Pasadena at anytime of the year is beautiful. In March when everything is in flower, the colors and fragrances are heavenly. Roey's house is situated in a quiet, well kept residential district dating from the 1920s and 30s. Walking down the street is like being in an arboretum. The house itself is a perfectly maintained period piece. The fireplace surround is made of Batchelor tiles. (Ernest A. Batchelder was an American artist and educator who made Southern California his home in the early 20th century. He is famous as a maker of art tiles and as a leader in the American Arts and Crafts Movement.).

But onto Roberta and her over the top hospitality. Her house and her gracious hospitality make Roey’s house the archetypal English Bed and Breakfast. An American B&B tends to be more like a small hotel. It is a business, plain and simple. English B&Bs and Roey’s House are places where people live and receive short term guests. Roberta thoughtfully stocks her frig with breakfast things. There were snacks and bottled water in my room. There is good WIFI. Everything was clean as a whistle. It’s a short walk to the Allen Street Station on LA’s urban railway line.

What you can not put a price on is Roberta herself. Staying at Roey’s house was like visiting a friend or family member in another city. Roberta is a gracious and interesting woman. We had a few great morning and afternoon conversations. I arrived as a stranger on Wednesday afternoon. I left on Friday morning as a friend.