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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First! What’s New In Palm Springs

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

Although Palm Springs always maintains her mid-mod aesthetic, she is in constant metamorphosis. Some local haunts are like the stars in the sky, they have been around since “5Eva because 4ever is too short.” (IYKYK!) Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn, Les Vallauris (now operated by SoHo House), the original Las Casuelas — they’re not going anywhere. But people are moving to Palm Springs from all over the world, and with them come new ideas and new businesses. There’s a gleeful mix of old and new and everyone is here for it. The ones that aren’t are literally a dying breed.

Since season started last November, some things have happened fast, and some were pretty big, like the opening of the Spa at Séc-he and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Because of the buzz around those, a bunch of new businesses didn’t get to fly as close to the sun as they could have, so we’re absolutely going to fix that now. I can’t claim that this is everything, but I tried really hard to find them all. I searched high, and I searched less high, but it all comes down to this: I absolutely deserve the pint of Caramel Cone Haagen Dazs that’s name-calling me from Ralph’s.  

But before I get into that (and another episode of Girls5Eva — I’m obsessed!), it’s about time we showed a little love to… 

The Uptown Design District

Yay! Uptown! It’s a very cool part of town, but not just architecturally — the shops have unique offerings as well. It’s definitely worth taking a coffee on a stroll. Plus, it’s not as crowded as downtown proper, so you can meander at will. 

Not only are Trina Turk and The Shag Store up that way, there’s a great outdoor space in The Corridor. Have a peek while you grab that coffee at Koffi, then head on up north and have a look at some of the dreamiest design elements you’ve ever. Here’s the new:

Wolf Contemporary at 768 N. Palm Canyon Drive

Curated art and design gallery showcasing works by contemporary California artists, rare findings, and unique designs in a gallery setting. Expect an eclectic mix of antique artifacts, rare vintage designer handbags, modern and vintage jewelry, and the occasional piece of statement furniture, each with a story, history, and meaning. All pieces are offered with refinement, style, and supreme quality. 

Phylum at 901 N. Palm Canyon Drive

Color abounds in contemporary housewares, barware, apothecaries, gifts, and furniture, all with complimentary gift wrap and local delivery.

Around town

Aluminaire House at the Palm Springs Art Museum

On the south end of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s grounds, there is now an aluminum and metal prototype residence designed in 1931 by Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher. Called the Aluminaire House, it is the first all-metal house constructed in the United States. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Monday; noon to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Pillars of Palm Springs 

Set to be unveiled April 15 on World Art Day (happy birthday, Leonardo DaVinci!), are six “pillars” individually crafted by six local artists: Roger Reutimann (Inspiring Creativity); Anne Faith Nicholls (Crafting Serenity); Bernard Stanley Hoyes (Celebrating Diversity); Jessup + Cooning (Upholding Civility); MIDABI (Fostering Community); and Scott Froschauer (Highlighting Equality). Located along Tahquitz Canyon Way, the Pillars will replace the Art of Taming Horses sculptures installed during Desert X 2021. 

New restaurants

Wang’s in the Desert at 424 S. Indian Canyon Drive

Iconic restaurant and beautiful event space (formerly Jilly’s 1960s). Reopened March 18 after about a four-year sabbatical. 

La Cocina at Reforma at 333 S. Palm Canyon Drive

Elevated Mexican inspired menu inside Reforma nightclub. Opened in March. 

Crudo Cerveceria at 515 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite B8

I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth the rerun. Terrific new addition to the Uptown Design District with drinks and fresh seafood. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Sundays. 

Holiday House Brunch at 200 W. Arenas Road

On Saturdays and Sundays, Executive Chef Shawn Applin offers a sweet and savory menu that pairs perfectly with a special selection of rosé wines and Champagnes.  Highlights include the photogenic and delicious Shellfish Plateau for sharing, Dutch Baby pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, ricotta-stuffed French toast, and much more.  11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Cipolline Osteria at 1260 S. Palm Canyon Drive

Great menu, and plenty of parking on the south end of Palm Canyon Drive. Formerly known as The New York Company, long time visitors will remember it as Banducci’s Bit of Italy. Meaty mains, pasta, pizza, salads, full bar. They call it a bar before they call it a restaurant, but the menu looks fancy. 

Coming Soon

Tony’s Burgers at 665 S. Palm Canyon Drive

Delicious burger joint with a full bar that’s been consistently named best burger in the Coachella Valley. Not a burger person? Try the famous fish tacos, hot dogs, fresh salads, and avocado fries. Just like the Date Palm location, but in Palm Springs.

