When planning your trip to Palm Springs, build in some time to explore downtown. Many Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are within walking distance and you will want to check out the abundance of retail stores.
We have a few national chain stores, like H&M, Sephora, and Kiehl’s. However, Palm Springs offers a unique shopping experience because many of our stores are locally owned. I used the term “quirky” for you may be surprised by some of the offerings, with many items you don’t normally see in a retail store.
Just Fabulous
Just Fabulous is in the Uptown Design District. This area is known for its galleries and boutiques carrying an array of furniture and art for Modernism decor.
Just Fabulous is the perfect place to find accents. Their book selection on Palm Springs and artists gives you the perfect opportunity to find that coffee table book or whimsical item to enhance your bookcase.
Balboa Candy
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Balboa Candy. Photo by Kathy Condon
Balboa Candy has been a family run business for over 20 years. Their affinity for saltwater taffy is evident because they carry one of the world’s largest selections of this popular candy.
If you are yearning for a favorite from your childhood, chances are you can find it here. If you would, once again, like to taste some of your favorite sodas or pop (as we called it during my childhood in Wisconsin), you’ll more than likely find it. Yes, it’s the glass bottles you were familiar with back then. It is fun to wander through the aisles at Balboa Candy.
Palm Springs General Store
Palm Springs General Store is on a prominent corner downtown. When you walk in, stop and take in the view, for otherwise you might become a little overwhelmed. This store is like the old general store, with items stacked and displayed everywhere.
If you want a Palm Springs keychain, you will find many choices here, and clothing is also abundant. If you’ve forgotten something, from sundries to your favorite snack, you’ll probably come across it at the Palm Springs General Store.
Peepa’s
Peepa’s — even the name conjures up a question. Named after what he called his grandfather, the store’s owner searches high and wide to offer unique gift items. A wall of unusual greeting cards finds folks standing there snickering and sharing what they are reading because the cards are smart, pithy, and relevant for many occasions.
Specializing in local artists, this is a great place to add to your art collection. Keeping up with trends, you can find items recognizing the longevity of the Golden Girls to current affairs t-shirts designed by the owner. Peepa’s also carries brand named men’s and women’s clothing.
Crystal Fantasy
Crystal Fantasy holds special events every weekend. Photo by Kathy Condon
Crystal Fantasy is located nearer to the downtown area. It’s a very large store catering to anyone regularly using and exploring the application of meditation in her life.
Tarot readings and a variety of tarot card decks are available. If you been wanting to buy some crystals, the knowledgeable staff will help you select the appropriate object or piece of jewelry. Check out their website for the many special events, classes, and workshops Crystal Fantasy holds.
The Estate Sale Co.
The Estate Sale Co., located on the south edge of Palm Springs, is a consignment shopper’s dream. If you are looking for any kind of decor for your home, you will want to take the time to browse the multiple buildings, all filled to the brim.
You’re bound to find what you are looking for, may it be an ottoman or small knick knack which could be the perfect souvenir of your visit. You will need to take Lyft or Uber to get there from downtown, but it is definitely worth the trip. Near the Estate Sale Co. is Backstreet Art District, with galleries showcasing our local artists.
Cold Nose Warm Heart
Cold Nose Warm Heart is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. This shop is fun to explore even if you do not have a four-legged friend.
Looking at their display window with metal artwork shaped into animals is sure to make you smile (they would be adorable on bookshelves or coffee tables). This is the place to buy gifts for animal lovers or get supplies for your dog or cat.
Antique Galleries of Palm Springs
If you want to meet locals in a casual atmosphere, Antique Galleries of Palm Springs is the perfect place to head on the weekend. Most Saturday mornings the parking lot is filled with a few vendors and their tables of merchandise, displaying everything from chandeliers to pieces of jewelry. I took my 13-year-old granddaughter there and she found it all very interesting.
One could spend hours inside the nearby building, wandering through this space, reliving your childhood because many objects you grew up with are now already antiques. For example, rotary and pushbutton phones and glassware with gold leaves in a carrying tray perfectly preserved.
Great Shakes
After spending all day walking around downtown, a stop by Great Shakes is a must. Photo by Kathy Condon
When the hunger bug hits and you need a pick-me-up, head to Great Shakes. Yes, you can get date shakes at other locations. However, this is the place to throw off any pretense you are on a diet. Besides you are on vacation, and you can always cut back later.
