Best Palm Springs Boutique Hotels For A Destination Wedding

A fountain in front of Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, California

There are only a few places to have a destination wedding in these United States where it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll have sunny skies, and Palm Springs is one of them. This is a big little town, intimate but offering a lot for your guests to do. The airport is international, and as far as airports go, it’s adorable.

So, if that’s a consideration for you, have a peek at some of the things our romantic little town has to offer to make your big day the best wedding ever. As an FYI, I’m going to split this into two blogs, because there are a lot of options and I don’t want you to miss any.

Say “I do” at your boutique hotel

Pink Bougainvillea covering the building at Casa Cody boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California

Gorgeous bougainvillea cover the buildings at Casa Cody. Photo courtesy of Casa Cody

Rather than getting ready somewhere else and shoving your gorgeous dress into a carriage of some sort, why not stay where you’re going to marry and have the reception there too? In fact, why not have everyone stay there? If your wedding is on the smaller scale, you can accomplish this and make it one of the most memorable weekends of your life — and your guests’ lives! There’s plenty to do in Palm Springs, and you can plan activities galore or let your pals entertain themselves until the moment you walk down that aisle. 

Alcazar — Warm and modern, the Alcazar describes itself as a “serene, peaceful oasis.” Open since 2011, the hotel’s 34 rooms and gathering areas are sleek and stylish. The outdoor space also dazzles, boasting a saltwater purified pool, cooling misters, garden courtyard, and fire and water walls. For an excellent meal, you don’t have to go far — the breakfast hot spot Cheeky’s and Italian-focused Birba are right next door.

Casa Cody — The old-world charm and opulence of Palm Springs is on display at Casa Cody, where the contemporary interiors strike a delicate balance of sophistication with a sense of playfulness. This is a Class 1 historic site with 30 rooms across several historic structures and freestanding homes. There’s Olympic Cottage, which housed athletes during the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics; Winter’s House, an original 1930s California ranch house; Adobe House, a true adobe built in the early 1900s and one of a handful still standing in Palm Springs; and the quaint and cozy Harriet’s Cottage.  

A giant mural of yellow and blue flowers at Fleur Noire Hotel in Palm Springs, California

The flower murals make Fleur Noire come alive. Courtesy of Fleur Noire Hotel

Fleur Noire — The 21 Spanish-style casitas, studios, and standard rooms each have their own distinct look, courtesy of interior designer Chris Pardo and wallpaper designer Ellie Cashman. Before guests even get to their rooms, they are dazzled by the stunning outdoor murals of desert flowers created by artist Ouize and greeted by staff with a welcome drink. Expect furnishings inspired by the mid-century modern era, pink Keurig coffee makers, and refrigerators that are stocked daily with complimentary water. The heated pool is original to the property and is the centerpiece of the hotel. The grounds are covered with native desert plants and shaded by palo fierro trees, and guests are invited to linger around the fire pits. Fleur Noire has a clubhouse with a communal pantry, lounge seating, and working and dining areas.

Ingleside Inn — This 30-room Spanish Colonial Revival-style property was once owned by a wealthy automaker, but was transformed in the 1930s by Ruth Hardy. This Palm Springs pioneer turned it into an invitation-only private club, where everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Ava Gardner to Marlon Brando stayed and Carole Lombard and Clark Gable honeymooned. The Inn is also home to Melvyn’s Restaurant, where diners can indulge in Frank Sinatra’s favorite dish, the Steak Diane, and enjoy tableside food preparation.

