Even More Fabulous Palm Springs Destination Wedding Tips

The pool at La Serena Villas in Palm Springs, California, is surrounded by lounge chairs and palms

Although this is a continuation of my first destination wedding post, it’s a bit of a “Chinese menu” if you will — one from this column, one from that column. You just need to decide on which one from each menu. Also here, you will find our bakers, florists, and a photographer. Keep in mind, when it comes to cakes and bakers, I have not ordered from them, nor do I know how good they are. You’ll have to figure that out with your tastebuds and your eyes.  

Boutique hotels for just the bridal party

Small hotels and resorts mean just that, on the smaller end. These hotels have a vibe that screams “very special events with very special friends happen here” (but not out loud). You’ve got to check them all out — there is something here for every group’s personality. 

Dive Palm Springs — Not only can you house your bridal party in their 11 gorgeous rooms, but there is space to hold the wedding itself, and a soundproof room for after reception (10 p.m.) hijinks. You have to visit to get how special it is. So cool.

La Maison — At the 13-room La Maison, it can be hard to remember you’re actually in Palm Springs. The property offers a touch of France in the heart of Palm Springs, with lovely lavender and bright flowers across the grounds. Rooms overlook the pool and gardens, and there are fountains across the property, offering a soundtrack of cool, trickling water.

Starburst tiles on the floor of The Velvet Rope's Bar Valerie in Palm Springs, California, contrast with the deep red and green velvet walls and chairs

Get the party started at The Velvet Rope’s Bar Valerie. Photo courtesy of The Velvet Rope

The Velvet Rope — Trendy, high-end hotel in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood with a very cool design. Each of the nine rooms is either velvet or inspired by a Hollywood icon, paying homage to Palm Springs’ Hollywood roots. Formerly known as the La Posada, the hotel was designed in 1952 by Herbert Burns.

La Serena Villas — There are ​​18 gorgeous and private villas, each with a private patio featuring a clawfoot tub, fire pit, sparkling pool and jacuzzi. You and your guests can enjoy Whispers Spa, known for its calming facials, massages, and body treatments. Azúcar, the on-site restaurant, overlooks the pool, and provides delicious and modern dining. Cocktail and great views can be found at Sugar High, the rooftop bar.

Mahala — New hotel, 14 rooms, you have to see it to believe it. Barcelona-based Stuart Patterson of Colorola created the overall Mahala concept, branding, interior design, custom furnishings and “supergraphics” that are continually evolving throughout the property. The hotel is a living canvas of art and design.

Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn — This hotel is so dreamy you’ll never want to leave. The Willows is available to accommodate overnight guests looking to enjoy a full three-course gourmet breakfast, evening wine with hors d’oeuvres, and numerous other complimentary amenities. Pair it with the O’Donnell House (see below) for an incredibly romantic event.

Perfect Palm Springs boutique hotel for wedding guests

An aerial view of Arrive Palm Springs hotel

The modernist Arrive Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Arrive Palm Springs

The 32-room Arrive Palm Springs is known for its fun, party vibes — guests are guaranteed to get excited about your wedding. Located on the north end of Palm Canyon at Vista Chino, a variety of good food options are just a stone’s throw away: 1501 Gastropub, Sandfish Sushi, HeyDay Burgers (yum!), Billy Reed’s, Freddie’s at The Cole Hotel.

A day to remember

Lunch in Palm Canyons — Coordinated by The Best of the Best Tours (they also have white birds for your wedding ceremony), this special event is like an old show on the BBC. Just a quiet day in the middle of nowhere enjoying the afternoon sun and a spread of delicious food.

Enjoy a pre-wedding bridal party dinner

Boozehounds — Chill spot on the northern end of Palm Canyon. Pooches welcome.

Johnny Costa’s — Old school Italian in decor and food.

Kaiser Grille — In the heart of downtown, terrific food.

Mr. Lyons — Sounds stuffy — it’s anything but that. Food is exceptional. 

So•Pa — Family style meals under a backdrop you’ll never forget.

Spencer’s — It’s the place everyone goes on special occasions.  

A classic Palm Springs wedding and reception

 

PS Underground — Known for its themed dinners with an original show (performed by terrific local entertainers), they will also host/help design your wedding and reception for a spectacular day to remember. Very cool space.

