Azure Sky Resort Hosting Wellness Retreat June 30

Four lounge chairs and striped umbrellas in front of the pool at Azure Sky Resort in Palm Springs, California

Plan for an incredible 24 hours at the Azure Sky Resort Wellness Retreat June 30 through July 1, 2024.

Azure Sky Resort is a serene 14-room boutique hotel in Palm Springs’ Tahquitz River Estates neighborhood, and upon arrival, retreat guests will be greeted with a welcome tote filled with aromatherapy and “mind-body treasures.” Activities over the next 24 hours will include tequila tasting, a plant-based cooking demonstration by Tanya’s Kitchen Chef Tanya Petrovna, a yoga class, a sound bath, and an exclusive selection of health elixirs from Mertails, made from herbs collected in Joshua Tree.

Dinner and breakfast are included, and guests will also have a chance to explore the hotel and spend time in the pool and spa.

The wellness package is $180 per person, plus room rate. To book, click here or here and use code “WELLNESS.”

A woman with long dark hair practices yoga outside on a sunny day at the Azure Aky Resort in Palm Springs, California

Morning yoga is just one of the wellness events planned for this special retreat. Photo courtesy of Azure Sky Resort

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Where To Stay In Palm Springs For The Dinah

Hundreds of women in the audience at a concert at The Dinah in Palm Springs

It’s that time of year, when Palm Springs throws The Dinah — the biggest, baddest lesbian party in the world. 

Running from Sept. 20-24, The Dinah will be held at the big hotels, and if you like being in the thick of it 24/7, then read no further. If you’d prefer your own getaway from the getaway, then I have some suggestions. If you’re coming in a group, I have ideas for that, too.

Palm Springs boutique hotels for groups

The Marley is a hotel with one rule: you gotta rent the whole place. From their website: “The Marley isn’t like all the other Palm Springs boutique hotels. In fact, it isn’t like any other boutique hotel. After all, we designed it to fit the exact needs of one unique group of guests at a time. So you and your friends can relax like Hollywood royalty — in total privacy.”

Women use floats in the pool at The Marley in Palm Springs

Hang out with the whole gang at The Marley. Photo courtesy of The Marley

The Three Ten Hotel, recently renovated and remodeled, is a mid-century modern property that’s rented out to just one group at a time. The gated hotel’s seven rooms are all brightly decorated and have queen-sized beds, kitchenettes, full bathrooms, and patios. There is also an arcade/game room and washer and dryer on the property, and all bedrooms have a view of the sparkling central pool. On top of all that, there’s a firepit, barbecue and outdoor dining space, lounge chairs, hot tub, and a hammock, surrounded by lovely desert landscaping. No on-site staff.

The living room space with a couch and arcade game at The Three Ten Hotel in Palm Springs

The Three Ten Hotel has an arcade in the common room. Photo courtesy of The Three Ten Hotel

Limón Palm Springs is a one-group-at-a-time property, and its “celebration specialists” will help with everything from reserving transportation and golf tee-times to hiring a gourmet chef to make a delicious meal onsite. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a charcuterie board featuring locally-sourced ingredients, plus chilled bottles of prosecco and sparkling rosé.

A colorful bedroom at Limon Palm Springs with patterned wallpaper and a bed with a yellow blanket

One of the colorful bedrooms at Limón Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Limón Palm Springs

Blackhaus is a truly unique space. Just look at it! I’m not going to say any more — I just urge you to look for yourself.

An aerial view of Blackhaus hotel in Palm Springs

Four separate buildings make up Blackhaus. Photo courtesy of Blackhaus

There are other places to stay, and ostensibly do a buyout. I’ve done the sorting for you — just go here.

More cool places to stay during The Dinah

Dive! Stunning hotel, marvelous pool, and exceptionally well-curated rooms. There’s also a soundproof after-hours room, so you can continue the party well into the morning.

A gilded elevator cage that has been converted into a bed frame at Dive Palm Springs

The Paris Suite at Dive showcases a 1919 brass and copper elevator cage. Photo courtesy of Dive Palm Springs

Drift, one of our newest hotels, is located downtown and has a plethora of social events. It’s a stunning hotel, just steps away from everything.

