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Where history, Hollywood, and an array of architecture meet
Tucked between bustling downtown and the serene San Jacinto Mountains is the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood of Palm Springs.
This popular area is known for its rich history of visiting Hollywood elites and a diverse range of architectural styles and design, from Spanish-colonial to the city’s iconic mid-century modern, with touches of boho-chic, luxury, and desert landscapes expertly intermingled.
A prominent place to play
Welcome to The Del Marcos Hotel in the Palm Springs Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood. Photo courtesy of The Del Marcos Hotel
The Palm Springs Tennis Club Resort was founded in 1937 by Pearl McCallum McManus, property developer and daughter of John Guthrie McCallum, one of the earliest non-Indigenous settlers in Palm Springs. The resort became a hotspot not only for tennis players, but also Hollywood stars. At the time, movie studios had a rule that required actors to stay within a 90-mile radius of Hollywood, making Palm Springs the perfect place to retreat and relax. Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, and Lucille Ball are among the many stars that sought out the desert.
As the attractiveness grew, so did the neighborhood, with more resorts, boutique hotels, and residences being built. The now thriving neighborhood is represented by the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood Organization (HTCNO) as part of ONE-PS.
Diverse designs and historic hotels
The glamorous Ingleside Estate has been a romantic destination for couples since the 1930s. Photo courtesy of Ingleside Estate
Whether you’re looking to settle in a small hotel that steps back into the golden age of Palm Springs or prefer Spanish-colonial, desert modernism, or a bit of the Old West, the HTCN has you covered.
Ingleside Estate: Built in the 1920s, this Spanish Colonial Revival-style estate’s history spans a century. It’s home to the legendary Melvyn’s, where you can enjoy live music, tableside service, and maybe even snag a seat at Frank Sinatra’s regular table.
Korakia Pensione: Originally named Dar Marroc, Korakia has been serving up Moroccan vibes since 1924. It offers traditional afternoon mint tea service, complimentary bikes to cruise the neighborhood, and outdoor evening screenings of black and white classic films.
Casa Cody Hotel: Harriet Cody (cousin to the famous Buffalo Bill) established Casa Cody in the 1920s. This is the city’s longest standing small hotel operating without interruption. While the history remains intact, the decor has incorporated a refined luxury along with colorful accents infusing a modern spirit.
Old Ranch Inn: Step back into the Old West (with modern conveniences, of course) in this eight-suite guesthouse now run by husbands Jason Ball and Troy Jones. Initially built in 1939, this small hotel is LGBT+-friendly, welcomes dogs, and is within walking distance to the city’s best bars, restaurants, and shops. Come back after exploring and cool off in the stunning pool.
Del Marcos Hotel: Modernism fans will love this 1947 boutique hotel. The design earned architect William F. Cody an award from the American Institute of Architects and it retains the charming allure of mid-century magnificence.
Azúcar is La Serena Villas’ renowned restaurant. Photo courtesy of La Serena Villas
La Serena Villas: This 1933 property has it all. Enjoy one of 18 secluded villas with private patios, swim in the pool, book a facial or body treatment at Whispers Spa, and book dinner at Azúcar. Cap off the perfect day with a drink at the rooftop bar.
Lucille Palm Springs: Named in honor of past guest Lucille Ball, Lucille Palm Springs is known for its chic casitas with private outdoor baths. The grounds are lush, the pool sparkling, and the service spectacular.
Talavera Palm Springs: Take your pick of eight spacious suites, each with a private patio and relaxing jacuzzi. Take a dip in one of the property’s two pools and soak up the gorgeous San Jacinto Mountain views.
Holiday House: The hotel’s serene atmosphere doesn’t end with the peaceful shades of blue tile and artwork by Roy Liechtenstein and David Hockney. This 1951 property’s guest rooms are free of televisions and telephones, allowing you to truly unplug and recharge. Fuel your adventure at The Pantry, open for lunch and dinner (brunch on weekends) or enjoy the famous Fried Chicken Family Dinner that runs once a month starting in October.
The Three Fifty Hotel: There are 10 poolside rooms to choose from at the Three Fifty Hotel, many with kitchenettes. Floor to ceiling windows let in the light, and comfortable beds ensure a good night’s sleep.
Desert Hills: This 1956 classic remains a hidden gem. Nestled in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, it’s the perfect place to escape, with the heated pool and spa and flower-filled courtyard serving as a lovely centerpiece.
Art and architectural exploration
You could spend hours walking around the Palm Springs Art Museum. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Palm Springs Art Museum: Explore the museum’s eclectic collection of art, including contemporary, Western, photography, sculpture, and glass. Art donors include actor William Holden and interior designer and humanitarian Steve Chase. The museum also boasts exhibitions, live events, classes, and the bright and sunny Livs Café (soaking up all that art builds an appetite).
Aluminaire House: Outside of the museum, in the former south parking lot, stands Aluminaire House. The three-story glass and aluminum house was designed by A. Lawrence Kocher and Albert Frey. Take a stroll around this space-saving, low-maintenance design that was once meant to be made for the masses and has a fascinating history.
Albert Frey fans can also tour Frey House II during Modernism or take a self-guided tour on Saturdays from October 3 through November 28, 2026, and January 2 through May 29, 2027.
“Forever Marilyn” Statue: A Palm Springs trip would not be complete without a visit to the city’s iconic 26-foot-tall statue of Marilyn Monroe (although you might have to wait in line to get a selfie with the blonde bombshell). While you wait, know that you are standing where Palm Springs recently set the new world record for amount of Marilyn lookalikes celebrating the icon’s 100th birthday.
Museum Hike: Located directly behind the Palm Springs Art Museum’s parking lot. Climb steeply up the mountain for spectacular views of the city, and perhaps even a closeup of the local wildlife, like the city’s beloved bighorn sheep.
The Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood offers tranquility as well as liveliness, art, architecture, and more — the playground once reserved for the stars is now your own.
