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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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July’s Palm Springs Sunshine Stays Podcast Is All About Art

Tune into “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” on Saturday, July 8, at 4 p.m. PT to learn all about the cultural side of the desert with guest Scott Slaven of the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Slaven will be joined by Big Blend Radio host Lisa Smith and Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels’ Kimberli Munkres. The Palm Springs Sunshine Stays podcast drops on the second Saturday of the month, and is the ultimate source for information on everything travelers need to know to make the most of their time in Palm Springs, one of the world’s most popular desert destinations.

Palm Springs Sunshine Stays is a partnership between Big Blend and PSPSH, and guests range from local hoteliers to restauranteurs and business owners. To listen to previous shows, including a Pride-centric episode with Kent Taylor of Descanso Resort; PSPSH blogger and musician Gregory Douglass; and Bill Sanderson, co-owner of Townie Bagels and vice president of the Desert Gay Tourism Guild, visit the Palm Springs Sunshine Stays Acast page.

Palm Springs Sunshine Stays is also available on YouTube, the Big Blend Radio website, Spotify, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, or Audible.

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Palm Springs Boutique Hotels Join Stash Rewards Loyalty Program

The swimming pool at Dive Palm Springs with swings next to it and palm trees behind it

Visitors to Palm Springs have a new way to save with Stash Hotel Rewards loyalty program. The program will launch with nine Palm Springs boutique hotels. 

The hotels are Alcazar Palm Springs, Dive Palm Springs, Inn at Palm Springs, Los Arboles Hotel, Talavera Palm Springs, Mahala, Desert Hills, Orbit In, and The Hideaway. Having the Stash Hotel Rewards platform lets them provide added value to their guests while gaining repeat business.

What is Stash Rewards?

The La Reve Room at Dive Palm Springs with a floral design on the ceiling and hardwood floors and a white bed

The La Reve Room at Dive Palm Springs is a Parisian dream. Photo courtesy of Dive Palm Springs

Founded in 2010, Stash Hotel Rewards is a free loyalty program for independent hotels, with 300 partner properties worldwide and counting. Travelers who sign up for Stash Hotel Rewards earn points when they stay at any participating hotel, and those points can then be cashed in for free nights. The points do not expire and there are no blackout dates. 

Independent boutique hotels are the heart and soul of their cities, and Stash Hotel Rewards Founder Jeff Low believes that’s especially true in Palm Springs. “No chain hotel can compete with the mid-century revivals, the bold eccentric designs, or the laid back, breezy hospitality of these iconic places,” he said. “This is what people come to Palm Springs seeking, and these hotels deliver.”

Since Stash Hotel Rewards points can be redeemed at any participating property, travelers have options: they can always stay at old favorites, try new hotels, or do a combination of both. Newly enrolling members can earn 1,000 Stash-funded Points by signing up at stashrewards.com/palmsprings.

A great deal for travelers

A room at Mahala Hotel in Palm Springs, California, with a large art print of Cher on the wall above a bed with white linens

Cher is the star of the show in this room at the Mahala. Photo courtesy of Mahala

Palm Springs boasts more than 75 boutique hotels, and each hotelier knows how to cater to their clientele and make their property a destination. 

“In today’s market, we’re all looking for the best deal,” Adam Ramirez, founder of Luxe Hospitality Consulting in Palm Springs, said. “Consumers are smart and savvy and know what to look for, and what’s so great about the Palm Springs market is it has such a huge array of independent boutique hotels.” Stash Hotel Rewards gives travelers “an incentive opportunity to stay and get something back time and time again,” he added. “They get to enjoy these hotels and their unique experiences.”

“Big box retailers in the hotel space have their loyalty programs, and Stash allows independent hotels a piece of that pie,” Ramirez said.   

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April’s “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays” Podcast Is All About Spring

Tune in on Saturday, April 8 at 4 p.m. PT for the latest episode of “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays,” the show that’s all about things to do and see in Palm Springs.

