Abbey Guest Home

Pros

• The Bissell House is a charming Victorian house turned B&B with beautiful period decor.
• The breakfasts are homemade and better than most caf?s.
• The hosts are warm and attentive but never intrusive.
• It is located in a peaceful, historic neighborhood.
• It is a total gem for guests who like unique stays.
• Walking inside is described as magical, with soft piano music and a welcoming glow.
• The rooms are adorable, with incredibly cozy beds and thoughtful touches.
• The breakfasts are phenomenal.
• The service is perfect and responsive.
• The property is beautifully appointed, featuring a grand piano, wood-lined library, and formal dining room.
• The common areas are inviting for reading and socializing, with complimentary tea, wine, and snacks available.
• Guests call it a luxury experience with attention to detail and very friendly staff.
• It is well worth the price and offers excellent value compared with hotels.
• The location is convenient, close to museums and historic sites.

Cons

• They claim Will Hoyman led them to believe the Bissell House was financially solvent and able to host their May 2025 wedding, only to learn via a February 2025 TikTok that the venue was closing and cancelling.
• They assert that, with 90 days until the event, the venue prioritized taking their money (100% deposits) over informing couples of serious financial troubles.
• They state they received only a portion of their money and were ghosted by the venue.
• They allege there is a history of scams under Will's name and that they were one of many scammed couples.
• They say the house is now for sale and completely empty, and advise others not to book on the site.
• They claim they were misled by positive reviews and that refunds would not be forthcoming.
• They describe the business as out of business, with the property in a state inconsistent with what was advertised.

Review

The collection of impressions about the Bissell House presents a strikingly mixed portrait that mirrors a place many viewers yearn to love and others warn to avoid. On the one hand, the reviews frequently celebrate a charming, historic property that feels timeless in its Victorian character. The house is described as a gem of its kind, with period decor that invites guests to step back into a different era. Several rooms are highlighted for their distinctive vibes - the Rose Room with a clawfoot tub and the Victoria's Room, among others - each offering its own little character, from furnishings to views. Visitors repeatedly mention a sense of elegance and atmosphere that makes the property feel special, especially for those who prize history and a home-like ambiance over the antiseptic polish of modern hotels.

The Bissell House earns consistently high marks for hospitality and the sensory pleasures of a traditional bed-and-breakfast experience. Breakfast is repeatedly praised as homemade, sometimes chef-prepared, and often described as beyond what one might expect from a typical B&B. Guests note that meals feel thoughtful and substantial, with the warmth of the hosts' attentiveness without feeling intrusive. The common areas - living rooms, libraries, and dining rooms - are pictured as inviting refuges where guests can linger, read, and even chat with other travelers. The home's character - its front porch, grand piano, wood-lined libraries, and ornate details like leaded glass and brass switch plates - contributes to a sense of luxury grounded in nostalgia. In short, many readers leave with the impression that staying at the Bissell House is about experiencing a curated slice of Americana and a slower, more intimate pace of travel.

Location serves as another strong point in the favorable reviews. The house sits on what's described as a historic, desirable neighborhood and is celebrated for its proximity to town, museums, restaurants, and other local attractions. The setting - often described as peaceful and historic - helps guests feel connected to a broader sense of place. The ambiance of "Millionaire Row" in Pasadena is repeatedly invoked to convey a certain prestige and visual appeal, with guests noting that the surroundings contribute to a feeling of stepping into a well-preserved, bygone era. For many, the combination of tasteful decor, generous breakfasts, and a quiet, elegant setting makes the Bissell House a memorable destination worth repeating.

However, not all assessments align with that rosy picture. Several reviews acknowledge that this is a historic home with quirks, not a pristine, ultra-modern hotel. Some guests emphasize that the charm comes with certain imperfections and old-house realities - things like the quirks of period architecture, the potential for noise, and a decor style that may feel dated to some. A few reviews candidly note the house's age and the realities of maintaining such a property: wooden floors that creak, rooms that are not perfectly air-conditioned by contemporary standards, and a general sense that this is a "home-based" experience rather than a sterile, hotel-like stay. For travelers who value flawless modernity, these items might temper expectations but for others, they enhance the authenticity and character.

