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The Avanti Hotel: Privacy for you — and your pets

At the Avanti Hotel, the guest experience is of utmost importance. Owner Jim Rutledge ensures that he knows where visitors are traveling from and what they enjoy doing, in order to offer recommendations and keep the hotel safe and secure.

Owner Jim Rutledge loves dogs, and goes out of his way to make their stay comfortable — at check in, they receive a bag with a pool towel, sheet for the bed, water bowl, and snacks.

“We very much enjoy having them,” Jim said, adding that hundreds of dogs have stayed at the hotel since its opening. These special guests can be spotted on the Instagram page Dogs of Avanti.

Of course, their owners are also treated well at the Avanti, a 10-room mid-century modern hotel that was built in 1954. There are no resort fees, and guests can take complimentary cruisers for a spin and relax at happy hour and an extended continental breakfast. Because it’s such an intimate hotel, Jim gets to know all of his guests, and he estimates that nearly 50 percent of his patrons are repeats.

“We like to get to know our guests, and where they’re from and what they like to do,” he said. “We get to meet people from all around the world who come here.”

Jim and his brother-in-law purchased the property in the early 2010s, after both took buy outs from their corporate jobs. They started from scratch, even coming up with a new name, and Jim, originally from Seattle, was excited to be in a town he was already familiar with.

“I’ve loved Palm Springs and had been coming here for years,” he said.

For guests who enjoy meeting new people, the pool is a natural gathering place, but there are also hideaways for those who want to have some solo time.

“The rooms have private patios, and you can hang out there and read a book,” Jim said.

One of the Avanti’s biggest draws is its security. There is a locked gate, and Jim has a video doorbell, so he can see who is coming and going and he doesn’t have to let people in who don’t belong.

“I know who is in my hotel,” he said. “We have repeat guests, and single women, who know about the safety factor and they love it. They know that when they come in, the door is locked behind them and no one can come in. I know all of the guests, and people who stay here for two or more nights get to know the other guests, and they all recognize each other.”

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Independence Meets Charm: The Cactai’s Modern Take On Boutique Hospitality

The pool at The Cactai in Palm Springs surrounded by cabanas and palm trees

There’s something about Palm Springs that just gets it right, whether you’re looking for that quintessential mid-century charm, a relaxing desert retreat, or a bit of both. During my recent stay at The Cactai, I found all this and more in a charming boutique hotel that embraces the modern traveler’s desire for independence and style, while also nodding to the rich history of Palm Springs.

A warm digital welcome

The pool at The Cactai Palm Springs with a flamingo float

The Cactai has a lovely pool and spa. Photo courtesy of The Cactai

When I arrived at The Cactai, I immediately noticed something different: no front desk. While this might catch some guests off guard, it’s a detail that adds to the hotel’s charm. There’s no awkward small talk or tedious check-in process. Instead, you’re welcomed by the essence of quiet luxury, a space designed for those who value their independence. While chatting with co-owner Joel Milne, he mentioned that most guests at The Cactai prefer this streamlined experience.

From the get-go, everything is at your fingertips. A quick scan of a QR code connects you to the hotel’s WiFi, and if you need anything, whether it’s restaurant recommendations or extra towels, you can simply text the Cactai Concierge. It’s an entirely digital experience, one that eliminates the hassle while still offering all the luxuries you expect from a high-end stay.

The look: mid-century meets modern romance

A white outdoor couch with pink pillows in front of a pink door and white walls in the courtyard of The Cactai

Pops of color can be found across the property. Photo courtesy of The Cactai

The aesthetic of The Cactai is pure Palm Springs. Warm pinks and sun-kissed yellows splash against its clean white exterior, while inside, you’re enveloped by a mid-century modern vibe that’s both fresh and familiar. It feels intentional, like a warm hug from the city’s architectural roots. Each room is bright and modern with clean lines, but there’s a romantic element that invites you to slow down. It’s perfect for couples, with cozy cabanas and even a hot tub for an intimate evening soak.

