E & J Manor in Pasadena, CA

Seniors.FYI Elite Community Awards

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Pros

• The NOOR staff are incredibly thoughtful, kind, and helpful.
• NOOR is a beautiful, elegant venue with a central Pasadena location.
• Robert and his team are highly professional, responsive, and accommodating.
• The food and catering at NOOR are exceptional and consistently praised by guests.
• The Sofia and Ella ballrooms provide stunning, versatile spaces for weddings and events.
• The open bar, attentive service, and capable staff make guests feel well cared for.
• NOOR's planning process is seamless, with clear communication and thorough attention to detail.
• The post-event service, including timely delivery of photos and videos, enhances the overall experience.

Cons

• The staff dismissed the guest’s service animal request, saying “that’s all we need to know,” and later claimed dogs were not allowed because the venue is private property, despite ADA requirements.
• No manager spoke with the guest on-site to resolve the issue, even after an extended wait.
• The guest was not informed about any allergies or safe re-entry; instead, they were told that dogs, including service animals, were not allowed.
• There was miscommunication about what was included in the exclusive package, and many items turned out to carry additional costs, tripling the total price.
• Noor charges vendors to be on their “preferred vendor list,” which the reviewer viewed as a profit-driven practice rather than a reflection of vendor quality.
• Two wait staff were described as having vile attitudes during a birthday celebration.
• The food was described as mediocre, with reports of extremely dry and overcooked chicken and overall poor quality.
• The venue was noted as not ADA accessible.
• The open-air photo booth malfunctioned and failed to print guests’ photos, despite management’s later apologies and attempts to remedy the situation.

Review

NOOR Pasadena venues, including the Sofia and Ella ballrooms, are best suited for couples and organizers who want a polished, high-touch event experience where elegance, seamless coordination, and culinary excellence are non-negotiable. This is a turnkey option for weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate galas that aim to impress with a sophisticated atmosphere, reliable staffing, and flexible space configurations, indoor grandeur with the option to stage events outdoors on the terrace. The central Downtown location in Pasadena, easy guest access, ample room for larger guest counts, and the ability to tailor setups around a broad range of themes make NOOR a compelling pick for those who equate planning with precision and execution. When the goal is a stylish, all-in-one solution where vendors and logistics are managed by a capable team, NOOR rises to meet the challenge with minimal friction.

Those weighing alternatives should consider a few practical limits. For budget-conscious planners, the all-in-one appeal can start to blur into higher-end pricing, especially if a tailored décor or extensive vendor list is factored in. One recurring caveat in the reviews is the sense that pricing and inclusions can shift, with some guests feeling that certain elements marketed as included end up costing more through add-ons or restricted packages. Accessibility and ADA considerations also surface in a few reviews, with at least one venue note indicating accessibility gaps. For organizers who prize absolute price transparency, a no-surprises contract, or a flat-fee model with fewer add-ons, it may be worth exploring venues that emphasize straightforward pricing and a more rigid contract structure.

The strongest pros at NOOR substantially offset the chief cons for most events. The venues themselves project elegance and versatility, with rooms that feel both intimate and expansive, and a design sense that photographs beautifully. The staff, names like Robert, Kaelan, Merissa, Stefany, and Anna, are repeatedly praised for responsiveness, problem-solving, and hands-on support from planning through execution. The inclusions in many packages, such as linens, glassware, utensils, and gratuities, substantially reduce planning stress, while the in-house catering receives frequent acclaim for variety and quality. The ability to move between indoor spaces and a sunlit outdoor terrace, plus the option to host sizeable gatherings, makes NOOR a robust choice for planners who need flexibility without sacrificing a cohesive, high-end vibe. When guest experience and meticulous coordination are the priority, the pros overwhelmingly tilt in NOOR’s favor.

Operational realities still matter in the decision process. Pros like central location, validated parking, and a clear team workflow often translate into smoother timelines and fewer day-of surprises. Yet the reviews also flag practical friction points: occasional miscommunications around pricing, the impression of vendor-markup dynamics on preferred vendor lists, and a few isolated incidents of service missteps or less-than-ideally polished guest interactions. For risk-averse buyers, these concerns warrant careful contract language, explicit itemized inclusions, and a thorough walkthrough with a named event manager to lock in scope, costs, and timelines. In short, NOOR delivers exceptionally when the planning relationship is proactive, contract language is precise, and expectations are aligned early.