A beautiful courtyard fountain at Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, California

The perfect wedding backdrop. Photo courtesy of Korakia Pensione

Korakia Pensione — The historic 28-room 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 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, and the courtyard is filled with fountains, date palms, and a stone waterfall. You can book massage treatments in the spa lodge, but plan on spending much of your time in one of the two heated saltwater pools, boasting views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

L’Horizon — Truly elegant, L’Horizon is the flagship of Steve Hermann Hotels, and was originally designed in 1952 by William F. Cody as a retreat for television producer and oil tycoon Jack Wrather and his actress wife, Bonita “Bunny” Granville. The 28 light and bright rooms are spaced across three acres and feel more like private residences, with such luxuries as Frette bed linens, Nespresso coffee machines, smart TVs and Le Labo toiletries. The property is also home to SOPA, a gourmet restaurant and cocktail lounge and The Spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials.

Smoke Tree Ranch —You have to actually book here, or know someone who did, to get through the gates. That’s how special it is. There are 49 cottages, from quaint and quietly secluded bungalows to hip and modern poolside-hangouts. I’ve heard it’s in the “Awesome” category, but you’ll have to check it out yourself. I’ve never been.

Rocky ledges and palms surround the beautiful pool at Sparrows Lodge Hotel in Palm Springs, California

The Sparrows Lodge pool is a natural gathering place for guests. Photo courtesy of Sparrows Lodge

Sparrows Lodge — When it was first built in 1952 for actor Don Castle and his wife, Zetta, the property was known as Castle’s Red Barn. In 2013, it underwent a full restoration, but its spirit remains the same, and guests often remark on its rustic yet modern feel. There are no televisions or telephones in the 22 rooms, to ensure that guests are unplugged during their stay. Horseshoes outside, a communal barn, an outdoor fire pit, a vegetable garden, and a spectacular pool. The Barn Kitchen whips up simple yet delightful breakfasts for guests as part of their room rate. 

Okay, that’s it for small hotels and resorts where you can put the entire wedding party and hold the wedding. In the next post, we’ll talk about bridal party options as well as where you might house your guests, a different event space, and some bakers in Palm Springs. See you soon!

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A Down In The Valley Christmas

When you’re planning your holidays, don’t forget about Palm Springs; it’s the perfect place to celebrate. Why? It’s the best of both worlds: it’s sunny and there’s snow, but we keep it in the mountains, where it belongs. It’s an arrangement we have with the weather. It’s all very official, you can look it up at City Hall (you can’t).

There’s a lot to do throughout the Coachella Valley, and if you’re looking for charm (seriously, who’s ever said “I hate charm”?) make one of our small resort hotels and inns home base.

We’re pretty tight with our sister cities — like most families, we’re all very different yet we’ve bonded. The new entertainment arena recently built in Thousand Palms/Palm Desert was initially planned for Palm Springs, but everyone agreed that it would ruin the feel and create a parking nightmare. It has been a bone of contention for years – in fact it was only in the last seven years that larger brands have been allowed to build in downtown Palm Springs. But our small inns and resorts know no one else can offer a Palm Springs experience like they can. Every frequent traveler wanting to inhale the culture will always stay local; it’s how you keep your favorite vacation destinations open. Bonus: no one knows Palm Springs like the locals. And we’re very happy you’ve come to visit.

Find your home base here using the preferences dropdown to plan your perfect stay. And now, here are some big holiday events throughout the valley. Most of these are kid-friendly, or just for the kid in you:

Cathedral City

Dec. 7: Cathedral City tree lighting and North Pole Village 

Take the kids to meet Santa and watch them light the tree. The town square is adorable, and check out the fountain; the material surrounding it is bouncy.

Indio

Magic Lights at Polo Club — The Polo Club is not just about the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Beyond Van Gogh has been there since October and for the holidays they’ve set up a grand drive-thru, so pile everyone in the car and head on out. Prices are reasonable. (P.S. I went to the Van Gogh exhibition, and it was pretty awesome.)

La Quinta

Old Town Artisan Studios: Gingerbread Lane — Trust me when I say this place is everything. The grounds are stunning and at Christmas they go ALL out, including Gingerbread Lane featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus. You can paint a pre-made ceramic which they will fire for you to take home. Prices are modest and support the art programs specifically for kids with challenges, seniors, and veterans. It’s really special.