Signature details that set it apart

A white Japanese toilet inside a bathroom at The Cactai

A heated Japanese toilet is a fantastic touch in the bathrooms. Photo courtesy of The Cactai

While The Cactai has a casual vibe, it also knows how to surprise its guests. I have to mention the mini bars — they’re not your average overpriced snacks and basic liquor. Instead, they feature well-curated wines at restaurant prices. It’s like having a little wine-tasting experience in your own room. I also loved the induction-based cooktops in the rooms. These are a lifesaver because they won’t burn your hand even if you touch them, and they won’t burn down the hotel either! It’s these thoughtful touches that make the experience at The Cactai feel truly special.

Then there’s the Japanese toilets — one in every room! If you’ve never had the luxury of using one, you’re in for a real treat. With heated seats and bidet options, it’s a little indulgence that elevates your stay, even if there’s a slight learning curve.

The AI experience: straight out of science fiction

A kitchen at The Cactai in Palm Springs with a sink and white table with an open book on it

The Cactai’s rooms come with full kitchens or kitchenettes

Remember Netflix’s Altered Carbon? Well, Joel certainly does. In fact, he drew inspiration from the show to incorporate AI into the hotel’s operations. The Cactai is on track to become one of the next AI-managed hotels in Palm Springs. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to check in, check out, and handle all your needs through an AI system that anticipates what you want before you even know it. And with only 12 rooms throughout the hotel, it still manages to feel personal, a perfect blend of technology and hospitality.

Poolside bliss and artful touches

The pool at The Cactai boutique hotel in Palm Springs on a sunny day

The pool beckons guests and flamingo floaties. Photo courtesy of The Cactai

The pool at The Cactai is a must. The poolside misters are a thoughtful addition, especially on those scorching desert afternoons. It can cool the space down by at least 10 degrees, making it perfect for lounging all day with a crisp glass of white wine from your minibar. It’s these little luxuries that make The Cactai stand out.

I’m particularly intrigued with their upcoming art installations. The owners are still looking for local artists to showcase their work in the rooms, which will give each space its own unique personality. This emphasis on creativity and supporting local talent is yet another reason The Cactai feels like more than just a place to sleep — it’s really an experience.

Why you should stay at The Cactai

A white man stands in front of a yellow wallpapered bedroom at The Cactai Palm Springs

Gregory Douglass enjoys his bright, breezy room at The Cactai. Photo courtesy of Gregory Douglass

The Cactai combines the charm of Palm Springs’ mid-century heyday with the comforts of modern luxury. From the thoughtful design to the high-tech conveniences, this boutique hotel manages to make every guest feel special without overwhelming them with traditional hotel formalities. For those who value privacy, style, and a sense of ease during their travels, The Cactai delivers in spades.

I’m guessing it won’t be long before The Cactai catches on. In addition to everything I’ve mentioned, it just has that “viral” appeal with its bright, intentional design and romantic touches. Everything about the space is Instagram- and TikTok-ready, with a vibe that’s both trendy and timeless. Very demure, very cutesy.

Staying at independently-owned small boutique hotels like The Cactai allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, with personal touches you won’t find at larger chains. It’s a reflection of Palm Springs itself — creative, stylish, and full of personality. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or just a quiet escape from the everyday grind, The Cactai should be at the top of your list.

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The Monkey Tree Hotel: A true 1960s time capsule

Kathy and Gary Friedle left the hustle and bustle of New York City for the laid-back ambiance of Palm Springs, and never looked back.

Kathy is an architect and worked as a studio director at Gensler, while Gary was the chief operating officer at a private wealth management firm on Wall Street, but when their older son announced he wanted to go to college on the west coast, it got them thinking about their family’s future and the possibility of a move and a dramatic change.

“We lived on the east coast our entire lives, but it was starting to wear us down,” Kathy said. “We could have kept chugging along, but we kept thinking, ‘Let’s try something different.’ We had always dreamed about owning a little B&B when we retired, but an opportunity came up earlier than we expected and once the seed was planted, we started to actively look for a hotel to buy on the west coast and decided to give new careers a try.”