The pool at Drift Palm Springs surrounded by lounge chairs with the hotel's building in the background

The poolside views at Drift are delightful. Photo courtesy of Drift Palm Springs

Villa Royale is a 38-room hotel in the south end of Palm Springs. Built in 1947, it was owned and managed by a woman named Evelyn Pell. You can stay in her namesake villa, a private residence with its own hot tub and garden.

A chair and fireplace in a room at Villa Royale Palm Springs that has a tile wall and hanging picture of Debbie Harry

The Villa Royale is known for its stylish and art-filled rooms. Photo courtesy of Villa Royale

Old Ranch Inn  is done in a western style, and damn it is gorgeous! The eight-suite, dog-friendly property is completely walled and gated for your privacy. It’s centered around the pool, which is heated to a perfect 88 degrees. Old Ranch Inn is an intimate hideaway to call your very own, and as a bonus, it’s located one block west of Palm Canyon, making downtown your playground.

The pool at Old Ranch Inn with blue chairs around it

The pool is always 88 degrees at Old Ranch Inn. Photo courtesy of Old Ranch Inn

There are so many more Palm Springs boutique hotels, in so many different styles, that it’ll blow your mind. Visit the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website to find the place that will boost your Dinah experience.

Have fun!

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Historic Hotels On View During Modernism Week

The late 1940s and ’50s was the start of modernism in Palm Springs, but it wasn’t until 2006 that Modernism Week first cast its spell on the world. Since then, the number of people attending has risen each year, with 2023 bringing in over 100,000 visitors, creating a revenue stream of $55 million.

They have over 350 things to do, and this post will help you navigate the event, but I’m gonna tell you about some of our preferred small hotels that are on the Modernism Week bus tour. You can make the event an exceptionally authentic one by also booking one of these boutique hotels. And this year, one of them is actually featured as a Modernism Week event. 

A Palm Springs classic: Casa Cody

Casa Cody, the city’s oldest operating hotel, isn’t from the modernism era — it was built in the late 1910s — but the property has been well maintained and has a fantastic history. Harold and Harriet Cody left Hollywood and came to Palm Springs (by wagon) in 1916, as Harold’s frequent tribulations with pneumonia were worsening and the dry desert air was considered a health benefit for anyone with lung ailments. Harold was a Los Angeles architect, and purportedly the cousin of the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody. 

Initially, Casa Cody was just their home, but in 1920 Harriet hung up a hotelier’s shingle, and the rest is Palm Springs history. Some of their more famous guests included Charlie Chaplin, American opera singer Lawrence Tibbett, and AnaÏs Nin. Harriet is said to be a direct descendant of Sir Thomas Moore and from one of the wealthiest families in Philadelphia.

Today, Casa Cody has 31 guest rooms and private rooms, two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, a spa treatment room, and a marketplace, and you can see it all on Feb. 19, 2024, during the hotel’s special Modernism Week event. You’ll get to go on a behind-the-scenes tour and hang out poolside, with cocktails and brunch items available. All of this can be yours for the low, low price of $50.

Even when it’s not Modernism Week, Casa Cody has movies by the pool and art events available to guests. This party is a great opportunity to roam the grounds and check out all of that history!

That’s not all…

The other boutique hotels you’ll see on the Modernism Week bus tour are:

Korakia Pensione — Originally called Dar Marroc and styled after Tangier, Morocco, Korakia was built in 1924. It’s the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts, and the rumor is that Winston Churchill painted (not the walls, canvases) in the Artist’s Studio. Forbes Traveler named it one of their sexiest hotels in America.  

Ingleside Inn — Home of the popular Melvyn’s Restaurant and Lounge, this estate began as a private home built in 1924 for Ethel Richards Birge and sold to Ruth Hardy in 1935 (you may have heard of her park, located on Caballeros). Even if you don’t stay here, go for a cocktail at Melvyn’s to check it out. Très cool. 

