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New Boutique Hotels Make a Splash in Palm Springs

From The Weekend to the newly-expanded Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, the hotel landscape of Palm Springs is changing.

There’s never been a more exciting time to visit a Palm Springs boutique hotel and cast off winter’s gloom.

Several hotels, including The Weekend Palm Springs, are now open and welcoming guests, while timeless favorites, like The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, have recently expanded. At the Desert Riviera and Hotel California, there’s even a brand new owner.

Two new hotels — The Weekend Palm Springs and Tuscany Manor — both have roots in Palm Springs, as they were built in the 1970s. A newly renovated 10-suite hotel, The Weekend offers sophisticated mid-century modern furnishings. The living rooms are spacious, the bathrooms have rain showers and L’Occitane toiletries, and the private patios are made for relaxation, with lounge chairs and fountains. In the morning, a complimentary breakfast is delivered to guests.

“What people really love is the space and attention to detail,” owner Mark Hermann says.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn has long been one of Palm Springs’ most legendary properties, originally serving as a private getaway for a Los Angeles millionaire in the 1920s. For years, this graceful hotel had only eight guest rooms, but the property doubled in size when it was joined with the nine-room Bishop House. Guests can travel between both buildings via footpaths.

“The Willows is a confection of the past,” owner Tracy Conrad says. “It recreates a more gracious and lovely time in two twin historic homes which have hosted luminaries, dignitaries, scientists, and royalty.”

Neil Mehta is the newest hotelier in Palm Springs, having purchased the Desert Riviera and Hotel California in January. Mehta comes to the desert with a background in real estate development, and experience in the hospitality industry — he owns a hotel in Newport Beach. Consistency is important to Mehta, and he does not plan on making any major changes to his popular hotels.

“That was the most critical element of our purchase, to ensure that guests did not feel a thing,” Mehta says.

He will add fun new amenities, like movies by the pool at the Desert Riviera and giving guests access to both properties. Mehta has long been enamored with Palm Springs, and can’t wait to get settled.

“I am a big fan of the city of Palm Springs and of the culture that has always embraced diversity,” Mehta says. “I’m excited to be part of it, to grow our business, and to provide positive experiences for guests.”

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The Willows Historic Palm Springs Doubles in Size with Addition of 9-Room Bishop House

By Elizabeth Borsting

The eight-room Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, a luxury destination built in 1925 as a private residence and operating as the city’s only Four-Diamond hideaway since 1996, has more than doubled in size with the opening of The Bishop House last week.   The historic compound now has a combined total of 17 rooms and suites divided among a pair of historic estates with each room boasting its own floorplan and design. 

Just open to guests, the Bishop House has been completely renovated from top to bottom returning the property to its 1920s splendor.  There are seven rooms in the main building and two rooms in a separate casita including one that is fully accessible.

Both Estates, Built in 1925 and Sharing an Almost Identical Floorplan, Have Been Reunited for the First Time in Decades

The two properties are joined together via footpaths with only registered guests permitted behind the compound’s gates.  Guests are free to roam between the two houses to enjoy the public spaces, such as the great rooms and sweeping verandahs, as well as the terraced grounds.   All guests enjoy a daily deluxe, chef-driven breakfast enjoyed in The Willows dining room with views of the inn’s 50-foot waterfall.  In the evening, wine and hors d’oeuvres are served at either estate where guests can sip or sup on the sweeping terraces or in one of the public rooms.  Other complimentary amenities include en suite snacks, poolside beverages, complimentary parking and charging stations, 24-hour swimming pool privileges and more. 