O’Donnell House — Sitting above the Palm Springs Art Museum in the mountain, this venue has a bird’s eye view of Palm Springs. It’s pretty spectacular, check it out.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway — Yes, you can get married at the Tram. There are three options for your room, plus your guests get to take a very nice ride up the mountain. You can also just opt to have the reception here. 

Spencer’s — Indoor accommodation for 50 to 200 guests. The Bougainvillea Room, nestled at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, has hosted special events, elegant affairs, and celebrity galas for over 50 years. Erroll Flynn, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Kirk Douglas, Dinah Shore, Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, and many others have all attended parties in this stunning location. This mid-century modern style room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, an inlaid stone rock waterfall, fireplace, and romantic lighting. Reception only.

The white exterior of Eight4Nine restaurant in downtown Palm Springs, California

Eight4Nine Restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Eight4Nine

Eight4Nine — Beautiful black and white restaurant with a pop of red. This used to be the Palm Springs Post Office, but you’d never guess.

Copley’s — Lovely estate, formerly Cary Grant’s guesthouse. Located in the heart of Palm Springs, this is a casual yet sophisticated restaurant offering a unique indoor-outdoor dining experience. 

Sonoran — Their website got hijacked, but it’s a gorgeous space. You can see photos here, just don’t click the link to the venue.

Late night options to keep the party going 

Reforma Nightclub

Pretty Faces Nightclub

Tryst Bar

Where to order cakes

Crown Town Cakes

Over The Rainbow

The Buttercake Studio

Fantastical Sweets by Mika

Where to order flowers

Palm Springs Florist

Lilies Palm Springs

My Little Flower Shop

Artisan Events

Wedding photographers

Lani Garfield — There are others, but I have seen Lani’s work. She’s got a great eye in a large situation, managing to capture all the best shots.

For entertainment at your reception or singer for your wedding, I know too many talented people and would be hard pressed to not recommend all of them. The talent down here is that special. If you go to a club and you like a singer, ask about their rates. 

Happy planning!

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Why The Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels Website Makes it Easy To Plan A Vacation

We’ve been watching the weather and see snowflakes are starting to fly in many parts of the country. While we’re not fortune tellers, we can tell you a sure way to avoid some of the winter snow: come visit Palm Springs, California, where the sun shines 350 days a year. 

Our pools are heated, and most assuredly, you will find palm trees nearby to take the perfect picture to send back home to your friends. If you want a cocktail in your hand for the photo while you are relaxing, that can be arranged, too.

We may be a little prejudiced, but we think one of our more than 70 boutique hotels will meet the vision you had in your head of a winter getaway. The official definition of a boutique hotel is 50 rooms or less. However, when you start looking, you will discover Palm Springs has many small hotels with under 20 rooms. One of the more intimate hotels was once the home of movie star Gloria Swanson. Now called Amin Casa, it has one studio; four private bungalows with full kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms; and Swanson’s original residence, a premier space with a grand living area and historic stone fireplace.

Our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website is the place to start your exploration, and here’s why:

1. Honest descriptions of our hotels

Journalists and travel writers have written the descriptions of our hotels, so you won’t read hyped-up marketing speak on our site. We strive to tell it like it is and often interview the property managers and owners, so what you read is what you can expect to experience once you arrive at your hotel.

The beautiful pool at Amin Casa. Photo courtesy of Amin Casa

2. A search tool that works

Whether you’re looking for a gay men’s clothing-optional resort, a hotel where you can bring your dog, or a property with a spa, all you have to do is put the specific term in our search bar and you’ll find what you’re looking for. Speaking of bringing your pup to Palm Springs, this is a very dog-friendly town, and you can take Fido just about everywhere. It’s not unheard of to arrive at a hotel and see a welcome sign waiting for Fido at the registration desk. By the way — be ready to find water bowls in front of storefronts and cashiers asking if your dog can have one of the treats carefully hidden behind the counter. 

3. Dining and shopping recommendations from insiders

With no empty storefronts, this town is thriving, and new shops are enticing visitors and residents alike. Our Boutiquely Palm Springs blog may help you decide where to start, but be aware that it can be hard even for locals to keep up with our ever-changing town, so you may discover some locally owned shops that just popped up.