Here you can get your shake made with homemade, antibiotic and hormone free ice cream created using the owners’ family recipe. There is no artificial flavoring or corn syrup. You are bound to smile when your shake or malt arrives, for not only is it piled high with real whipped cream, but on the straw is a small freshly baked donut.
This is just a smattering of the stores that draw people to Palm Springs. There are so many family-owned and operated stores. When staying at one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, be sure to ask the managers and desk clerks for their suggestions if you are looking for something specific. Chances are, you will find it — Palm Springs is not only a place tourists enjoy, but we residents are also proud to support our small businesses.
One day, when I was a kid, we forgot Father’s Day. He never attended church with us, and I don’t even know why we went that particular Sunday — our attendance was pretty sporadic, so maybe Mom had enough of Dad and decided to get away to church. Who knows. But at church they reminded us that it was Father’s Day. Whoops.
It was the mid-1960s and nothing was open on a Sunday except the 7/11 and they didn’t sell cards back then – nor booze on Sunday, nor milk (for some ridiculous reason). When we arrived home empty handed, Dad was mowing the lawn and while we apologized profusely, he was quite the sad sack for the rest of the day. And no one was happy when Dad wasn’t happy.
Do not let your dad be an unhappy sad sack on Father’s Day. You can show up for him in a big way by bringing him to Palm Springs. That’s right. Palm Springs has something for everyone: young and old, straight and gay. Lots of specials going on at the small boutique hotels, so check those out for a great deal. Use the drop down to sort amenities that fit your dad to a T.
If Dad is gay, he’ll already know where to go for fun; the Arenas District is our fabulous gayborhood with great options for the three Ds: Dining, Drinking and Dancing (what, you think I meant something else?).
I can’t give you something specific for your dad because I don’t know him. I mean, I might, used to get around, but your dad likely did not.
Here we go:
Fun things to do in Palm Springs
Power Baseball — Summer baseball is a thing here in Palm Springs. It is held at our stadium behind Sunrise Park, on Ramon and Sunrise. And according to statistics, they are a pretty good team. Here’s what I found out: They have won 10 outright league championships in their history, including back-to-back wins in the California Premier Collegiate League (CPCL). As of the end of the 2024 season, their all-time record is 678-153, which translates to a winning percentage of 81.6%, making them one of the best summer collegiate teams in the country.
BMW Performance Center — It is a bit of a drive to get to Thermal, but your dad won’t mind if he’s a bit of a speed demon or gearhead. This is the ultimate experience in driving.
The Spa at Sec-he — Some dads are gearheads, and some are in touch with their inner selves and like a nice relaxing day at the spa. Hey, maybe he’s both? Sec-he is 20 stars. And seriously, you can and will want to spend the whole day with a treatment or two and lunch, etc. It’s gorgeous!
Gambling at the casino — Slots, tables, food, and entertainment can be found at Agua Caliente, our local casino.
Comedy: Rock Gallery — This club has been around for about a year. It’s cozy, and it’s quite fun. Great list of up-and-coming comedians.
Drag
Brunch — There are quite a few drag brunches, including Oscar’s. But I am going to let you Google that because sometimes they pop up unexpectedly. Bring singles, even Dad will get in on the fun.
Drag and Fly — Great little tour of Palm Springs in a very cool ride with amazing access to visuals. It’s like no tour bus you’ve ever seen, with unusual guides for anywhere else except Palm Springs
Dad Bars
Palm Canyon Roadhouse
Hair of the Dog
Mickey’s Irish Pub
Tiki Bars
Local Breweries
Coachella Valley Brewing Co Tap Room
Dinner
Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse — If dad is a fan of the meats, this is his Mecca.
Johnny Costas — Old school Italian, dark wood walls, bright white table cloths, and waiters that know what they’re doing.
Zin American Bistro — Right on the strip. Good food, good people watching. Wine specials too.
Lulu — Fun, buzzy place with great happy hour specials on food and drinks at the bar area. A Palm Springs favorite.
Trio — Nice balance of comfy and upscale. It can be a bit loud in the dining room, but the food and drinks are great.