They liked the idea of moving to Palm Springs, which is already a tourist destination, and were both fans of mid-century modern architecture. In 2015, the Monkey Tree Hotel property became available for purchase, and the Friedles jumped at the opportunity to reinvigorate the historic, 1960 Albert Frey-designed hotel.

They refreshed the 16 rooms and suites, purchased vintage decor from local Palm Springs sources, and installed the desert’s first Scandinavian spa with a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge. Gary is also now in charge of the breakfast served every morning to guests, and he has come up with a delicious rotating menu that incorporates some suggestions from diners while also using the freshest local ingredients.

“It’s a true 1960s time capsule,” Kathy said. “We haven’t made a lot of changes to it, intentionally. We want it to remain true to that period.”

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At Amin Casa, No Detail Is Overlooked

Are you looking for a place with a serene setting to relax and forget about your hectic schedule? Look no further than the Amin Casa boutique hotel, where you can spend hours sitting and listening to the sounds of a three-tiered water fountain and birds chirping. 

Located just steps away from bustling downtown Palm Springs in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, you can park your car at Amin Casa and take a rest from the congested roads that may be part of your daily life. If you fly in, no need to rent a vehicle — the airport is a quick 10-minute trip by taxi. 

Amin Casa owner and manager Nelson Cooley. Photo credit: Nadine Conger

Owner and manager Nelson Cooley is quick to bounce out of his office to greet you upon arrival. He has your keys in hand, and the online registration filled out ahead of time told him everything he needs to escort you to one of the property’s eight bungalows, your home for the next few days.

A historic place

This repurposed hotel was once the home of famed Hollywood actress Gloria Swanson, considered one of the most photographed women of her time. Indeed, there are numerous photos around the property of her walking the grounds with people from the entertainment world. It is rumored Joe Kennedy was a frequent visitor, so imagine the entourage he brought with him.

Another interesting factoid: During this period, Swanson was the highest-paid entertainer in the world. She starred as Norma Desmond in the 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard, one of the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time.

The Amin Casa grounds. Photo credit: Nadine Conger

Gorgeous grounds

Swanson recognized quickly that the four-bedroom house needed a swimming pool and, of course, a guest house to help maintain her privacy. The pool and tennis court were added to entertain her guests, who were also summoned to participate in Swanson’s famous movie nights. Today, the tennis court has been replaced by a lawn, which is home to a 100-year-old cactus.

A new chapter 

As Swanson’s career skyrocketed, she decided to sell her home to a newspaper heiress from Rhode Island, and moved to a new place in the Movie Colony neighborhood. The Swanson property was transformed into a hotel, with a kitchen added to the guest house (those quarters still have the original all-oak paneling). The inn was called Arenas Garden Hotel, which gave homage to the road it is located on and the gardens that wind their way through the property. 

New owners bring life back to the property

In recent years, the property languished for lack of visitors and no caretaker to make sure repairs were done. It was becoming an eyesore, and fear was mounting that this beautiful place would come to face the fate of a wrecking ball.  

Cooley and partner Ramon Bautista were frequent visitors to Palm Springs, and when they saw the hotel, they appreciated the architecture of the building and understood its historical significance. By chance, Bautista went to a dinner party in Los Angeles and was seated next to a woman he knew well, who told him, “I need your help. I have a friend who owns a small boutique hotel in Palm Springs inherited from a childhood friend who had no heirs, so he left the place to my friend. She lives in Chicago and does not know what to do with it. Would you look at it?”

Yes, it was the hotel the two men had admired from afar. In March 2016, they bought the property and the work began. Cooley, a former high tech executive, took over the outside and interior structural aspects and day-to-day management of the hotel. Bautista is the mastermind behind interior design while continuing his medical practice in Pasadena, where he specializes in international travel medicine. Their goal was simple: to maintain the integrity of the architectural structure, interior, and grounds

Amin Casa’s bungalows are fully equipped for your stay. Photo credit: Nadine Conger

Staying at the Amin Casa

When getting ready to launch Amin Casa, the men wrote down everything they disliked about going to other hotels. The list included parking fees, resort fees to use the amenities, and extra charges for special cleaning, satellite television, and Wi-Fi. Today, when you go to check out at Amin Casa, you will find no surprises on your bill — everything is included in the cost of your room. 

