn & Suites Alhambra
2.5 star property
Alhambra
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1003)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1003)
The price is $125
$125
$145 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia - Pasadena Area
DoubleTree by Hilton Monrovia - Pasadena Area
4.0 star property
Monrovia
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1066)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1066)
The price is $122
$122
$137 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
The Hills Inn Eagle Rock - Near Old Town Pasadena
The Hills Inn Eagle Rock - Near Old Town Pasadena
2.5 star property
Eagle Rock
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1002)
8.8/10
Excellent
(1002)
The price is $112
$112
$130 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 25 - Dec 26
Hyatt Place Glendale / Los Angeles
Hyatt Place Glendale / Los Angeles
3.0 star property
Downtown Glendale
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1002)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1002)
The price is $162
$162
$181 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 19 - Jan 20, 2026
Holiday Inn & Suites Monterey Park Los Angeles by IHG
Holiday Inn & Suites Monterey Park Los Angeles by IHG
3.0 star property
Monterey Park
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (584)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(584)
The price is $122
$122
$138 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
Vagabond Inn Glendale
Vagabond Inn Glendale
2.0 star property
Pacific - Edison
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (827)
8.8/10
Excellent
(827)
The price is $119
$119
$134 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Glendale Express Hotel Los Angeles
Glendale Express Hotel Los Angeles
3.0 star property
Glendale
7.8 out of 10, Good, (3336)
7.8/10
Good
(3336)
The price is $117
$117
$131 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Budget hotels in Altadena and vicinity
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (3146)
8.6/10
Excellent
(3146)
The price is $86
$86
$132 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (454)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(454)
The price is $70
$70
$76 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 25 - Dec 26
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (402)
8.6/10
Excellent
(402)
The price is $72
$72
$81 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 8 - Jan 9, 2026
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1004)
8.4/10
Very Good
(1004)
The price is $77
$77
$84 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 28 - Dec 29
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (2954)
8.4/10
Very Good
(2954)
The price is $88
$88
$99 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1000)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1000)
The price is $81
$81
$90 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
Travelodge Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bell Los Angeles Area
Travelodge Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bell Los Angeles Area2.0 star property
Bell
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1001)
8.2/10
Very Good
(1001)
The price is $86
$86
$96 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 28 - Dec 29
Rodeway Inn South Gate - Los Angeles South
Rodeway Inn South Gate - Los Angeles South2.0 star property
South Gate
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (901)
9.2/10
Wonderful
(901)
The price is $87
$87
$93 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1797)
8.6/10
Excellent
(1797)
The price is $102
$102
$159 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Travelodge Inn & Suites by Wyndham West Covina
Travelodge Inn & Suites by Wyndham West Covina2.0 star property
Walnut Valley
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1000)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1000)
The price is $90
$90
$99 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (161)
8.8/10
Excellent
(161)
The price is $99
$99
$111 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 28 - Dec 29
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (4141)
9.4/10
Exceptional
(4141)
The price is $98
$98
$114 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026
STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa
STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa4.0 star property
Downtown Los Angeles
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1357)
8.4/10
Very Good
(1357)
The price is $95
$95
$145 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 29 - Dec 30
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1008)
8.4/10
Very Good
(1008)
The price is $95
$95
$115 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 25 - Dec 26
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1006)
8.8/10
Excellent
(1006)
The price is $95
$95
$105 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 28 - Dec 29
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1003)
8.4/10
Very Good
(1003)
The price is $107
$107
$122 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 25 - Dec 26
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1474)
8.6/10
Excellent
(1474)
The price is $98
$98
$108 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 25 - Dec 26
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1003)
9.0/10
Wonderful
(1003)
The price is $125
$125
$145 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1001)
8.8/10
Excellent
(1001)
The price is $99
$99
$109 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 3 - Jan 4, 2026
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Go beyond your typical stay in Altadena
Apart hotel
Apartment
Family friendly
Pet friendly
Cottage
Learn more about Altadena
Escape the city bustle on Eaton Canyon's trails, where a 40-foot waterfall rewards your hike through the San Gabriel Mountains. December transforms historic Christmas Tree Lane into a magical display when century-old deodars don their holiday lights. Angeles National Forest offers wilderness adventures just beyond your doorstep, while the Mount Lowe Railway trail reveals fascinating remnants of a bygone era. Culture seekers can venture to nearby Hollywood Bowl for world-class performances under the stars. This peaceful community north of Pasadena provides a perfect base for exploring greater Los Angeles attractions, yet feels worlds away with its mountain backdrop and neighborhood charm.
Check out reviews of Altadena hotels guests love
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
10/10 Excellent
"Very nice hotel"
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles
10/10 Excellent
"Clean room, friendly staff, lots of dining close by"
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
10/10 Excellent
"No breakfast is offered only light refreshments if you get there timely and coffee. The room was spacious and very clean. "
Loews Hollywood Hotel
10/10 Excellent
"Location and staff"
Hollywood Historic Hotel
10/10 Excellent
"The stay was very clean and the staff were very nice! Parking was behind the building which had a gate, and was very safe. The shower was hard to work and it was either super hot or super cold, but the whole bathroom was super clean. Definitely would stay again since it was very close to a lot of stuff to do LA"
E-Central Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
10/10 Excellent
"Amazing time"
Hotel Burbank
10/10 Excellent
"Always friendly staff, clean comfortable room. Great business center."
Ramada by Wyndham Burbank Airport
10/10 Excellent
"Clean and comfortable . Great location
"
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown
10/10 Excellent
"Great stay with a helpful staff and lovely room "
Frequently asked questions
What accommodations do travelers recommend in Altadena?
Guests like Glendale Express Hotel Los Angeles.
Can I book a refundable accommodation in Altadena?
If you need the flexibility to change your plans to Altadena, most hotels provide refundable* rates you can book. You can see these accommodations by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow the results down.
Where can I stay in Altadena if I want a vacation home instead of a traditional hotel?
Browse 14 vacation homes on our site. In addition, you can choose from 12 apartments.
What will the weather in Altadena be like during my trip?
The warmest months in Altadena are usually August and July with an average temp of 75°F. December and February are the chilliest months when the average temp is 54°F. The rainiest months are December and January.
Why should I book my Altadena accommodation with Hotels.com?
There are plenty of reasons to book your Altadena travel with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels gives you the flexibility you're looking for, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™* on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.