History of the Properties

Both The Mead and The Bishop Houses have fascinating histories that are intertwined with that of the City of Palm Springs itself.  Their story begins in 1924 when William J. Dodd, a Los Angeles architect who created iconic dwellings for the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Cecil B. De Mille, was commissioned to design Spanish Revival-style mansions for best friends and prominent Angelenos, William and Nella Mead and Roland and Dorothy Bishop.  The couples selected a choice spot where the willows grew at the foot of the mountain.  William Mead was a prominent banker and philanthropist who played an instrumental role in the Owens Valley Aqueduct project helping to transform Los Angeles from a dusty outpost to a major metropolis.  Roland Bishop was a founder and head of Bishop & Co., the region’s premier confectioner and baked goods manufacturer.  He sold the company in 1930 to the National Biscuit Company –better known as Nabisco.

Dodd arranged the two villas to complement the surrounding terrain and sloping hillside anchoring both structures to the desert floor and mountainous backdrop.  Dodd deliberately designed both houses so that they shared similarities of style—a pair of grand vaulted entrance terraces and a great room for gathering–but he also ensured that they had their own architectural identities.  Once the homes were complete in 1925, the two couples made the pilgrimage from Los Angeles to Palm Springs as often as possible.

As the years passed new occupants came and went, including Marion Davies—silent screen star, tycoon mistress and astute businesswoman—who took up residency at the Mead house in the early 1960s and is rumored to have transformed the kitchen into something more useful – a bar.  Her sister Rose Douras occupied he Bishop house during this period and often entertained her “daughter” Patricia Van Cleve and her husband, actor Arthur Lake better known as Dagwood of “Blondie” fame.   Patricia, who was living in nearby Indian Wells when she died in 1993, was actually the love child of Marion and her longtime paramour William Randolph Hearst, a fact she confirmed on her deathbed. 

The original Gladding McBean-tiled fountain of the Bishop house has been restored to working order and graces an outdoor patio. While Gladding McBean may not be a household name today, the company was once the go-to place for ornate and decorative tile during the 1920s.  It company also created The Franciscan Pottery line of dinnerware named for the friars who founded the California Missions.   Its Franciscan Ware patterns—Desert Rose, Franciscan Apple and Franciscan Ivy—are sought after today by modern-day collectors. 

Hotel Amenities

The collection of rooms and suites at The Bishop House feature king-size beds, plush linens and hand-selected furniture reminiscent of the era coupled with modern amenities such as high-speed Internet, individual climate control, smart TVs, USB charging stations and plush robes for lounging. 

Nightly rates start at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn and The Bishop House start at $375 and include a chef-driven, deluxe breakfast; evening wine and hors d’oeuvres; in-room welcome snacks; poolside beverages; parking and electric charging stations; and guest-only access – no resort fees.  For reservations and information, call 800.966.9597 or visit online

Media Contact for the Willows Historic Palm Springs:
Elizabeth Borsting
T. 562.856.9292
E. elizabeth@BorstingPR.com

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Palm Springs Can’t Miss Summer Specials

The crowds are gone and the deals are hot.

If you can’t get enough of the sun, there’s no better place to spend the summer than in Palm Springs — and it’s even better when you score a hot deal.

Several independently-owned Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are offering summer specials valid during week and weekend stays. At the newly-reimagined Mykonos Desert Suites, guests who book for two nights between June 1 and August 31 get a third night free.  Under new management, the hotel has been partially-upgraded with new features like a heated pool, free WiFi, Roku TVs, and more.

For the ultimate getaway, consider L’Horizon Resort and Spa’s luxurious summer package, valid June 1 through Sept. 30: two nights in a Deluxe Bungalow, a bottle of champagne, and late check-out, all arranged by L’Horizon’s brand ambassador, for $739.

Escape Palm Springs, a gay men’s clothing optional resort, offers its lowest rates of the year during July and August, with the added bonus of a third night at 50% off. Right next door, the Triangle Inn Palm Springs, also a men’s clothing optional resort, offers a fourth night free June 1st through September 15th, 2019, and offers Studio Suites for $99 per night (excluding holidays).

La Maison helps guests stay cool while saving money — from June 1 through August 29, guests who take advantage of reduced summer rates for a minimum of two nights, Sunday through Thursday, receive two complimentary Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tickets, a $51 value.

