marilyn monroe Archives | Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

That was fast, right? I mean, I blinked and February was already making her departure known by giving us temperatures in the 90s! OK, it only happened once, but that’s when I realized February was at the end of a very short run, or maybe it just felt short because January felt soooo looooong.

You probably shouldn’t expect a super Super Bloom in March due to the low amount of rain, but we had some so the flowers are happy all the same. I’ve already got red, yellow, and purple blooms in my little yard. But the cactus hasn’t popped any buds yet, and she’s the special guest in the garden and a real showstopper. So look around for some of nature’s more vibrant colors while you’re out and about. They’ll definitely be ready for their close up by March.

A (kind of) new home for Marilyn

Things are happening downtown and beyond but the biggest deal in downtown Palm Springs is: Marilyn is on the move.

That’s right, you will no longer be able to see the massive Marilyn Monroe statue in the middle of Museum Way. However if you move your eyes 16 feet to the right, amongst the palm trees you’ll see her head, and quite possibly the back end of her skirt poking up from the middle.

Check out the Downtown Park while you’re taking a photo with her. It’s only a few years old, but it’s already been a hit with its Rock the Park series hosting some pretty sweet tribute bands. On March 5 at 7 p.m., they’re bringing ABBAFAB to the park. You’ll want to bring your own folding chair, or you can stand and bust a move or two, like I did. Unfortunately someone thought I was having a seizure and the EMTs were called. Boy howdy were they hot! (The only thing about this story that’s true is the last sentence. Our EMTs and firemen should have their own calendar.)

March is a big month for sports in the Coachella Valley so we’ll cover that in another post, but here’s the big and the small of the non-sporting activities.

Special events in Palm Springs

March 1: Heather McDonald at Cascade Lounge. You might remember her from Chelsea Lately, or maybe you’ve listened to her podcast, Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald, which takes on a lot of the Housewives gossip.

March 1: Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival. Free, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re a lover of flowers, this is your jam.

March 2: Vintage Market, 369 N Calle El Segundo. Details here. If you’re a vintage fan, the first Sunday of every month is your sweet spot. Spend a long weekend at one of our mid-mod small hotels, shop our multitude of vintage stores on Friday and Saturday, then hit this great market on Sunday. It’s grown so much that they moved to a bigger space.

March 7-9: LGBT Days Event. It’s a fun time, especially when paired with a stay at one of our gay men’s clothing-optional resorts. If you’re not familiar with the Arenas scene, I’ve got something coming for you soon about that.

March 8-May 11: Desert X. You absolutely have time to plan/do this, but if you keep putting it off it might get away from you. So get the map now and check out what’s closest to each installation, and be sure to explore some restaurants and bars while planning your route for each day.

March 14-19: El Paseo Fashion Week. Just what it sounds like.

March 20-23: Food & Wine Festival. Chefs, sommeliers, restaurants, and wineries all under one big tent.

March 22-23: See 70mm films as intended at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar, Lawrence of Arabia, and Vertigo. Check out their calendar for more fantastic events.

March 28-30: Cirque Du Soleil at Acrisure Arena

Thursdays: Village Fest and free admission at PS Art Museum from 4 to 7 p.m.

Foodie Fridays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center brings all the food trucks to the yard. Grab some good grub then head on in for cocktails, a movie, live music, or a play in this architecturally significant theatre.

Dinner and a show

PS Underground — Another year of unique shows straight out of Michael Fietsam’s feverish creativity, which is the only match for Chef Dave’s delicious creations. Let them know when you book if you have dietary restrictions.

The Purple Room — One of the last remaining classic supper clubs around. It was the best during the Rat Pack era and remains so — not only for local talent during the week, but ticketed shows on the weekends. You MUST see The Judy Show.

PS Air — Located in the same plaza as Revivals, it’s a wine store, it’s a restaurant, and it’s an airplane with entertainment. Kitsch at its best.

Oscar’s — Located right on Tahquitz, you can hear their 4 p.m. Sunday Tea Party for blocks. But we’re not here for that. We’re here for the dinner shows. An eclectic schedule with some very interesting shows; some big, some small. Check ’em out.

We’ve got great dining options all over town, and plenty of alcohol. For those that abstain, there are also delicious mocktails and weed. We’ve got gorgeous weather, mountains and pools, and darling small boutique hotels. And if you’re a nice person, you’ll get that returned in spades. What more could you ask for?

Don’t forget Coachella and Stagecoach are coming up in April, and so is the next events blog, but make sure to start planning for those now. And stay tuned right here for more about paradise. Until then…

Next up in our series of articles on the most Instagram-worthy small hotels in Palm Springs is L’Horizon Resort & Spa.

In 1952, Jack Wrather, producer of Lassie and The Lone Ranger, wanted a desert retreat for himself and his Hollywood friends. He enlisted prominent modernist architect William F. Cody to create a large property in South Palm Springs featuring 20 separate bungalows that ultimately hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe to the Nixons during its heyday. More than six decades later, designer Steve Hermann, who has designed homes for clients including Christina Aguilera and Vera Wang, purchased the property and reopened it in July 2015 as L’Horizon Resort & Spa following an extensive renovation and redesign.

Hermann’s design update retained Cody’s signature midcentury architectural elements while infusing modern comforts and luxuries. An al fresco fine dining restaurant called SO.PA was added to the property, as well as a poolside bar and a spa.

A blue-tiled infinity pool is the centerpiece of the resort, with guest room bungalows scattered around the property.

One bungalow, called the Fireplace Suite, was Marilyn Monroe’s personal bungalow when she stayed with the Wrathers during the 1950s. It features a wood-burning, copper clad fireplace as the centerpiece of the room and opens out onto a private patio.

The ultimate luxury accomodations at L’Horizon can be found in The Residence, which is a nearly 2,000 square foot standalone home with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, living room, sunken wet bar and its own private pool with gorgeous mountain views.

Other Instagram-able details I love at L’Horizon include the black and white multi-patterned design motifs around the property; the ornate starburst front doors; bikes available for guest use during your stay; bocce ball court; hammocks; and the desert landscaping throughout the resort. The property is adults only, but your four-legged friends are welcome!