Our food scene is also attracting some of the finest chefs in the nation, who know sophisticated foodies from all over the world flock to Palm Springs — and they are not about to disappoint. Our bloggers are writing in depth about restaurants and chefs, making our site is an excellent place to start researching restaurants that serve your favorite cuisine.

Everyone — dogs included — love shopping in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

4. Extensive event guides to find out what’s happening in town

With the busy season starting, you will want to check out the many attractions open and special events taking place in our city during your stay. Our blog has comprehensive articles about everything from Pride and Modernism Week to the best hiking trails in the desert. In addition, you will find articles written about lesser-known places you might want to visit.

5. Maps to show you the way

The Palm Springs International Airport is only about two miles from downtown. The Coachella Valley, home to Palm Springs and eight other cities, is 45 miles long, and some destinations are pretty far from the airport — Indio, for example, is 20 miles away. If you’re not renting a car, you can see why our proximity to the airport is a superb reason to stay nearby. The Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website has a map that shows all of our hotels in relation to the airport, as well as landmarks, attractions, and neighborhoods.

Cruising up to the Palm Springs International Airport in style. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

There is so much to explore in our area, and some planning can help ensure you have a stress-free vacation. Doesn’t it sound easy to sit in your comfy chair at home, favorite drink in hand, and use our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website to plan your dream vacation?

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Father’s Day Fun In Palm Springs

It’s June, and you know what that means — it’s time to forget Father’s Day! 

One year, my dad skipped church (I’m kidding, he never went to church) so my mom and my sibling and I went and learned it was Father’s Day. Gah! If it had been at the Baptist Bible school my parents sent us off to in the summer, we could have made something out of glue and macaroni, but this was the Presbyterian church, and they weren’t crafty. It was also the 1960s, and on Sundays nothing was open, so there was no way to remedy the situation. We went home defeated and, I’ll admit, a little nervous.

When we got there, Dad was moving the lawn. One look and we knew that he knew we didn’t know, and then he just wiped his brow and continued riding his mower (we had less than three-quarters of an acre, so that was kinda boujee). I now realize that is exactly what he wanted to be doing on that day, yard work, because it was away from the three females who vexed him 365 days a year. 

I hear they’re making dads a little bit more cuddly these days, so they’ll likely appreciate doing something with their kids, and I’m here to help you out. If you’re grown, you don’t need my help. Everyone knows it’s brunch for mom and dad gets to watch sports and drink beer all day.

For dads who have young’uns and like spending time with them (hopefully all of you!), bring the family down to the most laid back and grooviest little big place in the state of California: Palm Springs.

Quick note: I’ve pre-sorted a list of all of our family-friendly resorts for you here. There’s quite a few, and I’d love to tell you about all the wonderful and unique things offered by each, however this is about what to do once you score your stay. I encourage you to click and peruse, as well as add your own amenity filters. 

Now, if everyone’s gone tinkle and buckled up, let’s get this motor running and get out on the highway, looking for adventure…any more of that and I may have to pay royalties, so away we go:

Edutainment

Museum of Ancient Wonders — Comprised of 375 artifacts and fossils (many are replicas), the Museum of Ancient Wonders provides an opportunity for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves into the mesmerizing life of a pharaoh, the legends of Greek mythology, and ancient African mysticism, and to experience the international fossil record in one of the most comprehensive and diverse fossil collections ever assembled and rarely seen outside of their respective museums.

Windmill Tours — From golf cart tours to self-driving tours, it’s all about the energy of these turbines, how they work, and how much electricity they produce. I hear it’s marvelous. Likely not for toddlers, though. 

Palm Springs Air Museum — Climb aboard old planes, see memorabilia from the flyers, and even ride on an old warbird.

Next year, Discovery Children’s Museum of the Desert will be open again, and it’s full of wonder. They won’t let you in without a kid, but I got a tour once, and I wanted to play with everything.

Fascination

Create Center for the Arts — It’s hard to believe we have a place this special in our little valley, but we do. Formerly a high-end doggie and people spa, it’s been repurposed into a feast for creativity. Please, do yourself and your kids a favor and check out their website and just go. I can’t tell you everything here, but if there’s a smidge of an artist in you and you’ve got imagination, this place is a dreamcatcher. On top of that, one of the best bakeries in the valley, Aspen Mills, has a satellite shop there, and there is an art store. The whole place feels like an elegant castle. Bonus — they kept the salt cave!  