The Orbit In's retro pool surrounded by loungers and vintage umbrellas

The Orbit In is a spectacular mid-century modern classic. Photo courtesy of Orbit In

Orbit In — Designed in 1948 by Herbert W. Burns, a builder and innkeeper behind a number of small inns and private homes in Palm Springs during the 1940s and ’50s. His Town and Desert Apartments live on as The Hideaway, one of the Orbit In’s two boutique hotels. From Orbit you can see Swiss architect Albert Frey’s masterpiece builds (Frey I & II) in the mountains above you. Burns designed many of the buildings on Baristo, just west of Belardo.

Movie Colony Hotel — This property was designed by Frey, who left his mark all over Palm Springs. Built in 1935, its original name was the San Jacinto Hotel, a three-unit townhouse. Currently, the Bauhaus-inspired property is a 17-room boutique hotel (they expanded, they did not cut up three townhouses to make 17 rooms). If you can, book Unit 29 — it is considered the least changed from Frey’s original design.

A pink flamingo float in the pool at Skylark Hotel Palm Springs with the mountains in the background

The views are fantastic from the Skylark Hotel pool. Photo courtesy of Skylark Hotel

Skylark Hotel — Recently updated, the mid-century modern property was built in 1955 and was the backdrop for the movie Palm Swings. 

Willows — Located a stone’s throw south of the Art Museum, Albert Einstein used to stay here when he’d visit Palm Springs (and would “take the sun” in the buff). This is one of the 10 oldest structures in Palm Springs, and its eight guest rooms each have modern amenities while retaining their historic charm. You are right on the mountain, so you know you’re going to have a spectacular view.

Amin Casa — Formerly the home of Gloria Swanson, this beautiful estate dates back to the 1920s and accommodates 14 guests, adults only. For a unique experience, you can book Swanson’s original residence, a swanky two bedroom, two bath cottage with a grand living space.

That’s all we’ve got time for today, Modernettes. Hope to see you on the streets during Modernism Week!  

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Palm Springs: Design Heats Up for Modernism Week

By Nicole Anderson, Modern Magazine

If Palm Springs is synonymous with modern architecture, then Modernism Week is the celebration of Modern Palm Springs. Several boutique hotels, including The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, L’Horizon Palm Springs, and The Monkey Tree offer stellar examples of the mid-century aesthetic. Nicole Anderson’s piece for Modern Magazine, beautifully summarizes the appeal of Palm Springs mid-century architecture.

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Palm Springs After Dark: Five Amazing Stops

While Palm Springs may be best known for its sunny skies and daytime activities — such as hikes and walks, bike rides, shopping sprees, and leisurely swims in gorgeous pools —its nightlife is just as abundant and enticing. There are many fabulous bars and nightclubs open until the wee hours, but here are five ideas for your nighttime excursions — from the inspiring and romantic to the hopping and rocking.  These are all classic Palm Springs experiences.

The Purple Room Supper Club is one of my favorite spots for both stellar entertainment and delicious food and drinks. Located in the Trinidad Hotel, the Purple Room will carry you back to the rat pack era of the sixties, when celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Junior crooned on its stage.  There are live shows every night (except Mondays) and all the ones I’ve seen have been wonderful.  On Sundays, owner Michael Holmes presents the Judy Show, a wildly popular parody of Judy Garland’s television show. Other nights feature a variety of talented performers. You can enjoy the shows while savoring classic supper club fare (shrimp cocktails, prime rib, etc.) and specialty cocktails that are reminiscent of days gone by.

Seymour’s is an iconic speakeasy secretly hidden within Mr. Lyon’s, a popular upscale steak house. The secret entrance and dimly lit ambiance harken back to Prohibition days when patrons could sneak in to enjoy illicit alcoholic beverages in an intimate setting. This clandestine bar serves original craft cocktails as well as classic Prohibition-era cocktails, such as my favorite, the Last Word, made with gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Vintage film clips above the bar add to the feel of days gone-by. This is the perfect place to wind down after a night on the town in Palm Springs. I’ve met the most interesting people at Seymour’s and the bartenders are personable and full of entertaining stories.

The Casablanca Lounge at Melvyn’s, adjacent to the charming Ingleside inn, is another special place where you can immerse yourself in the Hollywood glamour of the fifties and sixties. After a classic dinner at Melvyn’s, where tableside cooking is featured, you can adjourn to the lounge for an after-dinner drink, a lively piano bar, and perhaps a little dancing. You can just imagine Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe sipping martinis at this favorite getaway from the hubbub of Hollywood.