Livs at 101 N. Museum Drive

Livs is taking over the downstairs space at the Palm Springs Art Museum that used to be the Muse Café. They are currently doing a pop-up on Thursday evenings with VillageFest. Opening date of brick-and-mortar TBD.

I’d love to tell you that Churrasco Steakhouse has opened, but it hasn’t done that yet (announced two years ago, chop chop on the chops, please). Starring all-you-can-eat meats roasted to perfection on a wood charcoal grill, Churrasco will feature a sleek modern decor with inside seating for 140 and additional outdoor patio seating for another 30. 

A large imported fresh market table will be filled with favorites, including chilled salads and hot sides, sauces, imported cheeses, their famous mushroom risotto, and 15 meat selections like the house specialty picanha. The website says it will open this spring, and it’s spring, so…

Keep your eyes out for announcements about the Oasis Music Festival

Miscellaneous

Perry’s Fine Wines & Liquor at 625-641 N. Palm Canyon Drive

Owner is a transplant from Provincetown, Massachusetts, a.k.a. Palm Springs East. 

Carmela Ice Cream at 750 N. Palm Canyon Drive

Specialty house-made ice creams. They even have classes you can take to learn how to make your own, too. Inside the Flannery Exchange.

Women’s clothing

Pink Palm Springs at 263 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way

Fashion-forward women looking for unique and trendy pieces need search no further. Their carefully curated collection has made it a destination for fashion enthusiasts searching for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Sunny Days at 174 N. Palm Canyon Drive

A woman’s clothing boutique with styles from Bella Dahl, Johnny Was, Z Supply, and more. 

New small hotels

There are over 70 unique boutique hotels and small resorts in Palm Springs. These are the five newest kids on the block, and I encourage you to click the links and check them out. Stun-ning.

Velvet Rope — Nine themed rooms, each with its own very big personality, plus the soon-to-open bar, Valerie’s.

Mahala — Bursting with personality and just a touch of well-placed kitsch, it’s right across the street from old school Billy Reed’s Restaurant. 

Yara — The Mediterranean/Moroccan style of this hotel looks like a cool breeze on a sunny day. You know, if you could see a breeze.

Blackhaus — High-end bedding, towels, and toiletries; small private patios. Shared spaces include a pool, fireplaces, and outdoor cooking, as well as multiple bocce ball courts around the property.

Jazz Hotel — Gallery and modern art collection. Pool. Spa. Gym. Lounge.

And that’s the skinny on all things new in Palm Springs. You’re welcome, happy to help. Now I’m off to get that Haagen Dazs and spend some time with my new favorite girl group. 🎶Girls5Eva because 4ever is too short! 🎶

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Introducing The Brand New Skylark

People play in the courtyard pool at Skylark Hotel in Palm Springs on a sunny day

Having lived in Palm Springs for 13 years, I must admit to passing by The Skylark on North Palm Canyon Drive without noticing it. But now, after attending the official reopening of the boutique property, it is a place I will go to often. Let me share what I discovered about this Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel.

A revitalized space

An Airstream trailer at Skylark Hotel Palm Springs used as a registration desk

The one-of-a-kind registration desk at The Skylark. Photo by Kathy Condon

Walking into the courtyard of the The Skylark, I marveled at the giant trees dotting the space with benches and, to my delight, fire pits, which I feel bring a cozy, welcoming feel to any space. On the other side of the courtyard, the unusually large pool would have been the perfect place to take a nighttime dip, but I was wearing casual business attire, so it was not to be this evening.

Since I was expecting the registration area to be right in as you come off the street, I was surprised to instead find a restaurant, Lost Property Palm Springs. Seeing people walk down a path nearby, I also wandered down it and discovered, much to my surprise, an Airstream trailer surrounded by lovely patio furniture and bicycles under a fun mid-century mural painted on the cinder block wall. I went to the window, expecting it to be a bar, but found the reception desk.

I asked owner Amitesh Damur why an Airstream trailer was used for a registration area. He smiled broadly and responded, “Well, there is a story. When we decided to make room for the restaurant Lost Property, it made the most sense to have the restaurant on North Palm Canyon, both for its recognizable address and accessibility for locals that we hope will frequent it. We had space near our parking lot, and I thought, ‘Why not find an Airstream trailer to add a unique touch?'” It wasn’t easy to track one down, he added, but once secured, “the creative juices flowed, and it now has a permanent resting spot.” It makes people smile as they enter the gate, and the patio furniture surrounding it is a perfect place to relax any time of day.