Rancho Mirage

Dec. 4: Children’s Discovery Museum Jingle Bell Rock. Please note you have to be accompanied by a child. Also, the museum has been closed for quite some time for a remodel. I believe this is on the grounds, and not in the museum itself.

Dec. 10: Home For The Holidays. A free concert from the city of Rancho Mirage at the Amphitheater produced by Desert Theatricals. This company is always top-notch.

Palm Desert

At the McCallum Theatre: Dec. 2-3: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas; Dec. 6: All is Calm: The Truce of 1914; Dec. 9: The Storm Large Holiday Ordeal; Dec. 18: Merri-Achi Christmas; Dec. 19: Dave Koz & Friends Christmas. I went here for the first time a few weeks back, and it’s an impressive space with fantastic production values.

Wild Lights at The Living Desert. The zoo always does it up over the holidays. My favorite is the miniature train. It was cold when I went last year, and I didn’t wear a heavy enough jacket, so we never made it over to see how the animals decorated.

This is not a holiday item, but come December, there’s a new kid in town: Acrisure Arena. It’s in Thousand Palms/Palm Desert (it’s Thousand Palms) and has a mix of hockey and some pretty big name entertainment. They’re starting strong with double-header Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, Maroon 5, Shania Twain, Lizzo, The Eagles, and more. Score some tickets, then plan a future getaway. Music, comedy and sports — it’s a hat trick!

Palm Springs

Dec. 3:  PS Festival of Lights Parade. Palm Springs is like stepping back in time during Christmas. The streets are decorated just like the ones in my small town growing up during the 1960s.

Dec. 10: Modern Men Chorus holiday show at Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Dec. 14: Palm Canyon Theatre Let It Snow Holiday Concert. Community theater loved by many.

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy holiday season, and a marvelous new year. I’ll see you in 2023.

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What Should I Pack For My Palm Springs Summer Vacation?

If you thought Palm Springs becomes a ghost town during the summer, think again.

Picture relaxing evenings poolside, dinners, and parties with your friends, watching the sun go down behind our rugged mountains. Wouldn’t you like to be assured you’ll have sun during your vacation, not rain? 

Packing a suitcase for Palm Springs

Here’s the good news: Let’s say you took a chance and bought a plane ticket that only allows a carry-on bag. You’ll be just fine, as your clothing needs will be minimal during a summer visit. 

Palm Springs residents pride themselves on hip, colorful, casual dressing, even when going to the grocery or hardware store. Nothing fancy, just bright and comfortable. A suggestion: Go through your closet and pull out the most colorful summer clothes you own. Many people like to wear black on airplanes — I learned long ago that spills don’t show up on black tops — but once you land in Palm Springs, it’s likely the last time you’ll be dressed this way during your stay.

Yes, gentlemen, you can pull out the Hawaiian shirts languishing in the far corner of your closet. Palm Springs residents seek out vintage Hawaiian shirts, so you can be assured you’re in style no matter when you acquired them. 

Clothes waiting to be packed. Photo credit: elCarito on Unsplash

Shorts, dresses, or slacks?

It is a matter of choice. However, after living here for eight years, I have concluded that flowing, loose dresses are more comfortable, since they can catch the occasional summer breeze that unexpectedly surfaces. Leave the polyester ones behind; you want a fabric that breathes. 

The summer attire for men in Palm Springs is shorts. Yes, they can be colorful. Again, it’s time for you to break out of your conservative attire. Let loose here. You will blend in instead of sticking out in the crowd. 

Evening attire

It depends on what activity you are doing after the sun sets. Poolside, anything goes, so don’t stress. 

You may have already learned that making reservations for most restaurants is necessary, even in the middle of summer. Palm Springs is known for its varied cuisine, and Coachella Valley residents are also vying for reservations in some of our more popular restaurants. 