Moxie’s on Sunday nights is the place to go for a rocking, hip drag show called Foxie at Moxie — widely celebrated as one of the best drag shows in Southern California (also featured during a Sunday brunch). The rotating, talented cast of gorgeous, talented queens will entertain you while you sip on craft cocktails and nibble on delicious appetizers.  There is also live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. The casual rooftop bar is a great place to relax and soak up the midnight skies. For a memorable, authentic Palm Springs experience you can’t miss Moxie’s.

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge is another swinging nightclub where something is hopping every night of the week. This trendy spot features Palm Springs’ longest continuing drag show, Tomi Rose and the Playgirls. Each night has a different theme, such as Latin Fever, Jungle Boogie and Pop Diva Karakoke, and, if you’re lucky, the “Go Go Boys” dancers may make an appearance. The drink specials are creative and fun.

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It’s Time For Another Action-Packed March In Palm Springs

“I try not to limit my madness to March.” — Maxine (a.k.a. John Wagner for Shoebox Cards)

For most of the world, March is a tempestuous mistress. Cold and blustery, then cold and sunshine-y. She’s a whole lot of brrrrrrrrr.

In Palm Springs, March is more of a minx: flirty and fun. Her daytimes are generally in the 80s and sometimes 90s, however she can give you the cold shoulder, too. Especially at night. The solution is to bring your swimsuit and a bunch of layers because in Palm Springs, March is a swinger. She gets a bit chilly at night but bounces back by 10 a.m.

Without further ado, we will now continue our fun streak of delightful Palm Springs activities, with one event that’s so cool I might have just peed a little reading about it. Read on while I change me undies:

New restaurant alert:

Osteria Palmina

Dinner and a show:

The Purple Room

March 3, 4, and 5: Lucie Arnaz: I Got The Job 

March 6, 13, 20, 27: The Judy Show 

If you’ve read this blog before, you know it’s my favorite show in town.

March 11 and 12: John Lloyd Young 

March 17, 18, and 19: Marvelous Marilyn Maye

March 25 and 26: Joe Pasa as Joan Rivers

AsiaSF 

Dinner and a lip sync show! The costumes are outstanding! Same producers as the one in San Francisco.

PS Underground

Pop 80s — Featuring The Gand Band

Gospel Brunch with Keisha D

Laurel Canyon — a tribute to those artists of the area, like Linda Rondstadt, Joni Mitchell, and The Doors (with music from The Gand Band).

The Mod Squad Variety Show — Another personal favorite, this one’s a brunch.

Ovation — A jazz-inspired Sunday brunch.

Light — I have always wanted to see this show! Described as an “unparalleled multi-sensory journey” that offers an “unprecedented dining experience through culinary art and technological innovation.”

Broadway Blind – A musical Sunday brunch.

A Night at the Chi Chi — Mark your calendars, this one’s on April 1 and 2.

Courtesy of PS Underground

Oscar’s 

The Women Of Knots (that’s Knots Landing, people!)

Drinks and entertainment:

Cascade Lounge at Agua Caliente in downtown Palm Springs

Jazzville — Every Thursday

Caliente Comedy — Every Friday 

Latin Nights — Every Sunday

PS Cultural Center

Jazz on the Second Floor

Martinis & Moxie

Theater:

Palm Canyon Theater
Palm Springs Getaway! Runs until March 13.

Desert Rose Playhouse
Electricity
Brian Justin Crum 
Palm Springs The Musical: Born To Sparkle — World premiere!

Courtesy of Palm Springs The Musical

The Annenberg
The Anniversary — A full-length dance film event.
Coachella Valley Symphony Concerto Concert
Lilias White — White has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world, including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Lincoln Center. Her debut solo studio album, Get Yourself Some Happy!, was released in July.

Desert Ensemble Theatre
All This Intimacy — Described as a sex comedy gone wrong.

Dezart Performs
The Mountaintop — A reimagining of Martin Luther King Jr.’s last day at the Lorraine Hotel and his encounter with a young maid. There’s a huge twist in this play, something you can expect to be handled brilliantly by Dezart. 