At A Place in the Sun Garden Hotel, it’s all about your perfect trip. Want to visit Palm Springs during the week? Enjoy a 33 percent discount Sunday through Thursday. Prefer a weekend vacation? Receive a 20 percent discount on Friday and Saturday stays. All guests booking rooms for three days or longer earn a 33 percent discount.

For more information on these specials and any exclusions, as well as deals at the Bearfoot Inn, Los Arboles Hotel, The Weekend Palm Springs, Alcazar Palm Springs, The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, and The Monkey Tree Hotel, visit the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website.

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Azuñia Tequila & Azúcar Palm Springs Crafts Four-Course Pairing Dinner

By Brian Garrido, La Serena Villas

Located in the heart of glamorous Palm Springs, Azúcar, the charming restaurant within the luxury boutique hotel, La Serena Villas, couples with the delicious, estate-crafted tequila, Azuñia tequila. For one evening, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, four tequila cocktails will be paired with carefully prepared dishes by the chefs at Azúcar.

The cost per person is $60 and includes all food and tequila pairings. Gratuity and tax not included.  Reservations can be made via Opentable.com or by calling (844) 932 – 8044. Azúcar is located at 339 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, inside La Serena Villas.

To learn more about this exclusive event, follow Azúcar on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website at www.azucarpalmsprings.com. Breakfast is served from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; lunch is from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; happy hour is only at the bar from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and dinner is 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and on Friday and Saturday until 10:00 p.m. Light appetizers served from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. This is a 21 and over establishment. Reservations are strongly suggested.

Since opening late 2017, Azúcar Palm Springs has become a culinary star in Southern California’s desert dining scene with enticing food and handcrafted cocktails. A 2019 OpenTable Diners Choice awardee, the 110-seat restaurant, showcases modern contemporary cuisine with an emphasis and focus on flavor while utilizing exceptional local ingredients. Located on the second floor, Sugar High is a cozy Boho chic meets cool Palm Springs retreat where area locals are often gathering for the perfect slice of heaven sipping on amazing cocktails, noshing on appetizers while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the San Jacinto mountains.

About Azuñia Tequila

Azuñia is smooth, clean craft tequila with authentic flavor from the local terroir in every sip. It is the exclusive export of Agaveros Unidos de Amatitán and its second-generation, family-owned-and-operated Rancho Miravalle estate, which has created exceptional tequila for over 20 years. Made with 100% pure Weber Blue Agave grown in dedicated fields of the Tequila Valley, we harvest by hand and roast the organic agave in traditional clay hornos to ensure authenticity and depth of flavor. We then finish with a natural, open-air fermentation process and bottle onsite in small batches using a consistent process to deliver field-to-bottle quality. For more information, please visit Azunia.com. For media inquiries, contact Jenn Barber, jbarber@azuniatequila.com, 760-331-7914.

About La Serena Villas: 

Originally built in 1933, La Serena Villas is a luxury boutique property with 18 rooms, a serene pool and an intimate spa called Whispers. The historic hotel sits on more than an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Set a peaceful block away, but within walking distance to the famous Palm Canyon Drive, guests will find the resort city’s local restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.

Our 18 guest rooms are uniquely different in design with several offering outdoor tubs, fireplace, plunge pool, or a private spa. Many also feature private front patios with a swing or large back deck for privacy. Villa 18 offers a full kitchen and can be joined with Villa 16 for a two-bedroom retreat. The stunning San Jacinto Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for La Serena Villas and visitors to the restaurant. All rooms are well-appointed featuring luxurious Frette linens and towels. Amenities include L’Occitane, La Serena Villas robes, hairdryers, Keurig coffeemakers, and 40-inch flat screen televisions.

La Serena Villas is located at 339 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262. Phone is (844) 932-8044. You can find us on social media at Facebook and Instagram.  This is a non-smoking, pet-friendly and 21 and over only hotel. 