For decision-making, align venue choice with the event’s scale, guest experience expectations, and the comfort level with negotiation. Ella Ballroom tends to suit smaller or more intimate affairs where a refined, romantic ambience is the focal point, while Sofia Ballroom offers a grander footprint for larger celebrations, with ample room to spread out, entertain, and stage complex timelines. Prospective clients should insist on a detailed, written inclusions list and an early review of the preferred vendors to avoid later sticker shock. Clear accessibility planning is essential, confirm elevator access and entry routes for all guests and vendors, and verify parking logistics, including hours and validation. A candid discussion with the lead coordinators about budget boundaries, menu expectations, and service standards will reveal whether the NOOR team can consistently translate vision into a flawless day.

Alternatives worth considering include venues that prioritize transparent pricing and fortified accessibility, especially for planners wary of add-ons or last-minute changes. For those preferring a lower-stress, more predictable budgeting approach, exploring other Pasadena or LA-area spaces with straightforward contracts and fewer on-paper concessions can be prudent. The aim is to find a venue that matches the desired atmosphere with clear terms and dependable staffing, so the event can progress without the micro-management that sometimes comes with high-end packages. In practice, NOOR excels when paired with a client who enters negotiations with clear priorities, questions about inclusions, and a willingness to lock in terms that protect both sides.

Bottom line, NOOR Pasadena stands out as a top-tier option for events that demand a sophisticated setting, professional execution, and a partner team capable of delivering a near-flawless experience. It is especially well-suited for couples and organizations that value a turnkey process, where the ambiance, food, and service are meant to shine with minimal day-of stress. The caveat is a need for vigilant contract review and prudent sourcing of add-ons and vendor relationships to avoid cost creep and misaligned expectations. For planners who prize elegance, reliability, and a central, picturesque location, and who are prepared to plan with an eye to detailed inclusions and potential pricing nuances, NOOR Pasadena remains one of the best bets in the area. Those seeking the cleanest price transparency, strongest ADA-compliant access, or the most streamlined, no-surprises contracts may want to explore alternatives, but for most high-end events, NOOR’s combination of space, service, and culinary excellence makes it worth championing.

This part of Pasadena, California, offers a convenient and bustling neighborhood with a variety of amenities catering to seniors. There are several dining options nearby including Taco Bell, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald's for quick and easy meals. Additionally, there are cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks for leisurely coffee outings. For healthcare needs, pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy are within close proximity. There are also reputable medical facilities like Doheny Eye Center and Methodist Hospital of Southern California nearby. Places of worship like Saint Rita's Catholic Church and Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church provide spiritual support within the community. The area also offers several parks for outdoor recreational activities such as Arcadia County Park and Lacy Park. Overall, this neighborhood in Pasadena combines convenience, healthcare access, dining options, and recreational facilities making it an appealing choice for senior living.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.4 miles)
• El Pollo Loco (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Donut King (1.4 miles)
• Din Tai Fung (1.7 miles)
• Johnny Rockets Santa Anita Mall (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.6 miles)
• Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar (3 miles)
• Bopomofo Cafe (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Flo's Coffee Shop (5.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Theaters

• 0206 Amc Bar Santa Ani (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Doheny Eye Center (2 miles)
• Santa Anita Medical Plaza (2.2 miles)
• Healthcare Partners Medical Group (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Methodist Hospital of Southern California (2.3 miles)
• Huntington Memorial Hospital Nicu (4.2 miles)
• Hope (6.2 miles)
• City Of Hope (6.3 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center (7.6 miles)
• Prado Center (8.1 miles)
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center (8.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Rita's Catholic Church (2.4 miles)
• San Marino Community Church Nursery School (2.7 miles)
• Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church (2.8 miles)
• First Evangelical Church Arcadia (3.9 miles)

Parks

• Arcadia County Park (2.7 miles)
• Lacy Park (2.7 miles)
• Live Oak Park (3.3 miles)
• Rosemead Park (4.1 miles)
• Garfield Park (4.3 miles)
• Almansor Park (4.4 miles)
• Brookside Park (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Metro - Monrovia Station (4.5 miles)