Rancho Mirage Observatory — The witching hour is 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Starts in the lobby of the library. There is no cost and no registration. Tours are limited to about 20 people. Also check out their stargazing at night.

Silly Fun

Cabazon Dinosaurs — Mr. Rex, Dinny, and their more than 50 dinosaur friends provide perfect photo ops. The dinosaur walk features a dino dig and fossil panning that kids will enjoy. 

 Jurassic Wonders — I guess we love dinosaurs? This is a new installation on Highway 111 in the vicinity of the Mary Pickford Theater. They’re pretty ferocious looking — not like Dino from The Flintstones. Great photo ops.

Boomers — Are you a golfing dad? You can scratch a little of that itch at Boomers mini-golf, and maybe hit some video games and the go-carts. They also have a batting cage, but I’ve never seen anyone use it.  

Living Desert — Real live exotic animals doing real life stuff so you may have to explain, “When two lions love each other very much….” Or, you can get them interested in feeding the giraffes instead.

Get Air Trampoline Park — Something for kids of all ages. Seriously, go to their website and check it out and tell them I sent you. They have no idea who I am. It’ll be fun!

Skate Park — If you’re an action parent with an action kid, this is where you want to be.

Into The Wild

Lake Arrowhead — Take a ride on the Lake Arrowhead Queen (it’s a boat), and/or take water skiing lessons. Go to Santa’s Village where you can zipline and learn to fly fish. Or just have lunch and an ice cream.

Magic Mountain at Big Bear Lake boasts:

The Alpine Slide, Southern California’s only authentic, year-round bobsled experience. Take a chair lift ride to the top, then control your speed as you twist and turn down a quarter-mile-long track. Check the website for ages/heights. 

The Soaring Eagle, where you whoosh through the air at incredible speeds.

The Mineshaft Coaster is the first and only mountain coaster in California. On the way up, check out the breathtaking views, then you control your speed through thrilling hairpin turns, dips, tunnels, bridges and 360-degree corkscrews on a mile long track.

There’s also go-karts, an 18-hole mini golf course, and … drumroll please … a double water slide!

Whatever you decide to do, can I go with you? Asking for my inner child. And please have a very happy Father’s Day!

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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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Craving the Sun? Palm Springs’ Boutique Hotels Open Just in Time to Fight the Winter Blahs.

Palm Springs offers blue skies, palm trees, and snow-capped mountains. Photo courtesy of visitpalmsprings.com

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels — a collection of more than 70 boutique hotels — have reopened just in time for those who crave the sun and need a change of scenery from the recent California lock-down orders. Many hotels have special offers to celebrate the reopening, including free nights and percentages off.

“Palm Springs small hotels are ideal for those who need a change of scenery but aren’t ready to be around many people,” says Michael Green Chair of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels/TBID commission. “It’s the perfect time to escape to somewhere bright, sunny and safe.”

The comfort and safety of guests continues to be a top 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 HVAC.

Hoteliers will continue to take every precaution during this time, from sanitizing surfaces throughout the day to rearranging patio furniture to ensure social distancing,” says Green.

As Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are independently owned with unique property designs and configurations, each one will have 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. Those who have visited before can expect some changes when it comes to checking-in and food and beverage services.

Some hotels, such as The Alcazar Palm Springs, La Serena Villas, Los Arboles, Villa Royale, Holiday House, and the iconic Ingleside Inn, have restaurants on site. Additionally, many Palm Springs restaurants and bars offer cocktail and food curbside pickup and hotel delivery services for those who don’t plan to leave their pool lounge chair.

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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 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 special offers page for details.

 

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How To Really Get Away From It All

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

Is your daily life starting to wear you down? Are you experiencing symptoms of undue stress — constant worrying, sleepless nights, feelings of anxiety? Or, maybe you’re just looking for a change of scene.

It may be time for a true getaway, and Palm Springs is your perfect destination. Not only is the weather beautiful, but there are lots of “get-away-from-it-all” activities and a plethora of charming, peaceful boutique hotels in the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels group that provide the ideal places to relax and regroup.

Here are some tips that may help you plan a real getaway in Palm Springs:

First, decide if you are going to get away alone or with another person, like a partner or friend. Sometimes another person can just add to your stress or distract you from focusing on relaxation — in that case, a solo getaway may be your best option. On the other hand, a traveling companion may enhance your getaway experience. It all depends on the person and what you are seeking in a getaway.