All the rest:

Palm Springs Chalk Art Festival
OMG!! I LOVE chalk art, especially from artists with a sense of whimsy. One of my favorite creators on TikTok is chalk artist David Zinn. This is a free event.

MOGO Silent Disco Tour
If anyone wants to do this, please include me!

Photo courtesy of MOGO Silent Disco Tour

Palm Springs Vintage Market
This Palm Springs staple will run on March 6 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

French Cooking Classes
In the chef’s private home — all reviews are spectacular!

Of course the old “musts” are still available, and if you haven’t, well…you must!

Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs Art Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum

Hiking at Indian Canyons — Please note: closed on March 11 for the Legacy Hike. 

Happy Palm Springs everyone! See you in April.

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Follow The Music To Palm Springs: April Events

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ”Let’s party!'” — Robin Williams

Welp, it’s time for Coachella again, and what a beast of a party it’s going to be this year with Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, Swedish House Mafia, and Kanye (billed as Ye) headlining. There’s already a titch of craz-ye in the air.

Per their website, the lineup also includes Phoebe Bridgers, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Baby, 21 Savage, Danny Elfman, Doja Cat, Run the Jewels, Jamie xx, Carly Rae Jepsen, Vince Staples, Japanese Breakfast, Baby Keem, Caribou (and Daphni), City Girls, Denzel Curry, Caroline Polachek, 100 gecs, DJ Koze, Turnstile, Rina Sawayama, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, the Avalanches, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Arooj Aftab, Orville Peck, Nilüfer Yanya, Disclosure, Brockhampton, PUP, the Blessed Madonna, Peggy Gou, Spiritualized, Amber Mark, Slowthai, Fatboy Slim, Mako Kream, Idles, J.I.D, girl in red, Duck Sauce, BadBadNotGood, Amyl and the Sniffers, and many more.

That’s more people than my high school graduating class.

The festival runs two weekends: April 15-17 and April 22-24. If you have tickets, have tons of fun, wear sunscreen, check out how to get there, and here’s a list of their services.

If you don’t have tickets, and you have the sads, you can watch the festival from the comfort of one of our resorts with a cocktail, inside your air conditioned room, or by the pool at the Coachella page on YouTube.

Right after Coachella, it’s Stagecoach starting April 30. So wash, rinse, repeat. But don’t do that with your hair. That’s just a ploy so you’ll use more product, unless you went to a music festival — then definitely wash, rinse, repeat.

That’s what a lot of folks are pumped about for April, but for those of you who eschew everything that comes with being in a huge crowd, yet love a good party (raises hand), read on…

Free things to do (and some food, too)

April 3: Opera in the Park will be held at Sunrise Park in Palm Springs. The free concert will feature accomplished opera professionals accompanied by a professional orchestra. Event attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a day of beloved opera arias.

April 6: Rock The Park, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Kenny Metcalf performs Elton John: The Early Years.

April 28: Dining Out For Life — Check the website for a list of participating restaurants. It’s a lot.

Thursdays Free at Palm Springs Art Museum

Thursdays Village Fest — just ask your host, or follow the crowd.

Ticketed events

April 1: Rouge Ballroom Bash by Nickerson Rossi Dance. Salon Rouge returns to the International DanceFestival.  A praised sold-out program that this year will feature this award-winning dance team and ballroom instructors, Beverly Durand and Curtis Collins. Learn basic social dancing, hit the dance floor to strut your moves, and be ready to move. Oh, and the drinks are on them!

Through April 29: Glow In The Park at The Living Desert, a spring lantern festival. This is The Living Desert’s brand new and larger-than-life illuminated experience. This extraordinary nighttime event will feature intricate, immersive, and truly awe-inspiring animal and naturescape lantern creations representing wild places from around the globe. Get ready to see The Living Desert in a whole new light.

PS Historical Society has a bunch of walking tours and biking tours (rental bikes) that look fantastic. Listed by days, the website has offerings like Golden Era Hollywood Homes, the Rat Pack Playground, the Heart of the City, and more.

MOGO Silent Disco: I still wanna go to this. Curated music in your ears, dancing down the street with a non-intrusive tour guide. Come on! How much fun!