Room for everyone

A king-sized bed inside a bedroom at Skylark Hotel in Palm Springs

Comfortable beds are the centerpieces of rooms at The Skylark. Photo by Kathy Condon

Rooms surround the courtyard and pool, providing easy access to amenities like The Skylark Bar. This is a lovely, spacious area with tables and a long bar offering any libation you desire. On reopening night, a DJ spun upbeat music. During your stay, a phonograph with vinyl records helps you get into the mid-century spirit. It’s a great place for gathering with friends and family, or, if you are here for a corporate retreat, an excellent training space with a large screen suitable for any presentation.

The Skylark has 28 rooms, with the upper level boasting upgraded deluxe accommodations with lovely remodeled bathrooms, luxury bath products, refrigerators, and comfortable chairs. Leaning on the railing and observing the moonlit courtyard and pool from the patio right outside your second-floor room is a delight. While the second floor requires walking up steps (there is no elevator), the scene below is worth the extra effort.

FYI: You must leave Fido home with the grandparents. Animals are not allowed in the hotel.

Must-try eats

A lobster roll and container of French fries with gravy on a gray plate

Delicious lobster rolls are on the menu at Lost Property Palm Springs. Photo by Kathy Condon

Yes, having a coffee pot in your room is helpful, but what if you want something with a little more kick or a specialty coffee drink? No problem. All you have to do is wander down to the restaurant, Lost Property Palm Springs, and you can order exactly what you want. Or, if you are more adventurous, let the staff serve you one of their specialty drinks. It opens at 7 a.m., and seating is available inside and outside. More than likely, operation partner Rhino Williams will greet you as you walk in. The glass case displays a variety of specialty pastries — just so you know, it is fairly challenging to find a good pastry in Palm Springs, but theirs are superb.

After having lunch at Lost Property and sampling their food, I can only say, “Oh my.” Everything I tasted was superb. The big news is that Maine lobster rolls will always be on their menu. Residents lined up when the Lobster Truck rolled into town, but now you don’t have to — these are equally as good, piled high with fresh lobster flown in regularly.

There is also other good news: if you are out on a day trip and come back to Palm Springs late, it is one of the few restaurants open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to try one of their specialty craft cocktails. While animals cannot stay at the hotel, they are allowed on the restaurant’s outside patio.

One last thing: when you drive down North Palm Canyon Drive, you can’t miss The Skylark. The whole entrance has a beautiful wall with our famous breeze blocks. With its on-site restaurant, this hotel is one of the crowning gems in Palm Springs’ wonderful collections of boutique hotels. I’ll meet you there — yes, as a local, I will be going to Lost Property frequently.

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Palm Springs Welcomes New Boutique Hotels In 2022

From the boldly chic Cheetah Hotel to the artsy Fleur Noire, visitors to Palm Springs now have even more options for boutique hotels.

“We are delighted to welcome these new hotels and their owners to Palm Springs,” Michael Green, owner of the Triangle Inn and chair of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, said. “They bring such creative vision and energy. And now visitors will have even more fabulous places to stay.” 

A room at the Tiki Hotel. Photo courtesy of Tiki Hotel

Husband and wife team Tracy Turco and Jerry Turco have revamped and renewed three mid-century modern Palm Springs properties, all within a few blocks of each other. Their first project, the 8-room Art Hotel at 1339 N. Indian Canyon Dr., is vibrant and colorful, with the works of local artists on display across the grounds and a large outdoor mural by Damon Johnson greeting guests. Next, they transformed the former Carlton Hotel at 1333 N. Indian Canyon Dr. into the 11-room Tiki Hotel, a Polynesian paradise with ukuleles in every suite and a gift shop with necessities for every Palm Springs vacation. 

A Cheetah Hotel bedroom. Photo courtesy of The Cheetah Hotel.

Their latest property is the 12-room Cheetah Hotel at 354 E. Stevens Rd., featuring a black and yellow color scheme and cheetah icons designed by Tracy (she picks out or creates all of the wallpaper, linens, and furniture for the Turco hotels). All of the rooms are just steps away from the courtyard pool and separate spa, and $10 from each booking goes to the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

“What I love most about Palm Springs is nature’s beauty,” Tracy said. “I love the sunsets, love the mountains with the palm trees, and all of the fruited trees.” While walking around town, Tracy loves to stop and take in the “gorgeous flowers in full bloom all year round,” she added. “The beautiful bougainvillea makes it like you’re living in technicolor. It’s just magical.”