Spencer’s — When my uncle was alive, we used to go to this gorgeous place for dinner on special occasions. I actually enjoy their breakfast and lunch menu quite a bit, and the ambiance is unparalleled.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
With summer officially in full swing, hospitality staff at Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are turning their attention to pampering visitors from all over the world.
The pools are cool, the nights are warm, and everyone is languid. Yes, it’s hot, but hey, midday, head to the museums, the top of the mountain on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (where it’s always 30 degrees cooler and the views are breathtaking), or hit the air-conditioned stores and galleries to take advantage of their sizzling summer sales. Most Palm Springs restaurants remain open — however, they may adjust their hours, so be sure to check their websites.
The sooner you book your stay, the better. For the past couple of summers, Palm Springs’ small boutique hotels, many with a vibe to fit your travel style, have been busy. That said, you can save some serious money and time by booking directly with a boutique hotel inside of going through a third-party travel platform. Plus, you’ll have a much better experience in general.
“Small hotels have distinct personalities. That’s one of the things that makes them special,” says Michael Green, owner of the Triangle Inn Palm Springs. “So if you want to stay at one, go direct. You’ll get the best sense of the hotel itself.”
Here are six reasons you should book directly with a boutique hotel or resort:
1. Room choice
Many of Palm Springs’ small hotels and resorts (those with no more than 50 rooms) have been remodeled, often resulting in new additions, removal of walls to make larger suites, and a carefully-curated environment to enhance the guest experience.
Third-party booking companies are given a block of tickets to sell in a particular area of the hotel, with no knowledge of where rooms may be located or details on the hotel’s total environment.
“Room choices are often ‘run of house’ with third parties, as opposed to the guest booking directly with the hotel and locking in their room,” explains Sarah Martinez, general manager of Azure Sky, a new luxury boutique hotel in Palm Springs. Green concurs, saying, “Booking platforms generally only get a select piece of inventory from hotels, and especially from small hotels — maybe just one room type — so for the full picture, it’s always better to talk to the hotel directly.”
Sarah Martinez, general manager of Azure Sky.
2. Accountability
We’ve all been there. You booked a flight through one of the discount sites, and it gets delayed due to weather, there’s a schedule change, or you have a family emergency. You need to contact someone for help, and that’s when the epic nightmare of a time sink begins.
After a long wait on the phone, the airline says they can’t help because you booked through a third party, so you must call them. The person who answers does not understand the situation or doesn’t have the authority to make changes and says there is no way they can help. You push for a higher manager, and the saga continues. The same scenario can happen when you use a third party to book hotel reservations.
“Because third-party reservations lock us out of any changes or adjustments, it’s easier to adjust a reservation that has been booked directly,” says Kent Taylor, general manager at Descanso Resort.
3. Flexibility
The text arrives: Aunt Mable decides she wants to come along on the trip after all. Great — you have a built-in babysitter! — but now there aren’t enough beds for everyone.
“If you booked directly with the hotel, it’s super easy to call it and modify your reservation … perhaps to a suite or whatever accommodation hotel management suggests. Flexibility is number one,” Martinez says. “Once a guest books a room through a third party, the hotel cannot make changes to the reservation and the guest has to deal with the third party directly. It created a middleman which can lead to frustration because it may appear the hotel is not helpful.”
Taylor agrees, saying, “We try very hard to be as flexible as possible. There are so many unforeseen situations in our world these days, the last thing anyone needs is more complications while just trying to take a vacation.”
4. Packages and special deals
Especially during the summer, when making a reservation with a hotel, ask if there are any packages available. Palm Springs is a very close-knit community, and often attractions work with hotels to offer guests special rates for the abundance of things to experience.
“Many hotels offer perks to those who book directly, such as upgrades or cancellations without penalties,” one hotelier revealed. “But it’s usually on a case-by-case basis, so you’ll never find them on one of the third-party booking platforms.” Martinez is more blunt, declaring, “Hotels offer various deals and packages not found on third-party sites.”
5. Pricing
Being a responsible traveler and planner, you are probably accustomed to checking out third-party websites. Always a good idea, but do not stop there. Once you have selected the hotel that appears to meet your needs, check out their website and call the number listed. Be ready with your accommodation needs and ask them for their advice and the price. If it appears the price is higher than you found online, tell them — they would rather give you the discount than pay the third party a fee.