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Fall in love with Palm Springs’ newest boutique hotels

Dive Palm Springs, BelleVue Oasis join the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels family.

It was a summer of change in Palm Springs, and this fall, you’ll want to check out — and check into — the newest boutique hotels to open in the city.

LaReve room at Dive hotel

Dive Palm Springs is an 11-room paradise, inspired by the French Riviera. Formerly Colt’s Lodge, the property reopened in August, after a meticulous two-month renovation. Most of the rooms come with an outdoor patio, and the most magical one of all, La Reve, features a customer ceiling mural and wallpaper by Christian Lacroix and a gorgeous red-tiled bathroom with a rainfall shower and smoked glass two-way mirror.

“Dive is more than a hotel,” owner and general manager Abdi Manavi says. “It’s a private luxury time machine. Evoking the casual elegance of Saint Tropez in the 1960s, we created Dive to transport our guests to a romantic forgotten world where it’s still safe to relax, play, explore, and release all the trappings of modern life.”

In September, Escape Palm Springs officially became BelleVue Oasis. It is no longer a men’s clothing-optional hotel, but will remain a 21-and-over, mid-century modern resort. The lush grounds are what inspired the new name, with senior hotel manager Charles Zalepeski saying once you walk onto the property, “it’s kind of shocking, you don’t expect it to be as beautiful and as big as it is. The pool is beautiful, and the mountain views are ridiculous.”

Casa Cody, the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, is under new management by the Casseta Group. Casa Cody was founded in the 1920’s by Hollywood pioneer, Harriet Cody, cousin to the legendary, Buffalo Bill. Renovations are underway in several rooms as well as at the Winters House, an original 1930’s California Ranch House, which was added to the property in 2004.

With the closing of the Terra Cotta Resort, Tuscany Manor is now the go-to destination for adults looking for a clothing-optional experience. The all-suite hotel boasts apartment-style units with one or two bedrooms, plus kitchens and living and dining rooms. There is also an updated flower-filled courtyard, complete with a renovated pool, spa, and picnic area. In another major change, the entire property is now smoke free.

As for the Terra Cotta Resort, it is being renovated and will reopen in the fall of 2020 under a new name.

And if owning an exclusive boutique hotel is the dream of a lifetime, The Old Ranch Inn, a Spanish-style landmark hotel built in Palm Springs in the 1930’s, is available for sale at $2.5 million. 

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, and Pinterest.

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Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, Big Blend Radio Launch Monthly Show

Travelers have a new way to learn more about what to do and where to stay in Palm Springs, thanks to a partnership between Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels (PSPSH) and Big Blend.

PSPSH is a consortium of more than 70 independently-owned boutique hotels in Palm Springs, while Big Blend, owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, produces, publishes, and distributes digital travel content. Beginning in January 2023, PSPSH and Big Blend Radio are teaming up for a show, “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays,” that will air the second Saturday of every month.

Each episode will have a different, Palm Springs-related theme, from the architecture of the city to romantic getaways to how Palm Springs is an LGBTQ+ friendly destination. Every show will feature interviews with Palm Springs hoteliers and insiders who can share their insights as innkeepers and tips on how to have the best Palm Springs vacation.

“We are thrilled about partnering with PSPSH to not only promote Palm Springs as a must-visit, year-round destination, but to continue our work in showcasing small and independent businesses — unique lodgings in this case — and put responsible tourism at the forefront,” Smith says.

Lisa D. Smith and Nancy J. Reid. Photo courtesy of Big Blend

“The team at Big Blend understands travelers’ desires to have uncommon experiences. And that’s what Palm Springs and its boutique hotel community is all about,” notes Michael C. Green, chair of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. “We’ve done several successful shows with them in the past, so the partnerships makes sense.”

To listen to “Palm Springs Sunshine Stays,” visit Big Blend Radio’s website. Have an idea for a show or want to learn more about a specific topic? Get in touch with PSPSH at palmspringpreferredsmallhotels@gmail.com.