Ladies, the evening allows you to bring out a special dress, which might include rhinestones or some sparkle. You should bring along a shawl, since some restaurants crank up their air conditioning.

Gentlemen, here are a few guidelines for you: At some of our high-profile restaurants, like Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn, slacks and a shirt with a collar are required. Ties, however, are not, although if you decide to don one with a jacket, you certainly will fit into the setting. (I know, a double standard.) Women can wear dress sandals, but no sandals for men; sorry, they don’t want to see your toes. 

You’ll want to grab a drink or two at Melvyn’s bar. Photo courtesy of Ingleside Inn

Give caftans a chance

You may be surprised by the number of colorful caftans you see in our valley. Designers Sheri Johnson, Aneka Brown, and Trina Turk have helped make caftans — loose, draped garments — a staple in the wardrobes of both Palm Springs men and women. During your vacation, you might want to find a caftan to try on and see how freeing it feels to wear one. (I checked — both men and women can wear a caftan to Melvyn’s. Sorry, fellas, they still don’t want you to wear sandals with it, so closed-toed shoes need to stay on your packing list.)

Two places where you might need warmer clothes

If you’ve never been up to the San Jacinto Mountains via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, you’ll want to schedule this experience. Make sure you get tickets in advance. 

Keep in mind, the tram drops you off at 8,516 feet, and the temperature can be up to 40 degrees cooler than the desert floor. More than one person has spent time shivering up there because no one told them to take an extra layer of clothes. 

The nearby mountain town of Idyllwild is another spot for a wonderful day trip. Known for its artistic influences, Idyllwild can also be cooler than you anticipated, so an extra layer just in case is recommended. 

Don’t leave home without these items

Sunscreen should be foremost on your list. Our sun in the summer can be pretty intense — even in the morning, the rays are bouncing off your skin. Quick reminder: Be sure to put sunscreen on your ears.

Your eyes will be happy you bought those new, chic designer sunglasses — glasses coupled with a hat will help protect you on your adventures. 

If you don’t have a reusable water bottle, you’ll have many opportunities to purchase one at attractions across Palm Springs. Because of the heat, carrying a water bottle with you at all times is a must. 

If you plan on spending any time in a pool or spa, throw a bathing suit in your suitcase — or two, for good measure.

Palm Springs is open for business, and we look forward to you exploring our community. Book a reservation at one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels as soon as your vacation dates are set, and get started planning your adventure.

All packed and ready to go. Photo credit: brianamatopoeia

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Why work from home when you can work from a Palm Springs boutique hotel?

Workcation hotel room in Palm Springs, CA

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.

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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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Five Great Breakfasts in Palm Springs

One of the best parts of travel to Europe is waking up to a special breakfast served at a small, boutique hotel. The thought put into these unique and mouth-watering breakfasts, along with a perfect cup of coffee or cappuccino, never fails to excite me.

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, with its abundance of inns ranging from around 10 rooms to almost 50, offers the opportunity to experience that special treat each morning. My fellow travel writer and I experienced some of these thoughtfully prepared breakfasts on a recent trip.

 

Grapefruit rosemary pound cake

La Maison’s very French setting provides that awakening cappuccino, juice, and homemade Grapefruit Rosemary Loaf lovingly baked by the owner, Cornelia Schuster. As you bite into the deliciously buttery and slightly tart loaf with just a hint of rosemary, you know you are in for a treat. Along with her husband, Richard Slosky, they aim to delight their guests and even offer brandy and macarons in the afternoon.

 

Monkey Tree Hotel Green Eggs and Ham Deviled Eggs

Nestled against the San Jacinto Mountains and designed by renowned architect Albert Frey, Gary and Kathy Friedle have carefully restored The Monkey Tree Hotel, a 16-room boutique inn. Here you will again find that European charm orchestrated at breakfast by Gary. He is a master at creating unique small bites to savor along with a special coffee blend created just for them by Coachella Valley Roasters. Ask for vegan or vegetarian breakfast if that is your desire. We sampled savory tarts, homemade banana bread, Nutella made from scratch, and refreshing watermelon gazpacho shooters all to awake our palate for the day.

