The Palm Springs Hotel: A deep love for Palm Springs

Growing up in Los Angeles, Denise Adams grew up vacationing in Palm Springs. She loved those visits to the desert, and when she sold her greeting card business and the opportunity came up to purchase an older hotel for sale on North Palm Canyon Drive, she jumped on it.

The Palm Springs Hotel opened in November 2014, with Denise entering a partnership with friends and family to own and operate the hotel. She followed her instincts when it came to decorating and designing the property, adding a bit of an industrial slant to a hotel that is primarily mid-century.

“It’s clean and simple, but elegant,” she said.

The hotel’s 15 rooms are situated around the pool, have bold furnishings, and are named after some of Palm Springs’ most famous celebrity guests — Elvis, Frank Sinatra (“I like men in suits, with a tie or tux,” Denise said). Making guests happy is the top priority, and Denise said she is so excited when guests walk in and their expectations are exceeded.

“It’s a boutique experience,” Denise said. “To us, guests are royalty. We do whatever we can to make a guest happy, and they feel the love and give it back to us. Our guests mean everything to us.”

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Palm Springs Welcomes its Newest Boutique Hotel Owners

In Palm Springs, change is in the air. Several of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are now under new ownership, with each property undergoing its own unique transformation.

The Talavera in Palm Springs has new owners and upgrades.

One example is the Talavera Palm Springs. Formerly known as The Rossi, this 11-suite property has undergone a name change, as well as several upgrades, including new furniture in the rooms.

“We’re bringing in a professional landscaper and arborist to help us enhance the tropical vibe so it’s more immersive, but manicured and lush,” co-owner April Smith says. “We’re also reworking some of the space here so there is a community fire pit and private bar for the guests.”

The Desert Paradise, a clothing optional resort catering to gay men in Palm Springs.

The Desert Paradise is keeping its name and staying as a men’s clothing-optional resort, but has given makeovers to all 12 of its rooms, and improved on the continental breakfast offered to guests. Future plans may also include adding kitchenettes to rooms, so guests who stay for several weeks can cook for themselves when the mood strikes.

The hotel is a “gem, with so much opportunity,” general manager Charles Zalepeski says. “I want it to feel like people are visiting family, a place where they feel comfortable and right at home. It’s a place where everything’s going to be taken care of, from start to finish.”

The iconic Willows Inn was purchased in 2020 by Ron Burkle.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is starting a new chapter in its storied history. The luxury 8-room hotel was purchased last year by investor Ron Burkle, the majority owner of the Soho House members’ clubs. The Willows has long been a must-visit for politicians and celebrities alike — Albert Einstein and Shirley Temple were among the hotel’s frequent guests.

La Maison

La Maison, under new ownership, still offers romantic privacy.

Also under new ownership is La Maison, which changed hands in the fall. This 13-room hotel still offers a touch of France in the heart of Palm Springs, with its European decor, delicious continental breakfasts, and lovely, flower-filled gardens.

 

About Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

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.

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So Cal Restaurant Show Interviews Innkeeper Richard Slosky

Being an innkeeper at one of Palm Springs’ most beloved hotels is a great way to make a living. La Maison’s Richard Slosky recently appeared on the So Cal Restaurant Show to talk about why he opened the hotel with his wife, Cornelia Schuster, and what it’s like to welcome guests from around the world to Palm Springs.

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The Weekend: 365 Days A Year

The courtyard pool at The Weekend Palm Springs surrounded by palm trees and the orange doors that lead to individual rooms

Location, location, location!

For those that love modernism, Old Las Palmas politely screams “I am quintessential Palm Springs.” Stretching west from Palm Canyon to the San Jacinto Mountains, the neighborhood is rich in history and real estate — many starchitects built here, and all aesthetics are represented, from the House of Tomorrow to Swiss Miss homes and everything in between and beyond. 

The roads wind into the mountains and are as dramatic as the homes once owned by Liberace, Dinah Shore, and Kirk Douglas (to name-drop a few), as well as the opulent sprawling estates commissioned by the studio bosses of yore. There’s even a mini-Hearst castle in the mix.

To get there, turn off Palm Canyon onto Via Las Palmas, a quiet residential street, where you immediately feel like you’re in another world. The stores and businesses melt away and the road splits in two (very Robert Frost). If you choose wisely, you’ll go left where a well-lit cobblestoned path bordered by desertscape grasses leads the way to an elegant white-bricked, mid-century modern hotel with giant palm trees and a copse of plumeria on either side of the bright orange door. You are now entering The Weekend, the only boutique hotel in Old Las Palmas. 

Welcome to The Weekend Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of The Weekend

Once inside, the sparkling water from the rectangular pool dances in the sunlight, and it’s so stunning it takes a minute to notice that your surroundings are just as sleek and modern as the entrance. All white apart from the 10 orange doors that pop against the exotic green foliage, each suite faces that picture-perfect pool, with the sleeping quarters in the back (open the sliding doors to get to the private patio). We should emphasize: this is not a party hotel, this is a peaceful and luxe respite from the humdrum of the everyday, exhibiting clean lines and the simple elegance of modernism. 