Live theater

Desert Ensemble Theater: Great little company at the Cultural Center.

Palm Canyon Theater: Spamalot playing in April.

Dezart Performs: Last chance to see one of their terrific productions of the 2021/2022 season.

Desert Rose Playhouse: Check out Palm Springs The Musical: Born to Sparkle.

Music and comedy

Fridays – Caliente Comedy: Not the all-star comedians, but funny, funny people.

Thursdays – Jazzville: What a show! If you like jazz and you’re here on a Thursday, get yourself a ticket.

Purple Room: Rat Pack vibes, dinner and entertainment. Amazing local performers Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays and Saturdays are ticketed events with well-known entertainers, and on Sundays, check out my beloved The Judy Show.

PS Underground: Musical madness from two creative geniuses. Dinners and brunches like you’ve never experienced before. They also have an Easter Gospel Brunch (adults only).

Oscar’s: So very gay, so very fun. That’s not the name of an act, just a description of Oscar’s.

PS Cultural Center: Not just movies, farmers markets, and the vintage anymore. On April 17, check out Alohana, a tiki day celebration. And there’s Martinis and Moxie on April 13.

Drag brunches 

Oscar’s Bitchiest Brunch Show

Disco Boozy Brunch

Roly China Fusion

If you haven’t yet, take a ride up the mountain on the tram and hike our gorgeous trails before it gets too hot.

If that’s not enough excitement for you, head even higher into the skies with a warbird ride at the Palm Springs Air Museum, available every weekend.

May is the Oasis Music Festival; I’ll tell you more about that next time.

Until then, stay safe, shop and stay local, and if you go to any of the clubs or theaters, tell them Kay from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels sent you. No one can pronounce my last name, Kudukis, but it’s often hilarious when people try. But that’s just me. You won’t get a laugh, or any discounts, but they won’t kick you out — I don’t think. Hmmm. Do me a favor, give it a try and let me know? Thanks, you’re the best!

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Walk Of The Inns 2024: A Palm Springs Hospitality Tradition

Garland and red bows are put up around the entrance of Amin Casa boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California

On Thursday, Dec. 12, discover Palm Springs’ unique charm during the annual Walk of the Inns. This free, self-guided walking tour lets locals and visitors alike experience the city’s vibrant boutique hotel holiday scene.

This annual tradition is a delightful way to discover the eclectic hotel properties nestled between Ramon Road and Tahquitz Canyon Way. Guests can expect lively music and refreshments at the different stops, which will include mid-century modern marvels and stunning Mediterranean retreats. Participating hotels will showcase their unique styles and warm hospitality, providing an insider’s look at the distinctive architecture for which Palm Springs is renowned.

What to know about the Walk of the Inns

The Walk of the Inns begins at the Palm Springs Art Museum, where attendees can pick up a complimentary map detailing all the participating hotels and a small flashlight to help illuminate the journey, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Well in the Desert, an initiative that supports local families in need. For those looking for an alternate starting point, head to the Palm Springs Woman’s Club.

Participating Walk of the Inns hotels

Casa Cody: The oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, it was founded by Buffalo Bill Cody’s libertine cousin, Harriet. Casa Cody boasts two pools, an eatery, and historical adobe buildings. It’s a favorite for weddings and family gatherings.

Ingleside Estate: This Spanish Revival landmark has long attracted Hollywood stars. It’s also home to the legendary Melvyn’s Restaurant and Casablanca Lounge, where live music, cocktails, classic dining, and an aura of old Hollywood glamour await.

Avalon Hotel and Bungalows: Known for its flowing series of courtyards, lawns, gardens, and grounds that reveal romantic pools and cabanas, a hidden spa, studios and suites, and historic bungalows.

Talavera Palm Springs: This boho chic boutique hotel offers an intimate escape that is perfect for romance, personal retreats, and solo travelers. Every room boasts a private hot tub.

La Serena Villas: Originally built in 1933 on over an acre of exquisitely landscaped grounds, this Michelin Key hotel offers the perfect Palm Springs backdrop. Home to Azucar Restaurant and Whispers Spa, this hotel has offered respite to generations of discerning travelers.