Eggs, Peppers, Cream Cheese @ Rendezvous

The 10-room 1950’s themed Palm Springs Rendezvous also boasts a manager, Wayne, who creates a healthy fruit smoothie each morning accompanied by a yogurt parfait of seasonally fresh berries. In addition, I was welcomed with his golden brown French Toast. Another day, I was greeted with savory, thinly sliced ham molded in a muffin tin and topped with roasted red peppers, cream cheese, and eggs. Ask for the Pretty in Pink room where Marilyn Monroe stayed.

 

Cheeky's Bacon Sampler

Around the corner from Alcazar Palm Springs inn, located in the Uptown Design District, is Cheeky’s Restaurant, owned and managed by local chef, restaurateur and hotelier Tara Lazar. The menu offers something for everyone. Check out the World Famous Bacon Flight as well as fresh juices and seasonal items. I tried the Blondie’s Eggs Benedict featuring a zesty cheddar scone and poached eggs cooked to perfection. We loved the outdoor patio area, but if that is too warm, there is a bright and cheery inside area, too.

 

Avocado Toast @ Grand Central

While not a boutique hotel, I must mention Grand Central located in the center of Palm Springs. Owners John Diskin and Rita M. Capponi converted an old department store into a diner with a clock reminiscent of Grand Central Station where the two would meet after work. Don’t miss the three standard-sized Mimosas for $20. Try the Avocado Toast on grilled brioche and topped with a poached egg or either one of the French Toasts, one savory and one sweet. Fresh fruit adorns all plates.

These five breakfast places will be the start of a fabulous day and a fabulous stay.

 

Linda Milks, contributorLinda Milks, of Toasting Food Wine and Travel explores all that is food, wine, and travel with a hearty supply of curiosity and enjoyment. Connecting with people to learn about their activities, environment, culture, food and wine inspire her to write for others and rouse an interest in discovering new horizons. Sometimes it’s the hidden gems that bring Linda the most joy.

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Palm Springs Is Always Swinging

Trying to figure out how many golf courses there are in the Coachella Valley is not as easy a task as one would think. Some e-publications say over 120, others claim there’s more than 125, and one suggested there are at least 130. No matter which one you believe, that’s a lot of golf courses!

Links Magazine called Pam Springs a “Golf Mecca” while a Google request for “best cities to play golf in America” turned up 100 and not a peep about our 120/125/130+ courses. Meanwhile, Pete Dye’s scratching his head about that Google return because he was busy out here. He designed two beauts at La Quinta Resort; the TPC Stadium at PGA West, ranked one of the top 100 designed courses by GOLF Magazine; and one at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort. Throw in some courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Jack Nicklaus and you’re in golfer’s paradise.

Full disclosure: I cannot even hit a golf ball on an Xbox, so my level of skill is zero. But I thrifted some golf clothes and I absolutely look like I know what I’m talking about. Unless those little cute little skorts are for tennis. Either way, swing batter batter…no wait, I think that’s baseball.

Many of our clubs are members only, but there are some terrific public courses here as well:

Indian Canyons Golf Resort: This golf club dates back to 1961, and it’s where Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Dwight D. Eisenhower used to play. There are also two courses: the North Course and — any guesses? — yes! The South Course!

These courses are on Murray Canyon Drive and were formerly part of The Canyon Country Club, which was situated on the corners of South Palm Canyon and Murray Canyon. That club is long gone, but if you wander the corner, look down and squint, you might see it in your mind’s eye. There is still landscaping visible and a long bougainvillea’d upper path you can walk down to the golf shop and bar and grill with a spectacular view of the South Course’s greens and the mountains. But you came here for the golf, so let’s talk about that.