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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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When the time is right, Palm Springs has your stay

Alcazar Palm Springs' saltwater purified pool in the daytime

It’s important that people stay safe and close to home during this unprecedented crisis — doing so slows down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and reduces the risk for contagion. That’s why large gatherings have been suspended in California, and citizens are being advised to avoid non-essential travel.

We understand that people will have concerns about traveling for some time to come, especially in regards to getting on an airplane or cruise ship, and we want to make it clear that there have been no coronavirus cases linked to any of our more than 70 boutique hotels in Palm Springs. 

Please know that the health and safety of guests who stay at our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is — and always will be — our top priority. That’s why we are monitoring the latest news on the coronavirus, with our hearts going out to everyone affected.

Eventually, a road trip to Palm Springs may be a relaxing — and safer —alternative.

Once this passes and you feel confident traveling again, we hope you’ll consider Palm Springs for your first vacation destination. 

For those who are within driving distance — we’re looking at you, L.A., Phoenix, San Francisco, and Las Vegas — you can feel good about hitting the road and staying here in Palm Springs. All of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are intimate, with most having around a dozen or so rooms, meaning guests don’t have to fear large gatherings (in some cases, you might go all day without seeing a fellow traveler!). 

From check-in to check-out, our hoteliers ensure that our guests have the best possible experience. One way they do this is by providing a clean environment — rooms, dining areas, common spaces, and bathrooms undergo a diligent cleaning at least once a day, with heavily-trafficked portions receiving special attention.

For those who may still be a little concerned about dining out, several of our hotels also have in-room kitchenettes and outdoor grills where you can whip up your own meals.

Late spring is when Palm Springs hits its peak — the weather is great and the pools are at just the right temperature. It may be the perfect time to treat yourself to a relaxing getaway, tailored to your comfort. Explore our hotels — we know you’ll find one that’s a good fit. We’ve got your stay. 

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It’s Time to Check In — and Check Out — Palm Springs’ Newest Boutique Hotels

Welcome to the Old Ranch Inn, an intimate 21+ boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California

These hotels and their owners are bringing fresh perspectives to Palm Springs

From the intimate and tranquil Old Ranch Inn to the fun and fabulous Float, you’ll want to check in to Palm Springs’ newest boutique hotels.

When the Old Ranch Inn’s new owners, husbands Jason Ball and Troy Jones, first stepped onto the property, it was love at first sight. Together, they have refreshed the 8-room Old Ranch Inn, and nearly all of the renovations are completed — the exteriors are new, there is fresh landscaping, and almost all of the rooms have been repainted with updated furniture. For longtime fans of the Old Ranch Inn, they can expect the same warm and welcoming environment.

“When guests come, we want this to be an intimate getaway for them to rest and restore and relax, party a little bit, and be in a good mood,” Jason says. “When they leave, we want them to say they had a great experience and are ready to come back.”

Tortuga del Sol is now Float Palm Springs, a place where guests can enjoy lounging by the pool, sunbathing with friends, or kicking back in their well-appointed rooms. “Its essence is more of a retreat, where you can relax and have fun,” owner Tayfun King says. “You can meet people or be with your own crowd. It’s a very sociable space.” He came up with the name Float because when people think of “quintessential Palm Springs,” they imagine “a person in a pool, floating on an inflatable, with palm trees and blue skies behind them.” While Tortuga del Sol catered to gay men, Float Palm Springs caters to anyone who wants a classic Palm Springs stay experience.

If you love the Santiago Resort, you’re going to adore its new brother property, Descanso Resort. Formerly known as East Canyon Resort & Spa and the Uptown Hotel, the 14-room Descanso will open in the fall, catering to gay men but providing luxe accommodations to a diverse clientele.

The former East Canyon Resort & Spa will become the Descanso Resort  now that it has been purchased by the owners of the iconic Santiago Resort.