Amin Casa Hotel: Embodying the luxury of life in Palm Springs, this impressive property dates back to the 1920s and was once the Palm Springs home of Hollywood screen legend and award-winning actress Gloria Swanson.

Lucille Palm Springs: Reimagined in late 2023, its history stretches back over 100 years. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1921, including Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who frequented the property with their family.

Old Ranch Inn: A quintessential small Palm Springs hotel, this charming property embodies the casual nature of Palm Springs. With just eight rooms — many just a few steps away from the central courtyard pool — it is warm and cozy, and just right for a weekend getaway.

The Walk of the Inns is sponsored by the Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and the Women’s Club of Palm Springs. This collaboration helps create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the community and the exceptional hospitality that defines Palm Springs.

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Fall’s Main Events: The Dinah, Modernism Week, And Pride

People wearing turquoise shirts carry a large rainbow flag down a palm tree lined street in Palm Springs

‘Tis the season! The next three months in Palm Springs not only provide more local entertainment, but we have three huge events. Read on weekend warriors!

The Dinah

September 21-25: The Dinah is the largest queer, lesbian, non-binary party in the world. I’m very sorry I didn’t tell you about this back in August, but I was under the impression that the whole shebang had moved entirely away from Palm Springs. In a city that celebrates the LGBTQ community, that made me sad. I’ve said it before, and I’m saying it again: Lesbians are underserved in Palm Springs. No lesbian hotels, and no lesbian bars. Even the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival is now held in Cathedral City which, incidentally, is where gay bars originated. You can read all about the history of gay Palm Springs in one of my earlier blogs, but here’s a historical factoid from it: Gloria Green opened the first gay and lesbian bar in Cat City. Girls were also the first hoteliers and put Palm Springs on the map. They were the mothers of Palm Springs. And nothing got done without them. (Who run the world? Girls!)

As it turns out, Dinah just switched hotels — the events are now at Margaritaville, at the corner of Vista Chino and Indian Canyon. However, if you’re looking to combine a true Palm Springs experience with your party plans, check out our selection of boutique hotels. There may not be a lesbian hotel, but they’re all inclusive except, perhaps, the gay men’s resorts (and lesbians are likely to eschew that option anyway).

Having fun at The Dinah. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Headline events

Sept. 22: 

Dinah’s official opening night party at AsiaSF Palm Springs

Sept. 23: 

Girl Spot Friday featuring Riela from noon to 5 p.m.

The Black and White Ball from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., with performances by ’80s music superstar Taylor Dayne and Haviah Mighty

Sept. 24: 

The L Word Pool Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with performances by IV4 and Cassidy King and the hottest DJs

The Hollywood Party from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring Fletcher. The red carpet arrivals start at 9.

Sept. 25: 

Sunday Fun Day Pool Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with appearances by  Zolita, Siena Liggins, Fletcher, Haviah Mighty, Cassidy King, IV4,, IV Jay, Siena Liggins, and Taylor Dayne.

Modernism Week October

October 13 to 16 is Modernism Week October. Formerly known as Modernism Week Preview, they’ve rebranded because what happens in October is not what will happen in February. The bus tours remain the same, but the home tours and other events are different.

I was going to list all of the events here, but hoo boy, the list is looooong. So here’s a link.

A Modernism Week bus tour. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Palm Springs Pride

November 4 to 6 is Palm Springs Pride, with the theme “Say Gay.” The biggest, bestest party around. I’m a cis-girl who doesn’t like crowds, but I always make it to the parade. Note: I have never liked parades, but I like this one. Why? Because everyone is just being, and when you’re just being, you’re happy.

FYI: Just prior to Palm Springs Pride, we’ve got Leather Pride from October 27 to 29, with multiple events at different locations. Here’s a link for you.

Although it’s two months away, you should book your hotel for Pride now. Might I suggest one of our men’s resorts? Most are clothing optional and all are lovely, but each one is unique: Here’s the inside scoop.

Book tickets and stays now — all of these events and rooms sell out super fast. While you’re in town, check out the best queer shopping in Palm Springs. Staying and shopping local keeps the best little oasis in the desert surviving, if not thriving.

Have fun, and stay safe!