Indian Canyons’ South Course. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Indian Canyons’ 6,582-yard South Course was remodeled in 2004 by architect Casey O’Callahan with consultation from LPGA legend Amy Alcott. There are four ponds, 850 palms, and 500 Washingtonia filifera, a native palm that is important to the Agua Caliente tribe. The North Course was designed by William F. Bell, son of famed golf course architect William P. Bell. The longer of the two courses, the par-72 North Course plays 6,943 yards. The course is surrounded by mid-century modern homes, including many that were once owned by Walt Disney. There are six water hazards, including a lake with a fountain that shoots spray more than 100 feet into the air. 

Book the North Course or South Course here.

Escena Golf Club: A Nicklaus Design golf course, Escena is ranked among the top public courses in California, with unobstructed sightlines and carefully placed bunkers and water hazards. “With back tees stretching to nearly 7,200 yards, Escena offers a formidable test for the skilled player, but with four sets of tees, two additional combo tee options, and room to roam, how you satisfy your personal appetite for challenge is entirely up to you,” the club says. Book tee times here. The Grill has good food and spectacular views.

The Escena Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort: This was just rated “One of the Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest, and it has two courses to choose from.

The Resort Course at Tahquitz Creek — Designed by Ted Robinson, this “friendly, yet demanding” desert links-style gold course has beautiful mountain views and scenic waterscapes. Click the link for diagrams and statistics on each hole. Tee times for Resort Course.

The Legend Course at Tahquitz Creek — This William F. Bell-designed country club style golf course has incredible mountain views. Tee times for Legend Course. If you work up an appetite, visit Traditions Cafe for aprés golf.

Gorgeous views seen from the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

If you’re downtown, you might notice a golf course behind the Hyatt. That’s the O’Donnell Course and sadly, it’s private. It is, however, the oldest golf course in Palm Springs. Stop by and stare at it for a minute.

With 120/125/130+ golf courses there are clearly many I haven’t mentioned, but the last three are public and are in Palm Springs, close to your preferred small hotel, so you can get in an early game then enjoy some time poolside before you hit the town.

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Stay & Eat. Quintessentially Delicious.

Known for their intimate and extraordinary lodgings, several Palm Springs boutique hotels also have on-site restaurants that round out an authentic stay experience. Kitchens are run by chefs dedicated to creating thoughtfully prepared, and often locally sourced, meals with their own twist. 

La Serena Villas

Azucar: Modern contemporary cuisine with an emphasis and focus on flavor utilizing high-quality, local ingredients.

About Chef Joane Garcia-Colson: A recovering trial lawyer turned chef who left the practice of law to pursue her true passion – cooking. After graduating with both honors and distinction from the Arizona Culinary Institute, she threw caution to the wind and established dish Creative Cuisine in 2012. In January of 2018, Joane had the opportunity to take the culinary helm at Azucar in La Serena Villas in Palm Springs. “When I walked in the door of La Serena Villas, I fell in love with the property and couldn’t wait to bring my passion and love of food to Azucar.” Joane and her team are dedicated to excellence and strive to provide their guests with a creative, delicious and memorable dining experience.

Ingleside Inn

Melvyn’s:  Elegantly upbeat and the home of authentic Hollywood glamour with classic dishes and PlumpJack wines. The Casablanca Lounge at Melvyn’s is known for its nightly entertainment and the popular Sunday Night Jam Sessions featuring guest musicians and singers. No shorts, flip-flops, or baseball caps are permitted in the dining room.

About Chef Jennifer Towne: A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Town studied at Northern Italy’s Ristorante La Torre under Chef Patrizia Grossi, head chef for the Italian Olympic Team in Salt Lake City, Athens and Torino, Italy. She then went on to become junior sous chef at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas where she trained under a master French pastry chef and oversaw all aspects of food preparation within a four-star hotel. After three years of island life, Town relocated to Palm Springs to be part of the opening culinary management team for the Ace Hotel & Swim Club. In her role as executive sous chef, Town planned menus with an emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients for the hotel’s restaurant, bar, pool, in-room dining and banquets. Town also served as executive chef of the Purple Room Supper Club, a former Rat Pack hangout and destination for Palm Springs residents and travelers alike.