This hotel heats its pool all year, giving guests the opportunity to swim or read a book and sip a cocktail poolside during winter, spring, summer, and fall. Since Palm Springs has 350 days of sunshine, you can work on your tan at the same time. 

Amin Casa’s sparkling swimming pool. Photo credit: Nadine Conger

Longterm guests are welcome, with many already booked for years to come. Amin Casa’s bungalows are well-appointed with everything one may need to live comfortably — in the deluxe bungalow, I was surprised to see fine china displayed in the glass-door cupboards. If you want to prepare a gourmet dinner for special friends, you have everything you need to impress even the most persnickety.

The bungalows have lovely living rooms, which could be used as part of a movie set. Attention to every detail has been magnificently executed throughout the entire property. 

Yes, there is a great deal of history in this 94-year-old structure. It is one of our premier Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels standing open and ready to invite you to bring your family here for a reunion or a wedding. However, most of the year, it is a beautiful place to relax and meet fascinating people. If you want to escape the real world for a bit, this is the place to step back in time and be pampered. 

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The Triangle Inn Owners are Nearing a Milestone Anniversary: 20 Years in Palm Springs

The front entrance of Triangle Inn Palm Springs has a brick wall with its name in large black letters

For Michael Green, the past two decades feel like they’ve gone by in the blink of an eye.

Michael and his husband Stephen Boyd own The Triangle Inn (https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/triangle-inn-palm-springs), a gay men’s clothing-optional resort, having purchased the property in January 2000. They bought the hotel after spending their careers in advertising, embracing the opportunity to try something new. Now, nearly 20 years later, Michael can’t believe they’ve been hoteliers for so long.

Michael and Stephen have created such a welcoming atmosphere that it’s inspired several guests to actually move to Palm Springs.

People often ask them if they’re tired of running their own business, or want to try something new. “To me, as long as we still enjoy it, we should keep doing it,” Michael says. “It’s great owning a small hotel. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a great lifestyle.”

The Triangle Inn was built in 1958, and Michael and Stephen are its fifth owners. They’ve been through renovations and upgrades, and are always doing something to enhance the property. Along the way, they’ve made tons of friends, and have created such a welcoming atmosphere that it’s inspired several guests to actually move to Palm Springs.

“It’s what happens when people come and fall in love with the hotel, fall in love with the city,” Michael says. “All of a sudden, they think, wow, we need to have a part-time place here, or retire here. That has really been a phenomenon that has fueled a lot of Palm Springs’ resurgence.”
 

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El Noa Noa Is A Love Letter to Couples

Yellow umbrellas surround the pool at El Noa Noa

In the heart of Palm Springs’ Warm Sands neighborhood, where the desert’s allure meets an assemblage of charming boutique resorts, El Noa Noa has emerged as a new oasis for couples seeking an intimate escape. Once the residence of legendary Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel, it has been lovingly transformed into a serene retreat that celebrates romance, wellness, and musical heritage.​

A love story built into the walls

The colorful pool on a sunny day at El Noa Noa

The pool at El Noa Noa is bright and sunny. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa is a testament to love. In fact, owner Sony Bastian Sunny purchased the property in October 2024 as a gift to his wife Unni on their 15th anniversary. Sony’s background in hospitality, with several resorts in India and a property in Big Bear, California, provided the foundation for this venture. Upon discovering El Noa Noa, Sony was captivated by its tranquility and privacy, envisioning it as the perfect couples’ retreat.