Palm Springs Pride Parade. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

 

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Movies, Concerts, And More Await At The Palm Springs Cultural Center

The Palm Springs Cultural Center's logo of a palm tree in front of rainbow colors on a black background

The Palm Springs Cultural Center, less than two miles from Downtown Palm Springs, serves as a hub for many of our cultural experiences. It also is a great place to mingle with locals and learn more about our city.

50 years in Palm Springs

A black and white photo shows the Camelot Theater in Palm Springs as it looked when it opened in the late 1960s

The Camelot Theatre in its early days. Photo courtesy of the Palm Springs Cultural Center

The center originally opened in February 1967 as the Camelot Theatre, with a 625-seat auditorium, and in 1971, Camelot II was built next door. The theatre was in the Palm Springs Mall, and due to harsh economic conditions, it closed in January 1992. Palm Springs Mall management saved it from the wrecking ball, though it remained an empty space for eight years.

In 1999, it was purchased by Ric and Rozene Supple, who renovated the theatre and added state-of-the-art equipment. They eventually donated the building, and it was renamed the Palm Springs Cultural Center in 2018.

Today’s Palm Springs Cultural Center

Fresh onions and greens grown at local farms for sale at the Certified Farmers Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Fresh produce can be found every Saturday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center’s Certified Farmers Market. Photo by Kathy Condon

Under the guidance of Executive Director Michael Green, who is also co-owner of The Triangle Inn, the Palm Springs Cultural Center hosts screenings and events throughout the year. Every January, many films from the International Film Festival are shown here, and in March, AmDocs takes over all three theatres and welcomes directors and producers from all over the world.

When no special events are taking place, current and vintage movies are shown in the 125-seat or 625-seat auditoriums. By the way, they have great popcorn with real butter.

On the grounds surrounding the Palm Springs Cultural Center, a Certified Farmers Market is held on Saturdays, offering everything from flowers to fresh produce from outlying farms. It is a time when locals flock here to buy homemade bread, listen to music, and gather their produce for the week’s meals.

Follow the winding staircase

A staircase leads upstairs to the VIP Lounge at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Take this staircase up to the VIP Lounge and a guaranteed good time. Photo by Kathy Condon

Walking into the center to the right of the door, you will notice a staircase. This winds its way to the second floor, where you will enter a space filled with tables, an outdoor patio, and a bar waiting to serve you your favorite cocktail.

Recently, I attended a live performance by Gregory Douglass here in the VIP Lounge. About 50 of us mingled, ordered cocktails, and settled in to listen to Gregory — a fellow blogger for Boutiquely Palm Springs — perform some of his original songs. Gregory is a transplant via Vermont, where he wrote his songs and produced and released 10 albums.

With his keyboard and guitars strategically placed at one end of the lounge, Gregory warmly welcomed us with his broad smile and immediately revealed his sense of humor. The intimate setting made us feel like we were visiting a secret salon.

We were honored to hear two newly written songs, which will be on his 11th album and had never before been performed in front of an audience. In between, he shared anecdotes about his life and thoughts when creating his music. There was much laughter; Gregory displayed genuine awareness of the audience throughout the evening and did not shy away from sharing the bloopers in this life and performance.

A man in a striped shirt and a woman in a green dress pose in front of a keyboard at the Palm Springs Cultural Center

Kathy Condon and Gregory Douglass pose after Gregory’s VIP Lounge performance. Photo courtesy of Kathy Condon

I asked Gregory about performing in the VIP Lounge, and he revealed that it “fills my heart to have friends and local music lovers take a chance on an evening of (mostly) original music. I think it is such a powerful exchange with the audience to perform my emotionally-centered songs in an intimate setting like the Palm Springs Cultural Center VIP Lounge.”

The VIP Lounge is often a pre-show cocktail location for special events and shows. However, as Gregory notes, it is also a great place to learn about and discover artists living in the area. As a side benefit, it is small enough to allow one to mingle with locals and talk to the artists before and after their performances.

The Palm Springs Cultural Center’s breadth of events continues to introduce people to new talent, vintage films, and creative endeavors of individuals who are either starting or reviving their careers. Before you visit Palm Springs, check out the center’s website and sign up for its newsletter so you can find out what’s happening while you’re in town.

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