The main building is now undergoing renovations, and all of the spacious guest rooms will receive “a complete facelift, top to bottom,” Kent Taylor, general manager of the Santiago Resort, says. That involves new paint, furniture, floors, and window coverings, plus high-end linens and bath towels. “It will feel like a completely different room by the time we’re done,” Kent says. The grounds are also being revamped, and a cantina area is being configured so guests can enjoy gourmet coffee and other drinks throughout the day. Just like at the Santiago, the Descanso staff will go above and beyond to make every guest feel welcome and at ease. “The goal is to make it even more of a men’s boutique hotel experience by the time we’re done, to make it even more special than the Santiago,” Kent says.

For fans of mid-century architecture, the Hotel Las Palmas, opening early this fall, is for you. This property, formerly known as the La Posada, was designed in 1952 by Herbert Burns, and new owner Ben Storck is making sure that the hotel retains its charm. “It is in remarkable condition and retains almost all of its original fixtures and details,” Ben says. “We are doing a sensitive, historical restoration and have Steven Keylon, who wrote the book on Herbert Burns, as a consultant.” He can’t wait to open the Hotel Las Palmas’ doors, promising it will be “the premier boutique hotel of Old Las Palmas.”

Two other boutique hotels are gearing up to open in the near future — the Fleur Noire Hotel and the Tiki Hotel.

In closure news, The Monkey Tree Hotel, a beloved mid-century modern property, has been sold and is now a private residence.

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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Winner Announced in Desert Gay Tourism Guild Poster and T-Shirt Contest.

The  is pleased to announce that Danny Warhole has won its first annual Greater Palm Springs Play Gay, Stay Gay Poster & T-Shirt Contest. 

“The Board voted unanimously for Danny’s design,” said Michael C. Green, DGTG President. “It was, by far, the clearest representation of what we were trying to achieve as we celebrate fifty years of LGBTQ hospitality in the greater Palm Springs area.”

Warhole submitted both a color and a black and white design, and the DGTG Board elected to use both of them; one for the full color poster and the other for the t-shirt design, which will be executed on one color. “Both designs were uniquely ‘Palm Springs’,” said Bill Sanderson, DGTG Vice-President. “And both had particular aspects that made them ideal for our two applications. They are related, but slightly different in their focus. And since the design features a couple, we asked Danny to create one with a male couple and another with a female couple.”

The artist and contest winner, Danny Warhole, was born and raised in the Midwest (Pittsburgh and suburban Detroit), and currently lives in Chicago with his husband, Joe. As a teenager, Danny was awed by Andy Warhol, whose art was his first exposure to homosexuality in popular culture. Today, Danny continues to take inspiration from Warhol and from the figure artwork of others such as John Singer Sargent, Tom of Finland and Mark Beard, and from photographers such as Tom Bianchi. His inspiration for the DGTG winning design comes from his love for Palm Springs, and out of a longing to see more depictions of LGBT persons in Palm Springs’ thriving art scene. For Danny, art isn’t work, it’s play. It’s a good day if his subject feels beautiful, and those who view it feel represented in the world. Danny primarily showcases his work on Instagram: @DannyWarhole

Warhole will receive $500 for his winning design, as well as an all-expense paid trip to Palm Springs, where he and his husband will stay at the popular Santiago Resort.  Other details of the visit are still being planned, but an artist reception and signing will take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Wednesday, April 15th, and continue with events throughout the weekend.

About the Desert Gay Tourism Guild: The Desert Gay Tourism Guild (DGTG) is a collection of LGBTQ owned and operated businesses in greater Palm Springs, California that are dedicated to bringing the local tourism business community together to work cooperatively in marketing and advertising efforts in order to increase tourism for the Greater Palm Springs area. The goal is to promote the Greater Palm Springs area as the premier vacation destination for the LGBT traveler that it is, and let people all over the world know about the destination. Its website, https://www.palmspringsgayinfo.com/, offers a plethora of LGBTQ tourist information about the destination.

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