In this episode, “Spring in Sunny Palm Springs,” Big Blend Radio’s Lisa Smith and Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels’ Kimberli Munkres will chat about April events in Palm Springs, the new Frisky Business Cat Cafe and Boozehounds restaurant, and the five “gayest” drinks in Palm Springs, as chosen by PSPSH blogger Gregory Douglass.

Palm Springs Sunshine Stays is a partnership between Big Blend and PSPSH, with new shows premiering on the second Saturday of the month. Guests include Palm Springs hoteliers, restauranteurs, and business owners who share their insights on Palm Springs and tips and tricks on how travelers can make the most out of their visits to this vibrant city.

There are several ways to listen to Palm Springs Sunshine Stays, including via YouTube, the Big Blend Radio website, and SoundCloud.

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In Case You Missed It: A Media Round Up

What’s happening? Here’s a short media round-up of recent coverage about several Palm Springs boutique hotels and what’s happening in the desert.

LA Times: Cool vibes, splash-worthy pools at these 7 new or updated Palm Springs hotels, $114 and up

LA Times covers cool boutique hotels in Palm Springs

AFAR: Tim Masters shares the scoop on the reason L.A. types have been flocking to the desert since the Rat Pack days in How to Enjoy a Weekend in Palm Springs.

Los Angeles Magazine partnered with the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism to highlight the glory of Palm Springs, including fabulous photos of the iconic Monkey Tree Hotel in Ready for a Change of Scene? Palm Springs Beckons.

Elaine Master Interviews the new owners of the Inn at Palm Springs

Trip Well Gal: In Big Hearts, Small Hotel – Meet Your Inn at Palm Springs Hosts, travel writer Elaine Masters interviews hoteliers Paul Kurdian and Samantha McDermott about what makes their hotel so fun and special.

WeHo Times: Award-winning journalist and Palm Springs homeboy Thom Senzee writes frankly about his mood in Palm Springs as the world of travel opens up. This is the first of his three-part series on clothing-optional boutique resorts that cater to gay men. Check out Postcards from Palm Springs.

 

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One-Of-A-Kind Palm Springs Boutique Hotels Featured In New Commercial

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

Four of Palm Springs’ most stunning boutique hotels are featured in a new commercial touting the benefits of a desert vacation.

The Descanso Resort, Fleur Noire, The Art Hotel, and Hotel El Cid all have their moment in the spotlight, showing off their pools, grounds, and hotel decor. The 30-second commercial, “Unique Stays,” makes it clear that staying at a Palm Springs boutique hotel offers an authentic experience guests cannot find at a large hotel or home rental. 

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, in collaboration with the Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau and Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism, created the spot. The trio worked with Summerland Creative and JNS Media for production and talent, with Panoramic serving as the agency.

Now is the perfect time to plan an escape to Palm Springs — for residents of the West Coast, it’s a leisurely drive for a playcation or workcation, and domestic and international travelers can easily fly into Palm Springs International Airport. Visit the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website to learn more about our unique properties and pick the right boutique hotel for your trip. 

 

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Flying Into Palm Springs International Airport Is A Breeze

When I recently returned from the Pacific Northwest and entered the atrium of the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), it wasn’t long before I broke into a big smile. Through the canopies covering the walkway, I could see our brilliant sun shining through, warming me after a chilly flight.

The Sonny Bono Concourse at the Palm Springs International Airport

There’s plenty of shade at the Palm Springs International Airport. Photo by Kathy Condon

What makes Palm Springs International Airport so special?

The flight into the airport treats passengers to breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the Coachella Valley. PSP is located in the west end of Palm Springs, and depending on the direction of the wind, you may have a bird’s eye view of the entire length of the Valley as your aircraft approaches the landing field.

