No question about it...the Rose Bowl was far better than the Fiesta Bowl. I can imagine it was far better than the Sugar and Orange Bowls, too. The setting is magnificent.
The stadium itself needs a little love, but I can honestly say that I never left my seat once I got there, so I really didn't care about concessions stands, restrooms, or any other amenities. I can forego any "luxuries" in those categories for one game a year.
For a bowl game, you couldn't ask for a better tailgating venue. The golf course was a terrific place.