According to Martinez, hotels will often price match, except when the third party is directly undercutting the hotel or is packaging the room with other sales, such as airfare or car rentals.
“We prefer direct bookings to reduce the commission cost of 18 percent from the OTAs (other travel agencies),” says Robert Hunt, general manager of Alcazar Palm Springs. This also “allows the front desk agent to discuss the type of room that best fits the guest’s needs, since we have 10 different room types available on the property.”
Plus, sometimes a “deal” from an OTA or booking platform really isn’t. Taylor shares this cautionary tale: “I had a small group call about booking a specific weekend with several rooms. After giving them the information they needed, they decided to all book themselves on the website. Everyone but one booked directly with the hotel. One member of the group booked with a specific website that offers a portion of a free hotel night, if a certain number of rooms are booked in the year. The one guest who booked with that third-party website was paying approximately $25 more a night than everyone else in his group. I was shocked to see it! He was paying in advance for his ‘free night’ … and then some.”
“Some OTAs use tricky, misleading tactics to make it appear the guest rate is lower than the hotel,” Martinez warns. “The initial average room rate can sometimes look less expensive but as the guest books, there are large fees added to the booking and the guest is not actually paying a lower rate.”
Kent Taylor, general manager of Descanso Resort
6. Book direct and make better memories
The special touch offered by front desk agents at Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels will make your stay more memorable.
“The very nature of a third-party booking website removes the personal touch,” Taylor says. “We take many reservations over the phone and people ask a variety of questions that inform their vacation on the whole. Where can we go for our special dinner? Is there a gym close by? Do you serve vegan yogurt at breakfast? Only someone helping you at the hotel will know the answers to these types of questions. It is like having a direct connect to a local for help in creating the best vacation you can have.”
Pro tips to remember:
If you book your hotel directly and need to make a change, they can help you do so with one short phone call.
A direct relationship with the hotel gives you a lot more flexibility because they are in the hospitality business, not the booking business.
When you speak to an employee at a boutique hotel, they can answer your questions about the property, unlike third-party agents who are not familiar with the offerings.
Some booking platforms make it look like you’re getting a lower price, but they tack on hefty fees at the end, increasing the final total.
Looking for the perfect way to romance your partner on Valentine’s Day? You’ve come to the right place. I don’t have one, so I can spend all of my time figuring out the swoon factor for you. And I think I’ve got it. How about a Palm Springs spa vacation at one of our small resorts? I know, it’s perfect, right? What’s better than enjoying a night or a weekend in the lap of luxury in the place locals call paradise (because it is).
That gives us five options, and two of them have a fancy restaurant on site. So here’s a link for that. But don’t go anywhere just yet, I’m going to tell you a little bit about them, as well as give you some dinner options in case you’d like to leave the property for a few hours.
Hotels and resorts
La Serena Villas — Just behind the heart of downtown, where you can enjoy a romantic stay and still be close to the action. Whispers for spa services, and Azucar for romantic meals, as well as a rooftop bar.
A massage at Whisper’s is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. Photo courtesy of La Serena Villas
Andreas Hotel & Spa — In addition to the spa, Andreas is located downtown, and has a patio bar for poolside drinks.
Korakia Pensione — Super eclectic and truly unique to Palm Springs. It might fall under the boho chic category, with that pensione vibe, yoga, hot breakfasts, and tea service. Massage treatments can be booked in the indoor/outdoor spa lodge or in guest rooms.
The Monkey Tree — Recently restored, this mid-century modern hotel is on the north end of Palm Springs away from all the noise. A truly relaxing space, and while they don’t actually have a spa (a.k.a. massage services), they do have a heated saltwater pool and a Scandinavian spa, which includes a newly built sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge.
L’Horizon Palm Springs — The wow factor here is off the charts. The spa has massages, facials, and body treatments, aromatherapy, and a fresh juice bar. I’ll let them tell you about their restaurant: “Dramatic, refined, and intimate, SO•PA offers a unique alfresco dining experience. Join us for dinner in an intimate setting.” Finished with fire pits and fountains, this Steve Hermann-designed space is the desert’s most distinctive restaurant.
