In a city known for its mid-century design, El Mirasol Villas offers something completely different. Built in the 1940s by Howard Hughes, El Mirasol is a blend of Spanish style and bygone Hollywood, with “beautiful, peaceful gardens throughout,” owner Paul Pressman said. Paul and his partner, Bruce Wishnefsky, purchased El Mirasol Villas in October 2000, relocating to the desert from the Philadelphia area, where Paul was a merchandising vice president at Macy’s in New York City and Bruce was an accountant. El Mirasol was the first gay hotel in Palm Springs, and has been operating as such since 1975. “It...

In a city known for its mid-century design, El Mirasol Villas offers something completely different. Built in the 1940s by Howard Hughes, El Mirasol is a blend of Spanish style and bygone Hollywood, with “beautiful, peaceful gardens throughout,” owner Paul Pressman said. Paul and his partner, Bruce Wishnefsky, purchased El Mirasol Villas in October 2000, relocating to the desert from the Philadelphia area, where Paul was a merchandising vice president at Macy’s in New York City and Bruce was an accountant. El Mirasol was the first gay hotel in Palm Springs, and has been operating as such since 1975. “It went through major remodeling between 1998 and 2002 and we have continued to update and upgrade the rooms and property annually, always keeping its Old Hollywood, 1940’s history in mind,” Paul said. With its charming bungalows and studios, the property has everything you need for a laid-back vacation. Each room has custom-designed furnishings, and a complimentary breakfast is served every morning on the patio with fireplace. There are two pools, a 10-man spa, eucalyptus steam room, and outdoor shower. Mexican paver pathways lead guests through the lush gardens, and the sound of fountains can be heard wherever you go. “We have a low-key, clothing optional environment, where guests can relax in one of the two pools, Jacuzzi, or steam room with friends, or meet new ones,” Paul said. “The gardens that surround you throughout the property set us apart.”