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Boutique Hotels Can Be Your Home Away From Home

Orange lounge chairs surround the pool at Little Paradise Hotel in Palm Springs, California
By Susan Montgomery

I have often dreamed of living in a lovely hotel for a while.  I can just envision the heavenly experience now — sipping coffee by the pool each morning with a good book, enjoying a delicious breakfast in my own little kitchenette, taking leisurely strolls around the nearby shops, dipping in and out of a refreshing pool during the day, relaxing in the evening with a glass of wine on my own delightful patio as I watch a glorious Palm Springs sunset over the mountains, and then snuggling peacefully each night on a comfy bed with luxurious linens.

It’s always good to get away from the day-to-day frenzy of at-home obligations where myriad household and work tasks always beckon. Fortunately, there are quite a few boutique hotels, all part of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels group, that cater to my dream by encouraging long stays (two weeks or more).

Below are some hotels where you could live out this dream. All these hotels offer swimming pools, coffee pots, refrigerators, and kitchenettes, which are essential for long stays. Many offer other amenities such as furnished patios and barbecue grills for guests. Some cater to adults and some even welcome pets.

The Wescott Palm Springs

At the Wescott, you can enjoy a relaxing cocktail hour each evening on the patio around the soothing fresh water pool.

This historic hotel (opened in the 1930s), caters to adults and offers a Hollywood ambiance and art deco design with recently updated rooms. Since the Wescott is located in the trendy Uptown Design District, lots of shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. A complimentary breakfast is offered each morning and there is a relaxing cocktail hour each evening around the soothing fresh water pool.

Adara Hotel Palm Springs

Ideally located near downtown Palm Springs, this charming, nicely furnished hotel is conveniently located right across from the Stein Mart Plaza Shopping Center. This quiet oasis features swaying palm trees and beautiful landscaping, making it a true getaway. Every room features a striking view of the San Jacinto Mountains and everything you need for an extended stay visit, such as flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers.

Canyon Club Hotel

The Canyon Club Hotel has an exceptionally spectacular pool.

This 32-room, clothing optional, gay men’s resort is within easy walking distance from Palm Canyon Drive where there are lots of shops and restaurants. Eight rooms have private patios and there is a beautiful 50-foot diving pool plus a gym, spa, sauna, steam room, and a large park in the back that even has a fun maze. And you can bring your furry friends.

Avance Hotel

This relaxing getaway is an adults-only property that offers nine different kinds of suites, all but one with king-sized beds and four with private patios. These suites are like modern apartments and several have full kitchens. The courtyard is beautifully landscaped and the inviting saltwater pool is heated. Avance is very private but centrally located, only about a mile from downtown Palm Springs. Views from all the suites are spectacular. Complimentary bicycles are available.

Desert Hills Resort Hotel

At the Desert Hills Resort Hotel you can enjoy a flower-filled courtyard with a beautiful pool.

Ideally located at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains in the historic Tennis Club District, this adults-only, mid-century modern hotel is serene and very private. There is a barbecue grill and ice machine for guests. One and two-bedroom suites have beautiful patios that overlook a lovely flower-filled courtyard with a beautiful pool and spa. Many rooms have complete kitchens and all the linens are luxurious cashmere. This is a serene getaway for those who want a quiet, peaceful retreat.

Hotel California Palm Springs

Designed in a classic California mission style, with Spanish touches, this lushly landscaped hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and 14 beautifully furnished rooms around a glistening pool with refreshing cool misters. There are grills for guests to barbecue and even a private outdoor cigar lounge. This is a romantic getaway with a rustic ambiance. Loyal guests come back here year after year, in part because of the impeccable friendly service.

Andalusian Court

Andalusian Court is a Spanish Revival Hotel that exudes romance and charm.

This charming Spanish Revival hotel exudes romance and is ideally located in the historic Tennis Club District. The grounds are nicely landscaped and highlighted by flowing water features. Each of the seven villas has a full kitchen, bedroom, luxurious bathroom, dining room, and living room. This is a true getaway and perfect for a serene extended stay. No wonder Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz often stayed here.

Little Paradise Hotel

This quiet hotel caters to adults and features eight spacious, modern rooms, each with fully equipped kitchens and two furnished patios. A beautiful salt-water pool is surrounded by lots of lawn chairs for the utmost in relaxation as you listen to the magical sounds of tinkling waterfalls. This “little paradise” is located about a mile from downtown Palm Springs, and there are also some nice restaurants within easy walking distance.

Les Cactus Palm Springs

Named after the 60s French rock ‘n roll hit by Jacques Dutronic, this historic hotel has been lovingly updated with stylish décor. A mix of one-bedroom suites and studios make this a perfect place for a long stay. Amenities include a massage room, a hot tub, a hammock garden, and a glorious rooftop deck — an ideal home away from home that may even be nicer than home.

Tuscany Manor

Tuscany Manor features an enchanting courtyard and a newly refurbished pool.

Clothing is optional at this peaceful retreat, which caters to single women and couples. The 24 apartment-like suites, with one or two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and living and dining areas, are perfect for long stays. A plus for many guests is that the property is entirely smoke-free. A spacious, enchanting courtyard features a newly refurbished pool, spa, and barbecue area. While the intimate setting is very private, the hotel is only a short walk from downtown Palm Springs.