A room at the Descanso Resort. Photo courtesy of Descanso Resort.

At the new Descanso Resort, it’s all about that indoor/outdoor living. This men’s resort, formerly the East Canyon Resort & Spa, is the brother property to the Santiago, and provides the same luxe accommodations. Located at 288 E. Camino Monte Vista, the hotel underwent a total transformation, with all guest rooms and areas undergoing renovations. The rooms are equipped with new furniture, high-end linens and bedding, and Gilchrest & Soames luxury bath products. The pampering starts as soon as guests arrive — at check in, a snack bag is provided, and complimentary food and beverages are available in the cantina; a continental breakfast and poolside lunch is also offered. The private grounds feature native plants, a heated pool and spa, day beds, and a garden shower.

A beautiful mural at Fleure Noire. Photo courtesy of Fleur Noire

The Fleur Noire at 1555 N. Indian Canyon Dr. offers an eclectic mix of 21 casitas, bungalows, and suites, each one with its own distinct design — and a refrigerator that is stocked daily with complimentary water. There are stunning floral wall murals by artist Louise Jones (a.k.a. Ouize) on display across the property, and guests can lounge by the heated pool and multiple fire pits or in the club house, which has a communal pantry and working and dining areas. La Boisson, a speakeasy champagne and rosé bar, is opening later this spring.

An Azure Sky bedroom. Photo courtesy of Azure Sky

Azure Sky, a 14-room luxury hotel at 1661 S. Calle Palo Fierro, is set to open in the early spring, and is already causing a stir. Originally built in 1959, new owners Acme Hospitality and Eastern Real Estate have lovingly restored the property, bringing in vintage lighting and custom woodwork to dazzle guests. Most of the rooms have private patios with hammocks and kitchenettes, with built-in beds, stone tile flooring, and mid-century modern inspired design accents. The lounge boasts a premium cocktail bar, and outside, there’s a sparkling pool, fire pits, two courtyards, and a large hot tub that can hold up to 25 people. 

Whether it’s for a weekend getaway, a romantic retreat, or a long much-needed workcation that’s not too far from home, there’s a small boutique hotel waiting for you in Palm Springs with just the vibe you crave.

About Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is an association 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. Subscribe to our Monthly e-Newsletter, Boutiquely Palm Springs. From tips on what to do, see and eat in Palm Springs, to interviews with hoteliers, it’s the insider’s guide to everything great about Palm Springs and its iconic boutique hotels. Follow the fun on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest.

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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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How California’s stay-at-home order applies to Palm Springs

Coronavirus spores

Under California’s current stay-at-home order, hotels in Southern California — including those in Palm Springs — are only open to “essential workers” or people who are quarantining due to COVID-19 exposure. No leisure traveling should be taking place at this time.

The order will be in effect until at least Dec. 27. The coronavirus is spreading at an uncontrollable rate in the state, and the order was triggered in Southern California when hospital intensive care unit capacity dropped below 15 percent in the region.

Here are some things to keep in mind while this order is in place:

  • The city of Palm Springs told the Los Angeles Times that “short-term lodging is available to in-state travelers only if those travelers are traveling on essential business or for COVID-mitigation purposes.” 
  • The state of California considers health care providers and caregivers, members of law enforcement, grocery store employees, and mass transit workers among essential employees. Click here for a full list of essential workers.
  • The California State Public Health Department says nonessential travel includes people going on trips that are “considered tourism or recreational in nature.” 
  • One example of a permissible hotel stay is if your spouse was diagnosed with COVID-19 or exposed to the virus — you could book a room in Palm Springs while they are quarantined in your home.

Throughout this crisis, our hotels have gone above and beyond to keep their guests and staff safe. Learn more about our COVID-19 safety guidelines here.

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Palm Springs International Airport Named Best Small U.S. Airport At 2021 TPG Awards

The readers have spoken, and they love the Palm Springs International Airport.

The Points Guy, a travel website and blog, asks its readers every year to vote on their favorite airport, and for the 2021 TPG Awards, Palm Springs came out on top. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is the only commercial service airport in the Coachella Valley, with 11 airlines providing nonstop service to more than 30 destinations across the United States and Canada. It’s also known for its extensive art collection.

In a statement, Mayor Cristy Holstege and Visit Greater Palm Springs President and CEO Scott White said they are “thrilled” by the honor.

“With its open-air walkways and lushly landscaped courtyards that lead within minutes to baggage claims and its breathtaking mountain views, PSP is a surprisingly welcomed and stress-free experience for visitors,” White added.

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