Interview with Executive Chef Jennifer Town (from spring 2018):
ttps://www.palmspringslife.com/melvyns-palm-springs/

Alcazar

Cheeky’s: Chef: Genuinely local. Small farm food, responsibly sourced meats and fresh local produce. Modern space for creative breakfast & lunch sandwiches, bacon flights & specialty cinnamon rolls. Chef: Jose

Birba: Modern Italian restaurant with a changing menu of global eats and craft cocktails. Chic, tree-filled patio. Chef: Eric

About local chef, restaurateur and hotelier, Tara Lazar, F10 Creative.It was a simple idea: Create a fun hangout for a homemade breakfast where Tara and her friends could gather, with no fuss, fresh local ingredients, and everything made from scratch. In 2008, the now-infamous Cheeky’s was born. Always an avid eater, born of will-travel-for-food gourmand parents, Tara began building her small empire of restaurants, bars (and a hotel!) from an endless appetite of cravings, tastes, sights, sounds and colorful spaces found around the globe. Recalling a midsummer night in Tuscany, pasta-heaped and wine-imbued, Tara (and her Milanese husband) created Birba, the al fresco Italian spot next door to Cheeky’s, in 2011. With friends around the globe dropping in to visit her burgeoning Palm Springs empire, Tara dove into a splashy pool season-weekender hotel—with the ideal Palm Canyon address—in Alcazar, opened in 2011.
 

Sparrow’s Lodge

The Barn Kitchen: This rustic chic American eatery serves an inspired menu of sandwiches, salads and small bites daily until 6 p.m., including an excellent burger and a chicken salad sandwich that explodes with flavor (roasted chicken, avocado, bibb lettuce, tomato and spicy mustard on rustic sourdough). Family style dinners on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Reservations required.

Interview with Executive Chef Gabriel Woo (from last fall):
https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/food/2017/10/31/gabriel-woo-chef-from-palm-springs-palm-springs/815712001/
 

Holiday House

Pantry, also overseen by Gabriel Woo. American fare. Fried chicken supper Friday’s only. Reservations required.

Los Arboles Hotel:

El MirasolCocina Mexicana has built a reputation for consistently serving piping hot plates of artfully prepared Mexican regional cuisine and tangy, flavorful Margaritas in Palm Springs, California. It features a singular focus on wholesome, fresh food with house specialties like Chicharron en Salsa, a rich, aromatic Mole Sauce and handmade Corn Tortillas made fresh daily.

About Felipe and Lisbet Castañeda. They have seen their tiny original restaurant grow into two busy Palm Springs locations. El Mirasol South is still in the original location they opened in 1985. The restaurant is a landmark in Palm Springs and enjoys a bustling atmosphere, small bar and outside tables on East Palm Canyon Drive. The Castañedas’ are natives of the small ranching town of Tepechitlan, Zacatecas, an area with a proud culinary history that borders Jalisco’s famous Tequila region. Mexican food traditions go back for generations in this family and that passion for food translates into great meals for customers of both their Palm Springs restaurants.

Arrive:

Draughtsman:elevated pub fare and an extensive list of draught beers.

Reservoir: Modern Southern California cuisines

Interview with Executive chef, Carmen Rodriguez:“What I’m known for is the global Latin thing of fusing different cuisines together. But more than anything else, I fuse cultures together. I look at the history of the dish and when I find a commonality between an Asian dish and a Latin dish is when I put them together. I look for a commonality in the culture and people behind it—there are stories behind every dish.”  