There are other PSPSH hotels that may meet your needs for extended stays, so check out the PSPSH website. And don’t worry about the summer heat during your extended stay in Palm Springs. All these hotels are air-conditioned, of course, and you can dip in and out of a refreshing pool all day.

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Coyote Inn’s Chris and Barb Miller: From guests to owners

For years, the Coyote Inn was where Chris and Barb Miller would go when they needed an escape. Now, it’s home.

The Millers have owned the Coyote Inn since 2008. They fell in love with it as guests, when they would leave their donut business in Utah for a few days of relaxation in Palm Springs. It was “a grind,” Chris says, and when the opportunity to purchase the Coyote Inn came up, they jumped. “The previous owners were looking for a different lifestyle, and we were looking for something different,” Chris says.

Chris and Barb live on the property, and work seven days a week. They do everything and anything that needs to be done, and always have their “game faces on,” Chris says. They love forging relationships with guests, greeting new faces and welcoming back regulars.

“We meet a lot of interesting people,” Chris says. “When people find us, they’re hooked.”

Guests come from all over the world, and enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes along with a property that is adults only. They also love the saltwater pool and hot tub, which is good for the skin. Snowbirds flock to the Coyote Inn during the spring, and book for the next year before their visit is even over.

“People come here to relax,” Chris says. “Our location is ideal; you can walk downtown, but you’re far enough away where you can’t hear it. Some guests don’t even rent a car.”

There’s something about walking through the gate and entering the Coyote Inn’s courtyard that instantly puts guests at ease.

“Once people hit the fountain, they forget about everything,” Chris says. “It’s a great place to unwind.”

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A taste of Tokyo in the California desert

The outside of Sakura

The outside of Sakura

George Cebra brought his love of Japan to Palm Springs.

Sakura, the Japanese-style bed and breakfast, offers a unique experience. At Sakura — which means “cherry blossom” in Japanese —  guests can wear kimonos and slippers, and sliding shoji doors lead to the garden and swimming pool. Shiatsu acupressure massage is available.

George is a jazz musician, and has performed in clubs around the United States and world. He spent five years playing in Tokyo, and “planned on living there forever,” he said. “There’s no crime, you can leave your purse or wallet on a train with $1,000 in it and no one would touch it. The food is incredible. You can eat off the sidewalk, everything is immaculate.”

Things changed when he met his wife, whose dream was to live in California. George thought they would only live in the state for a few years, but they stayed, and 20 years ago, as their daughter prepared to go to college, George and his wife opened the bed and breakfast.

“My wife taught me how to make Japanese food,” George said. “People seem to like what I do.”

George’s wife has since passed away, and George runs Sakura on his own. It has just two rooms, and he spends much of his day maintaining the property and getting to know his guests, including many who are first-generation Americans with parents born and raised in Japan. He also sees a lot of people from western Europe and those who “enjoy the Japanese culture.”

“I enjoy hanging out with people during breakfast, we can sit down and talk,” George said. “About 50 percent of guests are from other countries, so it’s nice talking with them about where they are from.”

When George isn’t at Sakura, he is teaching music — everything from violin to the cello to the trumpet — and playing at clubs and with a local orchestra. While George would love to have the chance to go back to Japan and play in the clubs, “If I won $1 million tomorrow, I wouldn’t change anything,” he said.

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The Spa Insider Profile: L’Horizon Resort and Spa

Lizzie Sherman, Creative Director at The Spa Insider, recently interviewed Alyssa McDonald, Director of Spa Operations, to gain an insider’s perspective about what makes a visit to L’Horizon Resort & Spa the perfect choice for a relaxing Palm Springs getaway.  Hint: Prepare to relax just reading about it.

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The Andalusian Court: A magical experience

The Andalusian Court is peaceful and romantic.

The Andalusian Court is peaceful and romantic.

There are many words guests use to describe The Andalusian Court — romantic, private, serene, stunning — but one is used over and over again: Magical.

“The grounds are lush and full of water features and fountains and at night it is lit up like a magical fantasyland,” manager Elaine Manion said. “We had one guest tell us he’s not a sentimental guy, but the property at night almost brought him to tears.”

The Andalusian Court was originally built in 1921, and retains its Spanish revival charm. There are seven private villas, each one with a bedroom, fully-equipped kitchen, luxurious bathroom, dining and living room, and fireplace, and some have private outdoor jacuzzis. The gardens are gorgeous, the courtyard pool and fire pits are inviting, and the guest barbecue is a fun touch. There’s also a Hollywood history — Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz often stayed at The Andalusian Court in Villa 4.

“Everything is unique about this property,” Elaine said. “Every villa is fully contained; it is literally turnkey, so you don’t need anything else. The customer service is impeccable, it’s number one, and the grounds are peaceful. The property is quiet because everyone is on the same page; there’s no loud music at the pool, no screaming. It is adults only, so it does have a very peaceful and serene environment.”

The owners have retained the hotel’s original architecture while adding plush new beds and linens, water heaters, and WiFi to each villa. As a bonus, when guests check-in, they are greeted with a goody bag of snacks and bottled water, and they always know that the staff at The Andalusian Court is ready and excited to help them make the most out of their stay.

“We hear wonderful reviews from our guests, and they recommend us to others,” Elaine said. “That word of mouth has led to us having lots of repeat guests.”

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