The grounds at L’Horizon. Photo credit: Visit Palm Springs
Restaurants
As I mentioned in the events blog, we now have Michelin Guide restaurants in Palm Springs. Bar Cecil, Boozehounds, Workshop Kitchen and Bar, Cheeky’s, 4 Saints, The Barn at Sparrows Lodge, Colony Club, and Tac/Quila. Super proud to say that two of those options can be found at our boutique spas and hotels: Cheeky’s (breakfast and lunch) is with Alcazar Palm Springs, The Barn is at, as the name states, Sparrows Lodge.
The Barn at Sparrows Lodge. Photo courtesy of Sparrows Lodge
Here are some other dinner options:
Le Vallauris — Recently remodeled and is now part of the Soho House Group. The patio is the place to be for romance.
Farm — Styled in French farmhouse decor, it’s like ducking into the countryside. The food is French, the service is not. Great choice for dinner or brunch.
Tac/Quila — Owned by the folks that brought us Farm, Tac/Quila is Jalisco-style elevated Mexican fare. If you’ve never had fried avocado, you haven’t lived. Sounds awful, but it’s SO good. It’s in a tempura batter. Yum. The decor is pretty special too.
John Henry — Locals like to keep this place to themselves, and that’s been fairly easy as it isn’t that easy to find. Located on Tahquitz, just past Sunrise, blink and you’ll miss it. Parking is weird, but so are you. Book the patio, you won’t regret it.
An experience:
Lesbian Foray, a pop-up event on Feb. 18. 188 S. Indian Canyon.
The Purple Room — A three-course dinner while being serenaded by the song stylings of Rose Mallett.
Oscar’s — Jack Donahue and dinner. About Jack: he is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor who has performed in many of the great jazz and cabaret venues across the country and recorded four critically-acclaimed CDs. Jack was also twice selected by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs as Best Male Jazz Vocalist.
Palm Springs Cultural Center — Enjoy Bruce Vilanch interviewing Lesley Ann Warren, one of the stars of Victor/Victoria, with a tribute performance by “le Jazz Hot” Ethylina Canne, then stick around for a special screening of the film on the big screen.
Melvyn’s — Located in the iconic Ingleside Inn, enjoy dinner and live music from the Casablanca Lounge.
The elegant dining room at Melvyn’s. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Chocolates and flowers
Brandini Toffee — Located right in the heart of downtown next to The Plaza Theater. I’ve linked to their terrific story, and I promise you it’s the best toffee you’ll ever taste. Hands down.
My Little Flower Shop — They say it’s the best in town.
If you don’t have a sweetheart, and you’re a little bitter about the whole romance thing, then PS Underground is the place you want to be for Stupid Cupid. It’s raunchy, it’s good dirty fun, and you can soothe yourself with booze and great food. PS Underground is always a good choice.
As Porky Pig so elegantly proclaimed many many years ago…“Aba-de-ba-da-di-ba-da – that’s all folks!”
Say goodbye to your home office and hello to Palm Springs
For those who have been working from home for months now, a change of scenery is in order — and the best views are in Palm Springs.
Since Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels — a collection of more than 70 boutique hotels — began reopening on June 12, some guests have been settling in for work and play. El Mirasol Villas owners Paul Pressman and Bruce Wishnefsky have had several people specifically request rooms conducive to working remotely, ensuring that they have strong WiFi and a desk available.
“As they have been self-quarantined or already work remotely, they wanted to get out of the house or home office and work in a relaxed desert environment,” Paul says. “They love taking breaks between conference calls or Zoom meetings and laying in the sun, taking a swim in the pool, or relaxing in the jacuzzi. One guest who has work that crosses time zones said he loved the desert nights on his patio or poolside where he could set up his laptop and work.”
“Monday through Friday work vacations are definitely becoming a thing,” says Robert Hunt, general manager of Alcazar Palm Springs, a 34-room boutique hotel in the uptown Palm Springs art district. “It makes perfect sense because there are fewer people around mid-week and the rates are lower than on the weekends. People are craving a change of scenery but they want someplace quiet and safe where they can still get their work done.”
Sabrina Sakdikul is a community relations manager for a nonprofit in the San Francisco Bay Area, and drove down to Palm Springs to spend a few days at the Los Arboles Hotel. After spending several months working from home alongside her roommates, it was a relief to have a space of her own.