An homage to Juan Gabriel

The bubbling outdoor spa at El Noa Noa in Palm Springs

The spa is always on and ready for guests looking to relax. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

The hotel’s name pays tribute to Gabriel’s famous song about celebrating freedom, joy, and life’s simple pleasures. The property still resonates with his spirit, especially in the Honeymoon Suite, which was once his bedroom. Guests can feel the musical legacy intertwined with the hotel’s ambiance, offering a unique blend of history and luxury. ​Even powerhouse artists like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande are rumored to have stayed on the property.

Designed for romance and relaxation

The private spa and waterfall at the Honeymoon Suite at El Noa Noa

The cozy Honeymoon Suite has a private spa and waterfall. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

Every aspect of El Noa Noa is curated to provide couples with a peaceful and intimate experience:​

Luxurious suites

Each of the eight rooms is designed as a sanctuary, featuring amenities like luxurious baths and fire places. I got to experience the Honeymoon Suite myself, and it certainly stands out with its private waterfall spa and large rain shower that opens up to the outside, inviting couples to unwind in seclusion.

Pura Vida Wellness & Spa

Managed by spa director Monika Bogart and her family, the on-site spa offers a range of wellness options in an intimate setting. I received a 90-minute sample of every treatment they offer, which put me right at ease. Guests can indulge in treatments like the Pura Vida signature body polish, rejuvenating facials, and sound healing sessions. The spa is open to both guests and day visitors, with hotel guests enjoying a 20% off discount on services. ​

Peaceful surroundings

To maintain a serene environment, El Noa Noa caters to adults. With its large, heated pool and communal hot tub, the hotel ensures a tranquil atmosphere perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. It’s an intriguing option for intimate celebrations, honeymoons, anniversaries, and small gatherings as well.

An alternative for the LGBTQ+ community

A selfie of a white man sitting on a bed at El Noa Noa

Gregory Douglass enjoys lounging in his room at El Noa Noa. Photo courtesy of Gregory Douglass

The hotel’s connection to Juan Gabriel, an icon beloved in the LGBTQ+ community, adds a layer of significance in my opinion. And Palm Springs’ Warm Sands neighborhood has long been a haven for our beautiful LGBTQ+ community with its array of clothing-optional hotels and resorts for men only. While clothing is required at El Noa Noa, it continues our tradition of inclusivity while offering an alternative to many of its neighboring boutique hotels. ​

Looking to the future 

The exterior of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa’s sleek exterior blends into the Warm Sands neighborhood. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

El Noa Noa plans to expand its offerings in exciting ways. Recognizing that relaxation shouldn’t be limited to overnight guests, the hotel will offer day passes for those seeking spa services and a brief escape from the everyday.​

Summer retreats focusing on holistic wellness are in the works as well, which will aim to provide guests with immersive experiences that blend relaxation and rejuvenation.​

Why choose independently-owned boutique hotels?

A giant duck float in the pool at El Noa Noa

The pool at El Noa Noa is sparkling and inviting. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

Choosing to stay at places like El Noa Noa also means your travel dollars directly benefit the local community. Opting for an independently-owned boutique hotel offers a unique and enriching experience that stands apart from conventional chain hotels.​

Boutique hotels often mirror the passions of their owners, resulting in distinctive decor and ambiance. El Noa Noa’s location places you amidst a community known for its vibrant history and charm. The hotel’s connection to local heritage and commitment to authenticity allow for a deeper engagement with the area as well.

In essence, selecting an independently-owned boutique hotel enriches your travel experience through personalized service, unique ambiance, authentic local engagement, and the satisfaction of supporting the community. El Noa Noa embodies these qualities, offering a romantic and culturally immersive retreat that promises to make your stay in Palm Springs truly unforgettable.

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Road Tripping Safely to Palm Springs

How to Travel Safely by Car

Not since the days of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez’ road trip to California and when the Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe traveled to Palm Springs have road trips been so popular. This is the time to nostalgically take a road trip and reflect on those bygone days.

Pack your car and head to Palm Springs to enjoy one of the elegantly restored boutique mid-century hotels in the group known as the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. With almost 80 hotels from which to choose, you can be revitalized a poolside environment and snuggle in a cozy bungalow.