 The inviting pool at Azure Sky. Photo courtesy of Azure Sky

If you do decide to visit Palm Springs with someone else, make sure that the two of you either have similar ideas for your trip or that the other person respects your desire to experience a true getaway. If you just want to relax at your hotel and lounge around the pool, and your companion wants to hop around to museums and entertainment venues, then you need to respect each other’s wishes. You don’t have to do everything together. 

Set your getaway goals before you arrive in Palm Springs — do your research and make a list of activities that interest you, keeping in mind that trying something new is a wonderful way to get away from your daily routine. Consider going to  a spa or booking a massage, or how about that long-overdue pedicure? But please don’t over-plan. Doing too much in one day can be stressful. Allow plenty of time for naps! 

A bedroom at Sparrows Lodge. Photo courtesy of Sparrows Lodge

Choose a hotel that meets your relaxation goals. I have probably stayed at about 10 PSPSH boutique hotels in Palm Springs and I must say that they were all wonderful places to relax, but some are busier than others. They all have a relatively small number of rooms, so you will not be inundated by the distractions of lots of other guests. Many of these hotels are for adults only, and this is important if you don’t want cute but noisy little kids jumping over your lounge chair while you’re trying to lose yourself in a good book or take a serene snooze. Do you want a vibrant music scene around the pool or a more soothing atmosphere? Read the hotel reviews or call and ask about the atmosphere.

Consider a getaway where you can escape technology and the media for awhile. Several PSPSH hotels have no televisions or in-room phones, such as Azure Sky, Sparrows Lodge, and Korakia Pensione. (But of course, even if you stay in a hotel with a TV, you don’t have to turn it on.) You can also put your mobile phone and laptop away for a few days and just enjoy the sun, the sky, the pool, and a few friendly exchanges with other hotel guests. Be sure to bring some good books for relaxed reading.

The Artist Studio at Korakia Pensione. Photo courtesy of Korakia Pensione

Think about keeping a daily journal. Jot down random thoughts that come into your head. Record goals for maintaining a stress-free life when you return home. Or write about the many positive aspects of your life, and what you appreciate right now. Don’t focus on your problems — focus on what is good.

Meditation and mindful exercise or stretching routines like yoga can also be helpful in finding tranquility. Maybe you can start each day with a meditation on what you love about your life and how you hope to find peace in the future. There are also many wonderful hiking options in the Palm Springs area. Investigate those ahead of time and perhaps plan to take a daily walk or hike. There is nothing like nature to soothe your soul.

A hike in Indian Canyon is always a good idea. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

During your getaway, emphasize healthy eating and keeping alcohol to a minimum. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and fiber, which contribute to a healthy digestive system. A glass of wine occasionally is fine, but don’t overdo the cocktails. Many PSPSH hotels have small kitchens in their rooms so you can bring these healthy foods with you. Or you can order out from local restaurants if you don’t want to leave the hotel. 

Plan to stay long enough to really decompress. A week’s stay is ideal if possible.

I guarantee if you follow some or all of these suggestions you will leave refreshed and ready to embark on your daily challenges with renewed vigor. Remember the three Rs — relax, renew, refresh. Savor every moment.

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Revitalized Palm Springs Attracts Multi-Generational Visitors

Walking into the Palm Springs Rendezvous, blogger Jan Smith was taken aback by the hotel’s “timeless elegance.” Her visit only got better when she learned she would be staying in the “Pretty in Pink” room, where Marilyn Monroe would spend the night during her visits to Palm Springs.

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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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Unique Touches Found in Five of Palm Springs Small Hotels

With the world opening up more, it is the perfect time to visit Palm Springs. With 70 plus small hotels to choose from within Palm Spring’s city limits, deciding which one may seem like an overwhelming task. However, here are five hotels that each have a unique touch that might help with your selection.

Photo of Arrive Hotel pool

You Never have to Leave the Premises when you Stay at Arrive

Arrive

Located on North Palm Canyon, the adults-only Arrive hotel is a playful  oasis in the desert.

Here is the best thing about Arrive that you will not find anywhere else in town: their Poptails.