The property felt like “an oasis,” Sabrina says. She switched up her location throughout the day — sometimes working in her room, other times by the pool or on a patio — and with everyone wearing masks, she felt safe. When it was time for lunch, she would walk a few steps to the on-site restaurant, El Mirasol, and if she needed to clear her head, would take a quick dip in the pool.
“Palm Springs is a very laid-back place, and it does make me feel like I’m in paradise,” Sabrina says. “In Google and Zoom meetings, they have backgrounds that look like you’re somewhere cool and calming, and I was actually in a place that was cool and calming.”
Going on this getaway to Palm Springs left Sabrina feeling energized and refreshed, her stress melting away in the desert sun.
“I feel like I was able to really get away from all the craziness that has been going on,” Sabrina says. “It was nice being able to do something different.”
Several small hotels, like The Weekend Palm Springs, The Rossi, Casa Cody Country Inn, The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, and Les Cactus – among others – offer small suites or casitas with kitchenettes, which allow space for weeklong guests to prepare their own meals. Some hotels such as Villa Royale, Arrive Palm Springs, La Serena Villas, and Alcazar have restaurants on site. Many Palm Springs restaurants deliver meals and cocktails directly to hotels so guests can dine poolside.
Comfort and Safety Prioritized
Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are legendary for their style, safety, and comfort–all of which continue to be a priority. Over the past few weeks, the owners and general managers of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels have collaboratively created a baseline of safety sanitation standards.
Most Palm Springs boutique hotels have fewer than 30 rooms, making them easier to thoroughly clean and keep sanitized. Common areas are typically outside, and a majority of rooms have their own private entrances and air conditioning units.
Each hotel will provide its own safety guidelines in addition to the requirements set forth by the City of Palm Springs and the ones they collectively developed. This information will be shared with guests when they receive their reservation confirmation.
Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is a consortium of independently owned boutique hotels, which are an essential part of this desert resort town’s uncommon culture and economy. From quirky to charming, mid-century modern to clothing-optional, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has got your stay. Follow the fun on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. Please visit Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels Summer Recovery Specials page for details.
Day tripping is a fun way to get out and play at some of the super cool spots around Palm Springs. That’s what Dwight D. Eisenhower did in 1954, when he slipped away for many hours under the cover of having an emergency dental appointment. It is speculated that he was taken to Edwards Air Force base to talk to some aliens. The tall gray ones called Nordics.
Believe it or not, we do have some actual history with “space aliens” — and I’m not talking about the energy vortex of Desert Hot Springs, where many have claimed to have had UFO sightings. Although now that I think about it, that counts.
What I am talking about is the Integratron, located an hour outside of Palm Springs in a town called Landers. The Integratron was built by George Van Tassel, and funded, it is said, by Howard Hughes. Van Tassel claimed he got the plans from Venusians, aka inhabitants of Venus. He claims the Integratron was capable of rejuvenation, anti-gravity, and time travel.
The Integratron. Photo by Kay Kudukis
Today it is used as a sound bath, and it’s fabulous — 45 minutes of quartz singing bowls played at different frequencies while you lay on a mat with your eyes closed. Rejuvenating. I grew a whole new limb. (No, I didn’t. That’s regenerating, and another story.) Go a little early and check out the gift shop and hang out in their outdoor area. It’s pretty sweet.
Not far away is Giant Rock, an ancient tribal ritual site where Van Tassel held Interplanetary Space Conventions to raise money to keep building the Integratron. You can read the whole fascinating story at The Mojave Project.
The Integratron is booked waaaaay in advance, but if you do get in, on your way back to Palm Springs stop for a bite at the world-famous Pappy and Harriet’s.
Behind Pappy and Harriet’s is an old Hollywood Western film set called Pioneertown. You’ll feel like you traveled back in time to the Wild, Wild West (not the Will Smith movie, that was baaad.) There’s even a staged shoot ’em up at high noon.
The Salton Sea: It smells. Real bad. But there are reasons to go. It has a great history with the Hollywood types, and there’s actually stuff to do. Sheephole Oasis (thumbs down to the naming committee) and Hidden Springs are said to have a nice bloom of wildflowers.
The Salton Sea at sunset. Photo by Catherine Garcia
While you’re in the area, check out the art installation known as Salvation Mountain, then continue on to Borrego Springs for lunch, art, and scads of hikes.
