We live near the end of the parade on the Pasadena /Arcadia border. The parade runs down 5 miles of Colorado Blvd. If you want "seats", they're near the beginning of the parade near the Norton Simon Museum, but you have to pay for them. Otherwise campout a sidewalk spot early that morning (6am or earlier) for a good spot.

Forget about getting parking. They shuttle people to the parade from offsite parking lots and garages. Of course the closer your hotel is to the parade, the more expensive it its.

Transportation to the parade route for $300 is excessive. You would be better off renting a car and using the offsite parking. However, the rental cars know New Years weekend is a big draw and the Rose Bowl follows the parade so they will charge full price, if not extra.

My advise is to write the Pasadena Visitors or Tournament of Roses for info.

Remember, you can see the floats up close after the parade. They're parked near the end of the route on Sierra Madre.