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Palm Springs Makes Hot Fun

Alcazar Palm Springs’ outdoor pool, patio, and terrace at night

Dry Heat Creates Cool Experiences

PALM SPRINGS, California (May 25, 2018) —Summers in Palm Springs sizzle, but given its low humidity, summer is celebrated in ways that other destinations simply can’t match. From museums to Botanical Gardens, homemade gourmet ice cream to mile-high fun, Palm Springs is perfect for luxuriating in dry summer heat.

In Palm Springs, the pools are legendary. Imagine an oasis with hundreds of sparkling pools, each one with its own personality. Alcazar‘s saltwater purified pool is surrounded by misters and shaded by palms, while The Santiago’s huge swimming pool — it’s 20 feet by 50 feet — is the largest hotel pool in the city.

Once a month, Arrive presents a Dive-In Movie, with the flick starting at dusk. Open to the public (21+), there are seats available poolside, and if you get there early enough, you can grab a float and watch the movie from the pool. This summer’s selection includes The Hangover (May 25), Austin Powers (June 29), Risky Business (July 27), and Grease (August 31). You’ll want to buy a beverage, but the movie and popcorn are free. And to satisfy a late night craving for cold, Arrive’s Ice Cream and Shop(pe) stays open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The Moorten Botanical Garden is home to more than 3,000 types of cacti and desert plants, grouped by geographic locations. To keep guests cool, it’s only open in the summer from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The Moorten Botanical Garden is so cute,” Kathy Friedle, owner of The Monkey Tree Hotel, said. “If you’re not from this area and haven’t seen cactus life, go there.”

In just 10 minutes, the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts visitors up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where the temperatures are always lower and the views unparalleled. Grab dinner at the Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café, and stop for a drink at the Lookout Lounge. Several Palm Springs Boutique Hotels, including Los Arboles and La Maison, offer tram packages to eliminate waiting in line to purchase tickets.

Felipe Castañeda, owner of Los Arboles Hotel, recommends visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum, which boasts 59 flyable and static planes inside four air-conditioned hangars. “You can look at the planes, and if you’re lucky, some of the servicemen who flew them hang out there and when they see you are interested, start telling stories,” he said.

Another suggestion: check with the hotel host for summer recommendations. Boutique hoteliers often distinguish themselves by offering an insider’s perspective to Palm Springs hidden summer treasures.

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Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is a consortium of independently owned, boutique hotels, which are an essential part of this desert resort town’s unique 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 and Instagram.

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The Triangle Inn: Where guests become friends

The front entrance of the Triangle Inn men's clothing-optional boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California, has purple and yellow and pink flowers and green grass

Michael Green and Stephen Boyd traded in careers in the advertising business, and the humidity of Atlanta, for the resort life and year round sunshine of Palm Springs.

The husbands traveled quite a bit, and always tended to choose bed and breakfasts when booking a place to stay. They became “enamored” with several, Michael said, and in 1999 decided to open their own, originally thinking about starting it in Florida. They remembered how much they liked their previous visits to Palm Springs, though — and the idea of leaving behind the weather and bugs of the South and East Coast — so instead, they packed up and moved out west in 2000.

Michael and Stephen bought the Triangle Inn Palm Springs, a gay men’s clothing optional resort, and got to work researching and then learning the practical ins and outs of running a resort.

“We had marketed a lot of hotels, but had never run one, so that was different for us,” Michael said.

The laid-back Triangle Inn is a mid-century modern hotel, opened in 1958 as the Impala Lodge and designed by Hugh Kaptur for his first commercial contract — it’s a prime example of the steel, glass, and stone designs from the time period. The hotel has eight suites with comfortable furniture and fully-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes.

“We’re a popular destination for people coming from the UK or Germany, who love to go anywhere where there is sunshine, and we always fit the bill,” Michael said. 

Michael and Stephen live on property, “and it really does feel like we’re having friends in the backyard,” Michael said. When you run a boutique hotel, “you’re often on 24/7, and it is never easy to get away, especially if you live on property,” he said. “You really do have to love it, and care about the people.”

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