Joshua Tree: I’m sure Joshua Tree is on your list already. It’s a national park so there is a fee to enter, but it’s hella worth it. If you happen to be there on April 22 or 23, there will be a free concert called SoundcheckEarth. Warning: The rocks are higher than you think. Do not jump off them. Someone I know may have done this. It may have been me.
Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Catherine Garcia
Idyllwild, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear Lake: All adorable mountain towns that are great little day jaunts.
Whitewater Preserve: Very short ride down a very long road to a very secluded place with a ranger’s station/museum, beautiful picnic areas, a natural wading pool, and a longer hike to the swimming hole. Very relaxing day.
Redlands: Less than an hour from Palm Springs is the adorable city of Redlands. Lots of old architecture, and this article tells you all about the museums, theaters, parks, and places to eat. They seem to like making beer here — there are quite a few little breweries around town.
Umbrellas provide shade and public art in downtown Redlands. Photo by Catherine Garcia
This last one is going to take all day, but if you’re into ghost towns, Calico is where you want to go. There’s an old railroad, a mine, and more. It’s a regional park so you do have to pay to get spooked. Dress in layers.
And that’s all I’ve got for you this time. Hope you enjoy your stay in one of our chill boutique resorts, and that no matter where you go, you have a gas.
Stay cool everyone, and keep on keeping on.
Big Bear Lake. Photo courtesy of Pixabay
Next up in our series of articles on the most Instagram-worthy small hotels in Palm Springs is Villa Royale. This beautiful property reopened in 2018 after an extensive renovation by its new owners, turning the property into a very popular destination that is full of photo ops.
Villa Royale was originally built in 1947 and was one of the first small hotels in south Palm Springs. It was frequented by Hollywood celebrities as a getaway that met the “two-hour rule” implemented by Hollywood studios at that time, which required that actors under studio contracts could not be farther than two hours from set.
The redesigned Villa Royale retains the charm of its past roots, while adding unique contemporary design details, such as custom murals and artwork throughout the property. A large mural welcomes guests to the property, entitled “Welcome to Your Paradise,” by Sagent Staygold.
A series of geometric murals by Los Angeles-based artist Sara Radovanovitch are located around the property, as well as her travel-inspired “El Viaje” painting in the poolside lanai, and portraits of Hollywood stars in some of the guest rooms. Additional paintings by Juan Casas and Lou Kregal were painted on site at the hotel, featuring desert landscapes, classic cars and movie and music icons.
Villa Royale is a pet-friendly property, so you can enjoy this beautiful hotel with your four-legged friends!
There are three pools on the property, all with gorgeous mountain views that make them the perfect spot for enjoying the scenery with a cocktail in hand. And speaking of cocktails: the team at Del Rey, the hotel’s onsite restaurant and bar, are known for their excellent drinks, as well as a delicious Mediterranean-inspired tapas menu.
Other Instagram-able details we love include the intricately patterned tiles around the property, the bikes available for guest use during your stay, and the vintage 1960 Oldsmobile 88 parked out front by the hotel’s entrance.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore other great Instagram-friendly small hotels in Palm Springs in this series of blog posts coming out each month!
Images via Instagram and courtesy of Villa Royale.
The wonderful thing about Palm Springs is that it’s always attracting new visitors on top of faithful returnees — and with several new boutique hotels opening since the spring of 2022, they have more options than ever for places to stay.
The Trixie Motel, Twin Palms Resort, Spirit of Sofia, Limón Palm Springs, Azure Sky, and Mahala are all now part of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels (PSPSH) consortium. Michael C. Green, owner of the Triangle Inn Palm Springs and chair of PSPSH, is thrilled to welcome these new hotels to the community.
“We are looking forward to another busy year in Palm Springs, and we are happy to see new and newly-renovated small hotels coming on board,” Green says. “Each of our small hotels has its own unique vibe, and that ensures that there’s something for everyone!”
The Trixie Motel may look familiar — this pink palace starred in the television show of the same name, which followed celebrated drag persona Trixie Mattel and partner David Silver as they brought new life to the former Coral Sands Inn. All seven rooms and suites have their own custom theme, from the spacey Atomic Bombshell to the beachy Malibu Barbara. The stunning pool area has plenty of glamorous loungers and umbrellas, plus views for days of the palms, mountains, and pink flamingos dotting the grounds.