Made for adults only, Poptails are boozy, frozen ice pops aka childhood nostalgia for the very grown-up you. Available in rotating flavors like Aperol Spritz, Paloma, and Sex by the Pool, these housemade treats are a must. They’re available poolside for hotel guests but the locals know they can pop by and pick them up to go. It might be the best $8 you can spend on a hot day.

If you need to satisfy your caffeine or sugar craving, Arrive also has the Ice Cream Shop(pe) right on site, which is perfect if you want something a little less adult-like to cool your palate. And you can pick up speciality drinks for poolside enjoyment  or to go from the Cartel coffee shop.

 

The Cole Hotel and Biscuit and Counter Develop a Partnership

The Cole Hotel

This Palm Springs boutique hotel, designed by American Architect Hugh Kaptur in 1959, is restored and opened during the pandemic. The kitchen was expanded for the owners wanted to make their space one where visitors didn’t have to leave the premises for superb food.

Suddenly, things closed down because of Covid-19. It no longer made sense to have a full menu and chef on the premises. Biscuits and Counters had recently come to town and had no venue consistently to produce their melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, which were quickly becoming in great demand.

A partnership was developed. Biscuits and Counter made their savory biscuits in the kitchen and started to serve them in creative ways to The Cole’s guests. Now you walk out of your room and enjoy brunch by the pool.

If you want, you can meet local Palm Springs residents, for they have heard about the brunches and are coming to The Cole for a Sunday morning meetup with friends.

 

Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy the Gardens at the Dive Hotel

Dive Palm Springs

Are you dreaming of going to Europe and visiting the French Riviera?  We cannot help you with that right now, but we have a suggestion: reserve a room at Dive Palm Springs, an 11-room, adults-only boutique resort located in the heart of Palm Springs.

There are several stand-out  aspects to Dive but one of them is LuLu — an 8-foot-tall woman in a blue swimsuit and bathing cap made of neon and aluminum— who coyly greets you when you arrive.

And the other thing is Dive’s magnificent two-room, two-bed Paris Suite. It’s centerpiece is a 1919 belle époque brass and copper elevator cage that has been fully restored and converted into a Queen bed and lounge. There’s also the vintage“Not-So-Minibar” — a full-sized bar in a stunning vintage Tambour cabinet featuring 8 full bottles of premium liquors, elegant glassware and premium wines and Dom Perignon. There’s also an original copper-clad exterior window from the Flatiron building in NYC (c. 1903), reborn as an oversized antique wall mirror, the Christian Lacroix butterfly wallpaper, and antique Parisian chandeliers.  Très magnifique!

 

The Monkey Tree Offers Relaxation and Scandinavian Spa

The Monkey Tree

The 60-year old The Monkey Tree hotel has been restored to its mid-century modernism grandeur. Step back and feel what it was like when Palm Springs was the haven for movie stars escaping from the glare of the cameras.

This is the only place with an authentic Scandinavian Spa.  It has three components:

  1. First, you go into a dry sauna. (Presently, it is not open due to Covid-19 regulations – However, as soon restrictions are eliminated, it will be available again.)
  2. Then you jump into a pool cooled to 55 degrees and is for single occupancy.
  3. Finally, you go into an extra-deep jacuzzi. You sit on a bench, which allows you to have water over your shoulders. It is heated at 102 degrees and has room for two.

There are no day passes, so you can only have this “refreshing” unique experience if you are a hotel guest.

 

The Santiago Hotel has the Largest Resort Pool in Palm Springs

Santiago  

The Santiago hotel has a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier small hotels in Palm Springs that caters to gay men. This swimsuit-optional, 24-room boutique hotel is set amid luxurious and meticulously cared-for gardens.

Time for a dip? You can get plenty of exercise, for the Santiago has the largest pool at any Palm Springs resort. Enjoy a poolside lunch and drinks with misters providing the perfect cooling system on hot summer days. Picture swinging in a two-man hammock among the lush garden planted with exotic plants and cacti.  When you look up, you see the majestic mountain views with the occasional cloud dancing on the horizon.

Bonus wow: The Santiago  is the only resort in Palm Springs that includes complementary breakfast, lunch, and refreshments (served all day in the cantina).

Enjoy the tastefully decorated rooms, luxury bath products, and flat-screen TVs. You deserve a stress-free, pampered getaway.

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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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