Before you head out, though, there are some safety precautions you should know during these times of Covid-19.

What to Bring in the Car

Even if you are traveling a short distance, bring all your travel documents—your auto insurance card, your driver’s license, auto registration, and your health insurance card.

Try to bring as much as possible of what you may need to be self-sufficient and cut down on trips to stores once you arrive. Bring water, snacks, lunch (to eat on the way or once you reach your destination), disinfectant wipes, masks, gloves, phone chargers, medications, and Ziploc bags. If you want to have some wine and spirits, pack those bottles under the car seat so you don’t have to journey to a liquor store.

Stopping for Gas and a Restroom

Like it or not, that gas stop and restroom is sometimes necessary. When you are pumping gas, disposable gloves are a great idea. Once you have finished pumping, use sanitizing wipes on anything you have touched– door handle, steering wheel, knobs for air conditioning or the radio, and your credit card.

As far as public toilets at gas stations, prepare for the worst. Bring toilet paper and soap. Make sure you really scrub your hands for at least those 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose before washing. Grab a clean paper towel to grab that door handle.

Staying at a Hotel

Here comes the beauty of staying at a Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel. With all hotels being less than 50 rooms, your room will be on the ground level or one flight upstairs. There will be no elevator rides or long hallways to negotiate. That’s because most of the small hotels were designed to face open-air courtyards.

While all of the Palm Springs Preferred Hotels have undergone deep cleaning and as a group have in place a set of baseline of safety sanitation standards, it is still a good idea to practice safety cleaning of your room. Once you are inside, use sanitary wipes to clean areas where people touch like door knobs, tables, faucets, toilets, sinks, light switches, phones, remotes, and curtain handles. Wipe down anywhere you will rest your belongings.

Eating and Drinking During Your Stay

Palm Springs is currently not open to indoor dining. But the wonderful part about visiting Palm Springs is that the weather is conducive to dining outdoors, a much safer option. Many of the finer restaurants provide food and cocktail delivery so that you can just sit back and dine comfortably in your room or by the pool. A list of some of those options are: The Tropicale, Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge, El Mirasol Restaurant, Jakes’ Palm Springs, and 533 Viet Fusion.

Note that the City of Palm Springs mandates the use of face masks in public, whether you are indoors or out.

So, grab your swimsuit and a slice of nostalgia on a well-deserved road trip to Palm Springs where unsurpassed blissfulness, hospitality, and tranquility await.

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Be Your Own Muse In Palm Springs

The front of The Muse Hotel Palm Springs is painted pink with a black and white striped awning

At The Muse Hotel Palm Springs, prepare to be inspired.

This new pet-friendly boutique hotel in the Warm Sands neighborhood, formerly known as the Avance, is now owned by Greg Williams and Maggie Vineyard. The creative couple transformed this nine-suite property from the 1960s into a bright and airy space with feather chandeliers, bold floral wallpaper, striped awnings and pops of color everywhere. The layout lends itself to groups, and the hotel can be bought out for girls’ weekends, reunions, birthday parties, and other celebrations.

“We wanted to create a fun vibe that instantly relaxes people,” Maggie said, adding, “it’s really hard to be unhappy or stressed while under a pergola of beautiful flowers with a pink hotel in front of you.”

A woman wearing an orange hat lounges in a flamingo pool float at The Muse Hotel Palm Springs

Floating in the pool is a must-do for every guest at The Muse Hotel. Photo courtesy of The Muse Hotel

The Muse is their first foray into the hotel business, with Maggie having more than a decade’s worth of experience in the Airbnb world. Greg and Maggie enjoyed visiting Palm Springs during weekend getaways, and when they found what would become The Muse, both were excited over the possibilities.

“We were pleased with the environment and atmosphere and size, and thought we could really have fun with it and embrace the culture of Palm Springs,” Greg said. “It lacked a little bit of identity, so we brought in bougainvilleas to Palm Springs it out.”