Suites have their own private patios. Photo courtesy of The Weekend

Formerly Las Palmas Gardens Luxury Apartments, and purportedly once owned by gossip queen Rona Barrett, the property was built in 1964 and advertised sunken tubs, private patios, and two-bedrooms digs. 

When hotelier Mark Hermann purchased the property in 2016, he made some major design decisions. Sunken tubs were replaced with roomy rain showers, and he took down the wall and cabinets separating the kitchen/dining areas from the living room, creating an open concept living space. Hermann honored the rich mid-century history of Palm Springs with bold color, artwork, and brickwork in the new great room. 

Although modernism is the epitome of style over comfort, Hermann managed to accomplish both — sophisticated yet supremely sittable furniture, and thick luxurious mattresses to snuggle into at night. Amenities spill over into the bathrooms with Frette towels and robes, and L’Occitane bath products.

The living rooms are perfect for lounging. Photo courtesy of The Weekend

The kitchen has everything except fire – a.k.a. a stove or oven, but honestly there are so many great restaurants you’ll want to try, who needs or wants to cook? You’re on vacation. Besides, there’s a microwave and a big old bowl for popcorn, plenty of room in the fridge for beverages and salads, lots of storage for snacks, dinnerware/cutlery, bottle openers (of course), and a Keurig coffee maker.

Because of its aesthetic and the uniqueness of the property, The Weekend is a favorite of international travelers looking for an authentic mid-century modern Palm Springs experience. Couples traveling together enjoy the two-bedroom options, while those looking for a romantic getaway love the peace and quiet of the one-bedroom suites.

A comfortable bedroom at The Weekend. Photo courtesy of The Weekend

Keyless check-ins make for easy ins and outs, and there are wonderful options for libations and food on Palm Canyon, all with great provenance. Copley’s restaurant is on the old Cary Grant estate, Eight4Nine Restaurant was once the Palm Springs post office, and Ernst Coffee and Bootlegger Tiki are in the old Don the Beachcomber’s space. Also, the shopping along Palm Canyon has some kick-ass vintage resale stores. Looking for high-end boutiques, and the thrum of downtown? Tahquitz is about a 15-minute walk. 

If you’re in the mood for a nice stroll, the House of Tomorrow (a.k.a. Elvis’ Honeymoon Hideaway) is about 10 minutes from your door, and there is an unexpected connection. Barrett (who is still with us at 86) also owned a home right next to the House of Tomorrow where Elvis and Priscilla planned to wed. Knowing she’d make it a circus, Elvis contacted Frank Sinatra, who sent a limo to pick them up and under the cover of night, he whisked them off on his private plane to Las Vegas where, for better or worse, they exchanged their vows. 

Although that relationship was complicated, The Weekend is not. If you’re a fan of uncompromising elegance in the mid-century modern aesthetic, The Weekend is the perfect choice.

The Weekend is a fabulous escape, Monday through Sunday. Photo courtesy of The Weekend

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Jazz Hotel Offers Quiet Sophistication

A white comforter on a black bed frame under a black and white artwork at The Jazz Hotel Palm Springs

Jazz Hotel Palm Springs stands out with its sleek design and chic decor.

Owner Annick Laberge has filled this mid-century modern property, formerly known as The Cheetah Hotel, with black and white furniture and original artwork, as well as surprise pops of color. While people might think the dog-friendly hotel’s new name is a nod to the musical genre, it was actually inspired by someone close to Annick.

“Jazz is my white Pomeranian dog,” Annick said. “He’s all white with black eyes and a black nose, and the whole hotel is white with a little bit of black. I like the name too because it’s easy so people don’t forget it.”

A gilded mirror leans against a white wall next to a small table in a room at Jazz Hotel in Palm Springs, California

A gilded mirror stands out in a clean and sleek Jazz Hotel Palm Springs room. Photo courtesy of Jazz Hotel Palm Springs

Annick has spent the last decade working with her father in real estate, managing apartments and investing in buildings in Canada. She fell in love with Palm Springs during visits to Southern California, and found that “there’s something about the desert that speaks to me personally.” When the opportunity came to purchase the Cheetah Hotel in the spring of 2023, Annick was drawn to its “good bones and good location,” and was excited to “put my stamp on it and do a redesign and rebrand with my sister.”

Guests often comment on how much they enjoy the hotel’s spot on a cul-de-sac, where you can’t hear the traffic and can get a good night’s sleep.

“It’s laid-back and quiet, and some people say it’s off the beaten path and a hidden gem,” Annick said. “We’re aiming to be a nice place for people to come to that’s close to downtown Palm Springs, so if they want more action they can go to the restaurants and parties just five minutes away.”