The Atomic Bombshell Room at the Trixie Motel. Photo courtesy of Trixie Motel
The Twin Palms Resort is a mid-century modern masterpiece, and a brother property of the Santiago and Descanso resorts. This 20-room men’s swimsuit-optional boutique hotel was originally built in 1959, and is decorated in shades of green and blue, which play off of the property’s flora and fauna. The pool is brand new, and heated in the winter and chilled in the summer. Manager Adam Q. Robinson says the Twin Palms team is “excited to show our loyal customer base another new experience to choose from in the desert.”
The Twin Palms Resort clubhouse. Photo courtesy of Twin Palms Resort
The Spirit of Sofia, previously known as La Dolce Vita, is under new ownership and has a fresh look. There are 20 rooms and two pools, and each side of the hotel can be rented out by a group. The outdoor space is filled with quirky touches, including a giant chessboard and 10-foot-tall palm tree chandelier, and welcome amenities like a steam room and kitchen with pizza oven.
Limón Palm Springs is a luxury boutique hotel reserved by just one group at a time, making it the perfect spot for a bachelorette weekend, family reunion, or yoga or writing retreat. The six large guest suites accommodate up to 14 people, and each room has linens by Frette and bath products by L’Occitane, in addition to a flatscreen television and patio area. Communal spaces include a kitchen and living room, as well as the pool and barbecue area.
Limón Palm Springs is rented by just one group at a time. Photo courtesy of Limón Palm Springs
Reflecting on the last 12 months, Robert Hunt, general manager of Alcazar Palm Springs, says 2022 was “an interesting year breaking records in the first half of the year with a more typical occupancy in the summer due to the lack of European travelers that visited Palm Springs prior to the pandemic, especially German tourists. 2023 has already shown a high volume of booked reservations indicating it will be a strong year projecting a higher occupancy percentage and daily room rate increase.”
One property to put on your radar is Drift, opening in April. A blend of Spanish Colonial and Moorish desert design with Mexican artisanal decor, Drift will offer guests two-to-four bedroom suites, a pool surrounded by cabanas, a yoga studio, and a rustic Baja-inspired eatery, Maleza.
Who knows Palm Springs better than the men and women who own and operate or manage the city’s boutique hotels? Here are a few recommendations on must do activities and places to see during your trip.
Kathy Friedle, owner of The Monkey Tree Inn:
“The Moorten Botancial Garden is so cute, and if you’re not from this area and haven’t seen cactus life, go there. You can spend 10 minutes or an hour. If you’re in town for longer than three days, go to Joshua Tree and Salvation Mountain, which is only an hour from here. There’s also so much vintage shopping to do here, and I have my favorite stores I tell guests about.”
Kevin Miller, owner of Orbit In:
“Most of our guests come out here because they really like architecture — they are artists, designers, photographer, and architects who wants to see mid-century stuff. We usually give them a map of mid-century homes so they can drive around and see them, and we always suggest they visit the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture Design Center.”
Felipe Castañeda, owner of Los Arboles:
“At the Palm Springs Air Museum, you can look at the planes, and if you’re lucky, some of the servicemen who flew them hang out at there and when they see you are interested, they approach you and start telling you stories. It’s really a fun place to take kids, and anyone who is interested in flying and the history of planes.”
Francisco Garcia, general manager of the Skylark Hotel:
“I always recommend the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Whitewater River hike, or riding the Buzz bus downtown.”
Karina Castañeda, assistant manager of Los Arboles:
“Palm Springs has a little bit of everything for everyone. If you’re the outdoorsy type, there are a lot of trails, like the Indian Canyon and Museum Trail. Joshua Tree is less than 40 minutes away, and it’s a nice drive up to explore that area. People who enjoy arts and culture can go to the Palm Springs Art Museum, it’s constantly rotating really cool art, and there’s the Palm Canyon Theater. On Thursday nights, local vendors and artists come out to main drag, and you walk through and see what they have.”
Robert Hunt, general manager of Alcazar:
“Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and go on one of the hiking trails up there. If you have time to take a day trip, go to Joshua Tree.”