Maggie and Greg chatted with guests who gave them valuable insights on what worked at the hotel and what didn’t, and they kept this feedback in mind while working on an 8-week property renovation. Cosmetic updates were made to each room, giving them a one-of-a-kind feel, but Maggie and Greg also worked with elements already in place, like the pool. 

“A new coat of paint and decor makes a huge difference,” Greg said. “Tile is also fun and livened things up.”

Greg is a musician, and one idea was to turn the new property into a Taylor Swift-themed hotel, reminiscent of the colorful trailer park from her “You Need to Calm Down” music video. From that brainstorming session, the name evolved to The Muse, giving guests the opportunity to embrace the Frida Kahlo quote, “I am my own muse, I am the subject I know the best, the subject I want to know better.”

A blonde woman in a white dress and white man in a dress vest and pants stand in a restaurant with the bar behind them

Maggie Vineyard and Greg Williams became engaged while staying at their hotel during renovations. Photo courtesy of The Muse Hotel

Maggie and Greg have already made lasting memories at the property. During the renovation process, they lived here with their dogs, got engaged, and discovered the little details that make The Muse stand out. Both love the pergola and swings and the “peaceful and serene courtyard,” Greg said. “There are some lounge chairs right there I could live in, with the mountains in the background and the pool right there.”

Guests also have access to a hot tub, community room, grab-and-go Aspen Mills pastries and croissants for breakfast, snacks, and picnic baskets. Several rooms have backyard areas and nearly all have full kitchens with stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves. If you like what you see, most of the hotel is shoppable, with QR codes so you can buy your favorite items and have them shipped home.

Greg and Maggie have one goal: to treat guests to a vibrant experience during their fabulous Palm Springs vacation. The Muse offers all of that and more in a “girly and fun” package, Maggie said, that leaves people “feeling good about themselves.”

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Behind the Scenes Video Tours of Azure Sky Hotel, Dive Palm Springs, and The Inn at Palm Springs

If you’re obsessed with going behind the scenes, look no further! We’ve created a series of insider videos that take you behind the gates and into the mindset of Palm Springs’ savviest hoteliers. From high-end retreats to budget-friendly getaways, you’ll discover how each boutique hotel has a distinctly different vibe.

   

  • Discover the lush grounds of Azure Sky hotel in Palm Springs. Owner Henry Courtemanche shares his vision for this freshly remodeled mid-century modern hotel and luxurious pool in the Deep Well neighborhood.
  • Visit Dive Palm Springs with Operations Manager and Events Coordinator Steven Janji. Explore this charming retro French Riviera inspired hotel and discover all of the amenities that will help you to disconnect from your busy world.
  • This classic (and surprisingly affordable) bohemian/mid-century styled hotel, the Inn at Palm Springs, is located near the Uptown Design District in Palm Springs.

A new video is released every few weeks, so be sure to follow us on You Tube for notifications.

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Korakia Pensione.: A retreat unlike any other

There’s no place like the Korakia Pensione.

The historic property says it “blends the silhouette of Tangier with a whisper of the Mediterranean,” and is the perfect escape. There are two restored historic villas — the Mediterranean Villas and Moroccan Villas — with spacious rooms featuring wood-beamed ceilings, stone showers, balconies, private patios, French doors, and antique and handmade furniture. The Moroccan villa was built in 1924 as a hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts, who wanted to recreate his earlier life in Tangier.

Guests at Korakia Pensione are treated to outdoor yoga and meditation sessions, hot breakfasts in the Moroccan courtyard, use of books in the library lounge and cruisers to get around town, Moroccan tea service in the afternoon, and vintage movies screened outside at night.

The Moroccan courtyard is filled with fountains, a stone waterfall, olive trees, date palms, citrus, and bougainvillea, and as the sun begins to set, staff light hundreds of candles and lanterns across the property, setting off a magical glow. Massage treatments can be booked in the indoor/outdoor spa lodge or in guest rooms, and the two heated saltwater pools, with views of the San Jacinto Mountains, are open all day and night.

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