For those who frequently use PSP for commuting, it’s impossible not to compare it to the bustling and often confusing airports scattered throughout the United States. Yes, we are indeed spoiled and fully acknowledge it, as the ease and comfort provided by this airport continue to be appreciated by residents and visitors alike.

International art adorns the premises

As you descend the escalator, gaze across the expansive courtyard. A life-size, artistically-decorated bighorn sheep greets you on the left, and in front of you is a large circular sculpture that leads your eye to the baggage claim area.

A suggestion: since there is no rush to get to baggage claim, stop and take some time to look at art tucked in spots around the airport.

A sculpture of a big horned sheep at Palm Springs International Airport by Joe Wertheimer and Mark Junge

There are several works of art on display across Palm Springs International Airport. Photo by Nadine Conger

A testament to historic modernism design

Donald Wexler was renowned for his outstanding mid-century designs. He created many public and residential buildings; however, the commission for the airport terminal was considered his most significant project.

Wexler’s design encapsulated the quintessential mid-century elements: clean lines, steel and glass materials, graceful contours, and spacious interiors. Today, the terminal still boasts a 30-foot overhanging roof, floor-to-ceiling glass entryways, and an unobstructed view of the mountains.

Due to the popularity of our destination, PSP is planning for the future, and with help from Wexler’s son and input from the community, the airport is looking for ways to expand the bays for docking aircraft. In the meantime, there is construction within the terminal to create new retail and restaurants. Happily, I can report that these additions will be establishments owned by local vendors. 

A red and blue metal sculpture by Tom Holland at the Palm Springs International Airport

This metal sculpture was created by Tom Holland. Photo by Nadine Conger

Airlines serving Palm Springs International Airport with direct flights

A caveat: It is essential to check each airline’s direct flight schedules, since they change their schedules often and some routes are seasonal.

Air Canada: Toronto and Vancouver

Alaska: New York City (JFK); Boise; Portland; Seattle; San Francisco; and Everett, Washington

Allegiant Air: Des Moines and Bellingham, Washington

American Airlines: Chicago; Dallas; Phoenix; and Austin, Texas

Avelo Air: Bend/Redmond, Oregon; Eugene, Oregon; and Santa Rosa, California

Delta: Atlanta; Minneapolis; Salt Lake City; and Seattle

Flair Airlines: Vancouver

Jet Blue: New York City (JFK)

Sun Country: Minneapolis

United: Chicago; Denver; Houston; Los Angeles; and San Francisco

WestJet: Calgary; Edmonton; Vancouver; and Winnipeg

Transportation to and from PSP

Rarely is an international airport so close to downtown as ours is in Palm Springs, with it taking about 10 minutes to drive there. If you reserve a rental car, you’ll find the vendors directly across from baggage claim. 

You can have a stress-free vacation, which includes no driving, by hailing a taxi lined up in front of the baggage exit area. If you would rather take Lyft or Uber, we have drivers eager to help you reach your destination. Town car services are also available; be sure to reserve before your arrival. They are willing to take you to any place in the Valley or even to the always fascinating Joshua Tree area.

The pride of Palm Springs

I trust I have illustrated why we residents take immense pride in our Palm Springs International Airport. Yes, it is going through a transition period, so if you see construction going on, be assured care is being taken to ensure it doesn’t impact your experience. Meanwhile, we know you will step off that plane and break into a smile as you see our beautiful sunshine.

After catching a ride to your Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel, you’ll want to quickly unpack and then plunge into the pool. Oh, and it is alright if you post your picture poolside — after all, you were smart enough to plan your visit to Palm Springs.

A metal sculpture at the Palm Springs International Airport

See if you can spot this metal piece of art at the Palm Springs International Airport. Photo by Nadine Conger

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Palm Springs Welcomes Travel Writers 

Palm trees flank the old Welcome to Palm Springs sign in Palm Springs, California

When I learned that travel writers Susan Montgomery and Kris Grant were invited to Palm Springs, I gently inched my way into tagging along. I had met Susan on my travels, and she called because she wanted me to meet Kris.

