With over 140,000 residents, Pasadena is the 17th largest city in the state and a true Texas town with a rich history and tons of community events. The site of modern-day Pasadena was first explored by European settlers, although permanent settlements didn't begin until the early 19th century. During this time, Mexico sought to expand its borders by offering free land grants to its citizens that moved to the area. This emigration eventually led to conflicts between Mexican and American settlers.
Several years after the onset of the Texas Revolution, brave Texian soldiers caused the surrender of General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto, leading Pasadena to adopt the name "The Birthplace of Texas."
Today, Pasadena is a visitor's paradise and an economic stronghold, offering a mix of leisure and business opportunities. Visitors will love the scenic bayou, distinct neighborhoods, and cultural offerings in Pasadena, with easy access to just about everything. Whether you're here on business or for pleasure, it's important to find a hotel that suits your needs and makes the experience even more enjoyable.
When to Visit Pasadena, TX
Since it has a hot and humid climate during the summer, the best time to visit Pasadena is in the spring or autumn. From February to April, temperatures in Pasadena tend to stay in the 60s and 70s, providing the perfect weather for getting out and about with nothing more than a light jacket. This is an ideal time to visit the Armand Bayou Nature Center, which provides wildlife viewings and educational opportunities for adults and children alike. In late April, Pasadena also hosts its annual reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto, which is quite a spectacle for first-time viewers. Hotels tend to fill up quickly during this time due to weather, activities, festivals, and sporting events in nearby Houston, so it's important to find a hotel early to get the room of your choice.
In the autumn, high temperatures fall between the 70s and 80s, providing a welcome break from the heat of the summer. From September to November, many visitors and locals hit the nearby beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, as well as exploring downtown Pasadena on foot. The South Avenue Fall Festival is a hit with locals, providing food and entertainment for all ages.
Another aspect to consider is football and baseball season, when fans from across the state come en masse to the area. If the Astros are playoff-bound or the Texans look good, many fans stay in Pasadena as a cheaper alternative to downtown Houston. This makes hotel prices and availability much more volatile, requiring you to book sooner rather than later. Also, remember that the chance for hurricanes and severe storms increases dramatically during this season.
If you're looking for smaller crowds, the ideal time to visit is in the winter in December and January. Temperatures fall considerably at this time of year, although you don't need to pack the parkas and long underwear. Most of the time, temperatures range in the 50s and 60s, and freezing weather is a rarity. Crowds are relatively rare during this season, and events, including the Holiday Lighted Parade, are among only a handful. Demand for hotel rooms drops, giving you the perfect chance to score a great deal on the hotel of your choice.
May through August is a popular time of year to visit Pasadena, although it's so hot and humid that few visitors or even locals wish to do much outside. Triple digit temperatures come with regularity, and humidity of over 90 percent is commonplace. Thunderstorms are also prevalent during this period, and at times, they even produce hail. Still, there are water parks and beaches to help beat the heat, or you can try to stay indoors at a museum or restaurant. Hotel room availability is unpredictable in the summer, primarily driven by what's going on in Houston, as well as if there's a break in the heat. Make sure to book your hotel well in advance to get a breadth of options.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Pasadena, TX:
Pasadena by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Pasadena, TX. You can use these charts to evaluate the best dates to book a room in Pasadena for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in Pasadena, TX
4 Star Average Prices: $107.25
If you're willing to stay a bit farther from Pasadena, there are several luxury hotel options for a relaxing getaway. The Four Seasons Hotel in Houston is only 12 miles from Pasadena, yet it more than makes up for the lack of proximity. Here, you'll have your choice of a guest room, suite, or luxury apartment, with each more impressive than the next. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, marble appointed bathrooms, beautiful views of downtown Houston, a DVD player, and cable programming. Each guest also has access to a health club, pool, spa, and a poolside bar. There are also plenty of activities for families and couples, such as the House of Blues, the Museum District, restaurants, nightclubs, or beautiful Buffalo Bayou Park. If you don't feel like leaving the confines of the hotel, the Four Seasons shows a free Saturday night movie for your entertainment.
Affordable Hotel Options in Pasadena, Texas
3 Star Average Prices: $92.49
Pasadena has several hotels that fit your needs if you're on a budget. For instance, the Budget Inn is conveniently located just one mile from downtown and iT'z, which is a family-friendly venue that offers bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and a maze. In each room, you'll enjoy a refrigerator, microwave, self-controlled air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an LED television with cable programming. On-site, the Budget Inn offers a common room television, as well as free 24-hour coffee and tea.
The Days Inn & Suites is another affordable option that offers amenities you don't often see in this price range. When you're a guest here, you'll have access to an outdoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, and a delicious complimentary breakfast. Nearby, you'll find the Pasadena Little Theater, Almeda Mall, and Pasadena Historical Museum, so there's not a chance you'll suffer from boredom. Once you retire to your room, you'll be treated to free coffee and tea, cable television, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a spacious floor plan.