Complicating the picture for several readers is the claim that business stability and reliability are in question. A particularly stark portion of the feedback centers on warnings about financial trouble and event cancellations. One account accuses Will Hoyman of presenting the property as solvent enough to host a May 2025 wedding, only to cancel with limited notice and to allocate deposits in a way that left many clients dissatisfied. The reviewer contends that after a substantial deposit, they were told of serious financial troubles, experienced a cancelled event, and say they were subsequently ghosted by the management. Beyond individual grievances, the report suggests there is a broader pattern of troubling experiences for other couples who also feel they were misled or not fully informed. The house is described as being up for sale and empty, adding to a sense of uncertainty about current operations and commitments. It is crucial to note that these are strong allegations from reviewers and have not been independently verified here; readers are advised to consider multiple sources and current status reports if they are thinking about bookings or planning weddings.

In the wake of these warnings, some reviewers remain impressed by their experiences at the Bissell House - describing service as personal and attentive, and the overall stay as a memorable, delightful escape from ordinary hotel life. Positive feedback emphasizes the warmth of the hosts, the feeling of stepping into a well-kept piece of history, and the occasional personal touches that can transform a stay into a meaningful travel memory. Others highlight that the property can deliver "magical" moments - soft piano music in the halls, luminous evening lighting, and a sense of being pampered through thoughtfully prepared breakfasts and generous hospitality. The mix of praise and caution paints a complex, nuanced portrait of a place that can be a dream for some guests and a cautionary tale for others.

Overall, the Bissell House emerges as a destination with undeniable charm and a clear appeal for lovers of historic homes and intimate, breakfast-rich getaways. For those seeking a refined, nostalgic experience in a landmark-looking locale, the property has much to offer - the decor, the rooms, the social dining atmosphere, and the quiet elegance of Pasadena's historic streets. Yet the more cautionary notes - about the realities of running a historic property, the reliability of event bookings, potential financial distress, and the current status of the house - serve as important counterpoints. Prospective guests and event planners are wise to gather current information, verify management standings, review a broad range of opinions, and approach deposits and contracts with clear, documented terms. The place can be a deeply rewarding stay or a source of serious concern, depending on which facets of the experience one prioritizes and how well current circumstances align with expectations.

This section of Pasadena, California offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. There are several pharmacies located within a short distance, as well as cafes and restaurants catering to various tastes. The area is also home to several parks where seniors can enjoy outdoor activities and relaxation. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable hospitals and medical facilities nearby for any health needs. Additionally, there are places of worship for spiritual support and theaters for entertainment. Public transportation options are available with the Metro station located within a reasonable distance. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and accessible environment for seniors looking to reside in Pasadena.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar (0.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.8 miles)
• Bopomofo Cafe (5 miles)
• Charlie's Coffee House (5.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.6 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Urth Caffé-Pasadena (2.3 miles)
• El Pollo Loco (3.3 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.4 miles)
• Donut King (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Brookside Park (3.2 miles)
• Hahamongna Watershed Park (3.7 miles)
• Lacy Park (3.7 miles)
• Garfield Park (4.4 miles)
• Arroyo Seco Park (5 miles)
• Arcadia County Park (5.4 miles)
• Alhambra Park (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Huntington Memorial Hospital Nicu (3.4 miles)
• Methodist Hospital of Southern California (5.1 miles)
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center (6.7 miles)
• Medical 2 unit (6.7 miles)
• Hope (8.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Rita's Catholic Church (3.7 miles)
• San Marino Community Church Nursery School (4 miles)
• Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church (5.6 miles)
• First Evangelical Church Arcadia (6.2 miles)

Theaters

• 0206 Amc Bar Santa Ani (4.7 miles)
• AMC The Americana at Brand 18 (8.3 miles)

Physicians

• Santa Anita Medical Plaza (5 miles)
• Doheny Eye Center (5 miles)
• Healthcare Partners Medical Group (6 miles)

Transportation

• Metro - Monrovia Station (7.1 miles)