Organizations in town invite travel writers to stay and experience various aspects of Palm Springs. In this case, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels developed an itinerary for Susan and Kris, so they would have personal experiences and could write authentically without resorting to online research or AI to bring their articles alive. Plus, they can include the small nuances that digital research misses.

An introduction to Palm Springs’ culinary scene

Three women sit at a table inside Azucar Restaurant in Palm Springs, California, with the chef standing next to them

Kris Grant, Kathy Condon, and Susan Montgomery meet Chef Seth at Azucar. Photo courtesy of Kathy Condon

I was an interloper, but Jose Pembo graciously welcomed us to Azucar at La Serena Villas, making room for three instead of the planned two. We were seated at a table inside that had an unobstructed view of the pool, which serves as the hotel’s centerpiece.

It was a hot day, so I have to say the iced tea was the perfect choice to quench my thirst and begin getting to know the travel writers. Both had been to Palm Springs before and were eager to be updated on the latest news. For example, the Marilyn statue was being moved a short distance to our new beautiful park.

Jose asked if we wanted to order off the menu or let Chef Seth decide what he wanted to serve us. With smiles, the writers said, “Let him decide.” I am so glad they made that decision, otherwise I would never have thought to try Campo Grande Ibérico — rack of pork with roasted shallots on a bed of mostarda sauce. I will be back and will order that entree.

Pro tip: If you are in the area at night, head to Azucar’s rooftop bar, Sugar High, which offers a beautiful view of Palm Springs and its magnificent mountains.

Settling in

The pool at The Lucille Palm Springs with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background

The Lucille recently underwent a total revamp. Photo courtesy of The Lucille

The writers registered at two assigned hotels, The Lucille and The Muse, and later at one of our events, it was fun listening to them describe their very different inns. Since I had never been to either of them, I learned a great deal listening to their descriptions and noticed how happy they were with the hotel choices.

Dining at Freddie’s Kitchen

A sign reading "Freddy's" outside of the restaurant at The Cole in Palm Springs, California

Welcome to Freddie’s. Photo by Kathy Condon

I had read raving reviews of Freddie’s French-like cuisine. The restaurant is connected to The Cole Hotel, a contemporary property embracing the modernism vibe, and I was pleased to be invited by Kimberli Munkres, who planned the travel writers’ itinerary.

Refreshed from a short rest, the writers came in with notebooks open and ready to learn more about Palm Springs. They were surprised that we have 80 small hotels within the city limits. Small hotels are defined as having 49 rooms or less.

It was fun sharing some of the themes of the hotels, such as contemporary with a modernist feel and serene haven perfect for meditation without televisions or radios.

Chef Freddy kept us captivated with his stories and explanations about the food he prepared for us. We appreciated the French twist on the dishes and now know why this often-overlooked restaurant is gaining momentum with Palm Springs foodies.

A night at Sparrows Lodge

A flame dances in the night in a fire pit at Sparrows Lodge in Palm Springs, California

Fire pits keep you warm and toasty at Sparrows Lodge. Photo courtesy of Kathy Condon

The Sparrows Lodge is an exceptional place, and many residents of Palm Springs are unaware of the beautiful attributes of this property. When driving on South Palm Canyon Drive, look for the white line graphic sign with two sparrows, nothing more.

We settled in for dinner at The Barn Kitchen, where our conversation was lively. The staff seemed to anticipate our every need. It was one of those evenings you didn’t want to end. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was superb, and I had probably the best dessert ever: passion fruit, chocolate mousse, and coconut crumble.

After dinner, I asked a staff member if the writers could see a room. They graciously said yes, and I smiled as they marveled at the very unusual room décor. For example, a tall stone wall provides a refuge for a bath in a former water trough. I will leave the rest for you to explore when you stay here. Sparrows Lodge recently received the Michelin Key, a new category recognizing hotels.

