Visit Palm Springs

Remember when Hollywood had class? If you were around before the days of leaked sex tapes and the pestilence of the paparazzi; you too might remember the golden days of Hollywood when naughty behavior was kept out of sight and there was some semblance of mystique to the stars. Although it may have been ages ago since this was a reality, only 100-miles outside of the hustle and bustle of L.A. sits an oasis that maintains this feeling. Shrouded by mountains in every direction, the city of Palm Springs has somehow managed to preserve the feel of “old school Hollywood” that kept the likes of Frank Sinatra,  Merv Griffin, and Sonny Bono coming back and even owning homes in the hills above the city. But for those of us who aren’t lucky enough to own a mansion in the hills above this town, how is one to determine where to stay?

PARKER MERIDIAN

Originally Palm Springs’ first Holiday Inn and also having lived past lives under the identities of Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch and Merv Griffin’s Givenchy Resort and Spa, the Parker Palm Springs has addressed everything that a resort should offer. Redesigned by New York ceramist Jonathan Adler to mimic the feel of “your great-aunts’ estate” the Parker’s interior sports a chic 60s era décor combined with modern glitz that borders over-the-top.  The exterior of the grounds are no slouch either; adorned in the most luscious greenery in Palm Springs, the Parker features community fire pits, two outdoor pools, four European-style clay tennis courts, multiple croquet lawns and a Petanque Court (think Bocce Ball) to boot.  A personal favorite of mine was the 10’x10’ novelty-sized chess board conveniently located next to the (21+) lemonade stand.  However, if you’re seeking more than simple adult lemonade, there are two restaurants available for your choosing; Norma’s serves breakfast all day  and Mister Parker’s provides a more refined atmosphere Wednesday thru Saturday nights. There’s also a full bar located on site just adjacent the lounge area.  The rooms maintain a muted version of the décor seen throughout the interior including sheepskin throws next to the bed and bright colors all round. Another nice feature about the property is whether you’re staying in a “basic” Estate Room or you’re lodging in one of the twelve private villas, you’ll have your very own hammock-equipped patio or balcony to lounge on. Also on site is the Palm Springs Yacht Club, one of the largest spas in Palm Springs with its two indoor pools and separate his-and-hers treatment areas.

Having hosted the likes of Elvis Presley and Dean Martin, the Riviera Resort and Spa has been a Palm Springs icon for nearly half of a century. And having a received a massive 70-million dollar makeover just two years ago, The Riviera is aiming to retain its status as a landmark in the area with its retro but brand-new look. With over four-hundred guest rooms including almost one-hundred and fifty suites and spanning over an area of twenty-four acres, it’s pretty safe to say that the Riviera is among the largest resorts in Palm Springs. In the center of The Riviera’s unique wheel shaped design lies its main pool.  Surrounded by plush lounge chairs, over-sized daybeds, and a hand-woven hut that houses the Bikini Bar only a couple footsteps away, hours can be wasted away without effort. If and when further indulgence is required, their newly renovated 11,000sq-ft SpaTerre can provide everything from a simple Pedisage to a full scale Balinese Body Treatment. Housed within the spa facility are eighteen exotic treatment rooms, full service salon, private saunas, fitness center, and a gorgeous indoor Watsu relaxation pool surrounded by waterfalls and palm trees. Analogous to the spa, dining at Riviera’s signature restaurant, Circa59 offers an unparalleled experience to the most discriminating diners. Wowing you with its lavish red upholstery and gigantic chandeliers, Circa59 offers a self proclaimed “ocean inspired version of a classic steakhouse” with menus that change daily.  Circa59 prides itself on its eco-friendly cooking practices, as well as their incorporation of organic ingredients. For post-dinner cocktails simply head to one of Riviera’s two lounges: The Starlight or Sidebar, each featuring their own signature drinks.

Built from the foundation of a 1960’s era Howard Johnson hotel, the Ace brings to the desert a hipster heaven without the pretentious feel that surrounds many resorts in the area. With its concrete floors, canvas wall coverings, and denim headboards, the Ace Hotel and Swim Club has brought a whole new trend to Palm Springs resorts. Even though the rooms may seem like an indoor campsite at first glance, the vintage furniture, modern flat-screen TV, incredibly well-stocked mini-fridge, and old-school turntables all mesh together to create a pleasant balance between utility and amenity.  On the grounds of the hotel you’ll find two pools (one of which turns into an outdoor concert venue at night), plenty of lounging equipment, shared community fire pits, and a caravan that sells booze-infused sno-cones. Like the rest of the Ace Hotel, the spa is funky and cool but not glamorous. However, the treatments are as good and any upscale spa.   Efficient and real with options like getting massaged in a Mongolian yurt or breathing in the essence of the cedar lined treatment rooms.  Although the facilities are simple, they do not disappoint. The Ace also features King’s Highway restaurant; converted from a Denny’s, this eclectic diner features what they call a new interpretation on American Peasant Food. You can also find the poolside bar called the Amigo room attached to the back of the diner. 

The Viceroy is classic, old school Hollywood Palm Springs.  With three pools and on five acres, The Viceroy includes a dozen villas that date back to the early 30’s.  When the stars stayed there (including Marilyn) they would have their names on the villas and if those walls could talk. The décor of the hotel is Hollywood Regency Style. Iconic for it’s old Hollywood glamour, the Estrella Spa at the Viceroy is everything you would expect from a top-notch spa.  They offer a number of services including a 60-minute Head to Toe Indulgence where you get a facial while having a foot massage and reflexology.  It’s double the pleasure!  Treatment rooms can be indoor or outdoor and are located just off the pool area. 

Originally built in 1936 by Purple Gang mobster Al Wertheimer, the Spanish Colonial-style hotel was once scandalously known as a speakeasy and gambling house frequented by the likes of Hollywood elite, including Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Carol Lombard. In the late 1940’s, the property was sold to Robert Howard, grandson of the owner of champion thoroughbred Sea Biscuit, and renamed the Howard Manor. Over the next 25 years, the hotel continued as a haven for Hollywood, with guests including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Rita Hayworth and boxing great Jack Dempsey.  After an extensive renovation, the hotel remains a favorite for the young and fabulous seeking a dessert get-away. Offering top-tier amenities through their luxury Moroccan themed spa services and delicious culinary creations from their on-site poolside restaurant The Purple Palm, this 57 room boutique hotel continues to reinvent the relevance of Palm Springs as destination and is once again Hollywood’s home away from home. n