Opening of $300M Le Méridien Arcadia Hotel Slated for May 25

Le Méridien on the former site of Santa Anita Inn, across from storied Santa Anita Park, has now nearly completed phase one of the massive project that broke ground in 2018.

On March 18, 2014 the City Council approved the Seabiscuit Pacifica Specific Plan project for two hotels that totaled 142,320-square-feet of hotel space in two connected buildings, with a total of 210 rooms, and a hotel condominium tower with 50 units.

These project components were to be developed in phases, with the first consisting of the two Marriott hotels and a remnant of the existing Santa Anita Inn (63 rooms plus a new lobby) remaining on site. Phase two of the project was for the demolition of the remnant of the Santa Anita Inn and the development of the hotel condominium tower.

However, the project has seen significant changes since the original plans were submitted to the city and several revisions were made.

With phase one nearly complete, the $300 million project had hoped for a rooftop pool and bar but that plan ended up in the wastebasket.

Last Friday, Arcadia Weekly was invited to tour the facility. The first thing you notice is the homage to Santa Anita Park with subtle accoutrements in just about every room of the building. There will also be a statue paying homage to Anita Baldwin — daughter of Arcadia founder Lucky Baldwin — who resided at the now razed Anoakia estate which used to be on the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Baldwin Avenue.

Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel is expected to officially open its doors on May 25, with 234 rooms and suites plus over 14,000 square feet of event space. Taking cues from the brand’s mid-century modern design aesthetic, the new hotel will bring Le Méridien’s distinctive European sensibilities to the San Gabriel Valley.

Located opposite the Santa Anita Park and developed by Chateau Group founders, Eric Chen and Ann Sung, the hotel celebrates the glamorous halcyon days of travel and the rich heritage of the area by illuminating textures and layers of sophisticated equestrian design.

“We are thrilled that this new hotel will bring to life the history of the region through design, culinary creations, craft cocktails, fine art and beyond – all while celebrating the Le Méridien spirit of savoring the good life,” said Chen, president at Chateau Group and manager of SAICP, LLC. “We are confident that this stylish metropolitan oasis will be a fantastic addition to the Arcadia community, and we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world and showing them all there is to unlock in the local area.”

Guests can indulge in Mélange, the hotel’s dining destination, which will showcase Asian-fusion inspired cuisine helmed by Chef Mako. The hotel’s hub, Longitude 118, is a social gathering place and will offer rare private label and international spirits, wines and beers, along with a curated high tea and highballs program — a nod to Le Méridien’s European heritage by creating a modern twist on the traditional aperitif hour. The concept melds the refinement of traditional high tea with sophisticated custom highball cocktail mixology using the centuries-old craft of tea infusion. Guests can also enliven the senses with illy coffee each morning.

Meeting and event spaces span five separate rooms — three of which are private dining rooms. There are also over 1,800 square feet of indoor pre-function space and an expansive event lawn. Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia aims to be the preeminent destination for business and social banquets and events.

With curious culture seekers in mind, global art installations throughout the property will be curated by local art consultancy Daniel Fine Art. Upon entering the hotel, guests will be welcomed by an impressive handmade porcelain and glass abstraction of peacock tail feathers by Ron Dier Design. Works throughout the hotel will also include pieces by Serge Bloch, the most prolific illustrator in France who frequently illustrates advertisements for Hermès, David Ellis, an international multimedia artist and William Attaway, an established Venice Beach artist with several public art sculptures around Southern California. 

“The development of Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia is a huge accomplishment, and this premium, full-service property is certainly an esteemed addition to the Pacifica Hotels portfolio,” said Matt Marquis, CEO at Pacifica Hotels. “We look forward to opening day when we can welcome the public to this special hotel.”

For additional information, visit: LeMeridienArcadia.com. 

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