Alas, it was time to say goodbye to these two delightful women. It was terrific reversing my role, helping others understand our community instead of being the one exploring. Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels provided an excellent, not overstuffed itinerary so they could slowly and thoughtfully absorb the many attributes of our restaurants and hotels here in Palm Springs.

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Palm Springs Boutique Hotels Receive Michelin Keys Honors

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

For the first time, the Michelin Guide has awarded Michelin Keys in the United States, and four Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels made the list: Dive Palm Springs, Holiday House, La Serena Villas, and Sparrows Lodge.

Michelin said its Keys are bestowed upon hotels that “significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting.”

Palm Springs boutique hotels that made the cut

The La Reve Room at Dive Palm Springs with a floral design on the ceiling and hardwood floors and a white bed

The La Reve Room at Dive Palm Springs is a Parisian dream. Photo courtesy of Dive Palm Springs

The Michelin Key is the equivalent of the Michelin Star for restaurants, with hotels able to earn one, two, or three Keys. Dive Palm Springs, Holiday House, La Serena Villas, and Sparrows Lodge all received one Key, denoting “a very special stay.” 

The colorful art-filled lobby at Holiday House greets guests

The colorful lobby at Holiday House greets guests. Photo courtesy of Holiday House

Michelin praised Dive for having an “atmosphere … nothing short of restorative,” and applauded Holiday House’s ability to “cater to the whims of modern travelers.” As for Sparrows Lodge, it is “like a dreamy hipster version of the summer camp of your childhood,” while visitors to La Serena Villas would be “hard pressed to find a lovelier example of colonial-contemporary architecture and design.”

A view of the pool at La Serena Villas in Palm Springs, California, at sunset with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background

Sunset at La Serena Villas. Photo courtesy of Kirkwood Collection

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Southwest, Allegiant, Alaska, and JetBlue to launch new nonstop flights to and from Palm Springs

Palm trees flank the old Welcome to Palm Springs sign in Palm Springs, California

It will soon be easier than ever for people around the country to fly into Palm Springs.

Southwest Airlines announced earlier this month that it will launch year-round service through Palm Springs International Airport later this year. The low-fare carrier flies out of more than 100 locations, and in a statement, Southwest Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly said Palm Springs is “a great California destination.” 

Palm Springs City Manager David Ready said local officials worked for years to get Southwest to the Palm Springs International Airport, and thanks to “our year-round sunshine, relaxed desert lifestyle, and multi-million dollar public and private reinvestments in our city’s hotel stock, Convention Center, and downtown, Palm Springs has experienced a sensational renaissance and we are now one of Southern California’s premier resort destinations.”

Allegiant Air also recently revealed that this fall, it will start offering nonstop flights from Palm Springs International Airport to Boise, Idaho, and Eugene, Oregon. Already, the low-cost airline has service from Palm Springs to Bellingham, Washington. Boise flights will begin on Nov. 19, followed by Eugene flights on Nov. 20, with fares starting at $49 each way. Allegiant said both routes will operate twice weekly.

While Los Angeles and Palm Springs are only about two hours away from each other by car, those who want to go back and forth faster can take Delta’s new year-round daily service between the two cities. The flight from L.A. will leave at 7:45 p.m., arriving in Palm Springs at 8:35 p.m., and the flight departing Palm Springs will take off at 7:15 a.m., landing in Los Angeles at 8:08 a.m. This service will begin on Nov. 20.

“We’re very excited to have that,” Palm Springs Mayor Geoff Kors said after announcing the news. “That obviously is good for people who prefer not to drive, especially on busy weekends.”

Additionally, Alaska Airlines is adding non-stop service to San Jose, Reno/Lake Tahoe, and Boise from Palm Springs starting on Dec. 17, and JetBlue will launch non-stop seasonal service to Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida beginning Dec. 17, with flights twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. American Airlines is also adding a seasonal weekly flight to Philadelphia, starting Dec. 19. 

 

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