Along with my good friend and fellow travel writer, Kris Grant, I recently visited Palm Springs for several days and thoroughly enjoyed savoring every moment at the boutique hotels where we stayed and visited — all part of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels group. 

The unique hotels in this group each have 49 rooms or less (sometimes much less) and are bursting with charm and cozy comfort. Over the years, I have stayed in quite a few of these small hotels and loved them all. This visit was no exception. The three hotels we focused on during this visit hark back to the days of old Hollywood, when Palm Springs was a glam retreat for celebrities wanting to escape and relax. And that’s what we were looking for too!

The Muse Hotel Palm Springs

The Muse Hotel is all aglow at night. Photo: Sue Montgomery

I stayed at The Muse Hotel Palm Springs, a recently renovated property with nine distinctively decorated rooms, most of them suites. My lovely suite had everything I needed for a wonderful stay: an inviting sitting area, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a luxurious bedroom with an oh so comfy bed. Each suite at The Muse is named after a famous movie star — accommodations include the Kate, the Marilyn, and the Audrey — and is individually decorated.

This is a pet-friendly hotel featuring free convenient parking, complimentary WiFi, and breakfast every day, plus you’re only five minutes from the fun shopping and restaurants in downtown Palm Springs. 

Right outside my room (I was in the contemporary Kate suite),  the courtyard was bright and cheerful with a glistening pool whimsically populated with bouncing flamingoes. I spent a few lazy afternoon hours there reading a good book and dozing off in a relaxing lounge chair. This adults-only hotel is perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway or also for a girls’ break from daily life. At night you can have a cocktail around the outdoor fireplace. This is such a special getaway for relaxing while relishing the feel of star-studded days gone by.

I learned from the owners, Maggie Vineyard and Greg Williams, that they had collaborated with Lisa Bell of Belle Design Build in the redesign of the previous hotel on this site. (I stayed in the previous hotel several years ago and the current impressive transformation is amazing.) “Lisa was a joy to collaborate with,” Maggie said. “She really understood my vision and was able to take my  inspiration board of a fun, retro ‘girly’ vibe and bring it to life.”

Maggie also pointed out that she wanted to provide a relaxing retreat for a carefree experience while catering to small groups such as bachelorette or birthday parties, where guests could each have their own rooms but also enjoy a communal place for casual gatherings. She emphasized that a few fun surprises will be coming soon that will include lots of planning ideas for a wonderful itinerary while visiting Palm Springs.

Lucille Palm Springs

The Lucille Palm Springs has beautiful tile work throughout the property. Photo courtesy of The Lucille Palm Springs

My friend, Kris, stayed at the Lucille Palm Springs and was just as entranced with her accommodations. Featuring charming Spanish Moorish architecture, this exquisite hotel sits on a beautifully landscaped site surrounding five bungalows and four bedroom suites. This 1920s property was purchased in the late 1930s by former Hollywood dancers, Richard and Lisa Sinclair, who expanded and updated the property, making  it a popular destination for Hollywood celebrities. For instance, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who were close friends of the Sinclairs, frequently retreated to the hotel.

In 2000, new owners Dave and Trudy Johnston renovated the hotel, and in 2023 the newest owner, Celeste Burgoyne, did more remodeling and added more rooms. All the bungalows have plush linens and toiletries, Nepresso coffee machines, and outdoor hot tubs. Kris shared that she really enjoyed quite an upscale continental breakfast, including made-to-order espresso drinks, and was enchanted staying in the Prickly Pear unit, where Lucy and Desi used to sleep.

Kris loved that outside her front patio was a lovely orange tree, and enjoyed wandering down the brick-lined pathways, which occasionally featured vibrant mosaics and painted murals that led to private sitting areas with trickling fountains. What else could you ask for in a delightful getaway spot?

The Velvet Rope

Together, we visited the Velvet Rope, a laid-back but elegant hotel with nine distinctive suites, created by owner and well-known designer David Rios. Built in the 1950s and originally called The Desert Mirage, this mid-century modern hotel understandably attracted the Hollywood elite, who enjoyed the hotel’s clean lines and elegant vibe, which it still features today despite several renovations. Now each room is contemporary, but harks back to early Hollywood days with custom furniture and striking artwork that pops with color. 

We explored the Ricardo Suite with its dazzling, colorful design touches. Other suites include the Ratpack Suite, paying tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.; the Lavender Suite honoring Elizabeth Taylor and featuring a make-up vanity and rainfall shower; and the Honeymoon Suite, which is a tribute to Elvis with a Graceland vibe and touches of blue velvet.

The Velvet Rope suites surround an inviting pool in a pleasant courtyard featuring Bar Valerie, where guests can enjoy drinks, small plates, and sometimes rocking live music.  And of course you’ll find every amenity you could desire from complimentary WiFi, bottled water, comfy cabanas, and a light breakfast and coffee each morning.

The Muse, the Lucille, and the Velvet Rope are wonderful destinations if you want to relax in a comfortable getaway while capturing the ambiance of Hollywood’s glory days.