The pool at Jazz Hotel surrounded by fringed umbrellas and lounge chairs with a white ring float in the water and palms and San Jacinto Mountains in the background

The pool at Jazz Hotel is a centerpiece of the property. Photo courtesy of Jazz Hotel Palm Springs

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Palm Springs: Small Hotels Offer Charm & Character for Every Traveler

What makes Palm Springs the perfect getaway? The year-round activities — hiking, golfing, cultural experiences — and world-class dining top the list, but the boutique hotels are the city’s crown jewel. Members of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association recently discovered just how phenomenal hotels like Los Arboles, the Santiago Resort, and The Westcott are, and how they stand out in the desert.

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It’s Always Sunny At Limón Palm Springs

The huge sparkling pool in the back of Limón Palm Springs boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California

Limón Palm Springs is as fresh and effervescent as its name suggests.

Built in 1956, this mid-century modern property makes a statement, with cheerful pops of yellow everywhere, from the doors to the kitchen backsplash. The colorful wallpaper, eclectic art, and patterned tile and rugs add to the vibrant feel. It’s very Palm Springs, but there’s also an international touch.

The front entrance to Limón Palm Springs

Courtesy of Limón Palm Springs

“Picture white Vespas in front, a little bit of Italian flair,” co-owner Amy Brinkman said. “That’s what we went for with this structure. It’s a little more elevated, more luxurious, and more private.”

When Amy and her husband, Tim Brinkman, first heard about the property, they weren’t in the market to buy anything — they own the LIT Property Group, and were working on other hospitality projects. That changed once they saw it in person. “We were blown away by the glass and steel architecture,” Tim said. “We saw the amazing bones and what we could do with it all. We were on the same page, right off the bat, and what actually transpired even exceeded our expectations.”

The kitchen at Limón Palm Springs

Courtesy of Limón Palm Springs

Limón has six large guest suites with private patios, the interior design by local firm H3K. There are two different ways to stay here: guests can reserve individual rooms, or the entire property can be rented out by one group, accommodating up to 14 people. Limón works well for bachelorette parties, family reunions, and retreats because there’s space for everyone to spread out, especially outside, where there’s a sparkling pool, spa, barbecue area, fire pits, a television, and outstanding mountain views.

A colorfull bedroom

Courtesy of Limón Palm Springs

With a buyout, guests are welcomed with champagne and charcuterie, and can arrange to have private chefs cook meals in the state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen and bartenders come over for a private happy hour. “If you want it, you ask us and we’ll do it,” Amy said.

Visitors to Limón not only appreciate the style and design, but also the care Amy and Tim put into ensuring that the amenities are top notch and guests have everything they need for a relaxing stay. 

“It feels like the coolest spot in Palm Springs,” Tim said.

The communal area at Limón Palm Springs

Courtesy of Limón Palm Springs

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Ruby Montana’s Coral Sands Inn: Where Magic Happens

When Ruby Montana packed her bags and left Seattle in 2000, it was front page news.

The Seattle Times ran a story about Ruby’s big move, and the fact that she was closing the vintage store she operated for nearly 18 years. “They ran a funny headline,” she said. “‘Montana Leaves Washington for California.'”

The same quirky treasures that filled the shelves in her store are now on display at Ruby Montana’s Coral Sands Inn, a pink, whimsy place to rest your head. As an added bonus, guests are welcome to purchase any of the collectibles on display.

“I’m more of a kitschy experience, as opposed to pure hospitality or pure mid-century,” Ruby said. “I think the Coral Sands has a sense of humor that is built-in as a result of some of that. It’s a precious little jewel of a place tucked into Las Palmas.”

The Coral Sands was built for the L.A. Rams in 1952, and has six rooms, a nine-foot pool, and a “warm, kind of embracing” atmosphere. Ruby also has small rescue dogs, and several guests have fallen in love with the dogs during their stays and after building relationships, end up adopting them.

“I love everything about this property,” Ruby said. “My favorite room is the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. It was built with stone and redwood beams; it’s like a lodge. When I stepped foot on the property, I knew immediately I wanted to be part of it. It’s a phenomenal property and works well with my nostalgia; it feels like your grandmother’s lakeside property, on a pool.”

Ruby’s fans from Seattle continue to flock to her hotel, as do return guests from Los Angeles and other environs. She loves having a “fully-integrated life,” where all she has to do is wake up and be where you need to be. “You don’t have to put on a suit and go downtown in a commute,” she said. “My commute is to the kitchen.”

Ruby also loves being around her guests. “It’s required you be a person who enjoys people, and doesn’t have a lot of boundaries,” she said. “I live at my hotel, and my friends tease me that I live in a fishbowl, because you can see in the picture window. My mother used to always say to me, ‘Honey, sometimes I wish you were a little more discerning, is there anyone you don’t like?’ Basically, not many.”

The hotel is seriously special, Ruby says, a “vortex for really incredible things happening.” It’s not unusual for guests to run into people they know, as “coincidences happen here. There’s a certain force that people feel — it’s a very magical place.”

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The Avanti Hotel: Privacy for you — and your pets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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