A new lap of luxury, elegance, and vintage charm has emerged in the heart of Palm Springs. 

Introducing The Velvet Rope, the latest addition to the city’s illustrious landscape of boutique hotels, uniquely designed for the modern, sophisticated traveler. But this isn’t just any boutique hotel – it’s an experience and a journey back in time, encapsulating the golden age of Hollywood glamour, reimagined with a contemporary, luxurious twist.

The Velvet Rope, poised unassumingly at 120 W. Veredasur in the tranquil Old Las Palmas neighborhood, is an embodiment of Herbert W. Burns’ mid-century genius, now infused with the design sophistication of local designer and owner David Rios. It’s reminiscent of his celebrated design work at the acclaimed Trixie Motel, drag superstar Trixie Mattel’s latest venture featured on HBO’s Trixie Motel.

David Rios, left, and Gregory Douglass. Photo courtesy of Gregory Douglass

The Velvet Rope is the embodiment of Old Hollywood

While the Trixie Motel feels more like a paradise in pink, Rios’ aesthetic aims more on the darker side, adorning blacks and midnight green up against lighter colors that embody that Old Hollywood era. “I wanted to showcase Burns’ classic architecture and honor the contemporary visionary he was,” Rios said. “Right down to the level of detail in the recessed ironing boards, Burns was very much ahead of his time.”

With its roots deeply embedded in the golden age of cinema, each of The Velvet Rope’s nine unique suites is a narrative, telling tales of an age where walking, breathing Old Hollywood icons of style and elegance escaped to Palm Springs to live their best lives. 

“The location is key because many Hollywood celebrities gravitated to the Palm Springs Las Palmas neighborhood back then,” Rios said. “It encapsulates the way they used to live out here. Everyone talks about the epic parties that happened back then, and The Velvet Rope will offer nine different bespoke opportunities to experience what it was like to live like some of these icons really lived.”

9 suites with their own personalities

With each room honoring different iconic people and events from that era, the discovery is in the details. A blend of original and recreations, every custom design, vintage piece, and luxurious fabric tells a story of its own. And if that’s not enough, each room has an exclusive scent to heighten the experience.

Elizabeth Taylor is the star of this glam bathroom. Photo by Gregory Douglass

The Presidential Estate ushers you into unapologetic opulence; the Honeymoon Suite is where the rebellious spirit of Elvis flirts with timeless elegance; the Ricardo Suite immerses you in an exciting blend of comedy and charm, honoring the timeless allure of I Love Lucy. Other suites pay homage to the Rat Pack era, Studio 54, Liberace, Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Harlow, and even the Playboy bunnies.

The Ricardo Suite is made for fans of “I Love Lucy.” Photo by Gregory Douglass

Bar Valerie evokes the golden era of entertainment

Bar Valerie, The Velvet Rope’s premiere lounge, is inspired by the iconic song “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, one of Rios’ favorite artists. It offers a mix of social, musical, culinary, and libation specialties. With nightly live music and an array of craft cocktails, this intimate bar has an eclectic and vibrant speakeasy-type feel. 

“I want this to offer everything from high tea to a luxury piano bar experience that echoes that golden era of entertainment,” Rios said.

The Velvet Rope also welcomes wedding parties and private events of all kinds. The San Jacinto Mountains serve as the perfect backdrop for intimate ceremonies on the property’s private lawn as well.

The Velvet Rope is a testament to the transcendental appeal of Palm Springs’ cultural and architectural heritage. It also underscores the enduring appeal of staying at independently-owned boutique hotels – each a unique tapestry of personalized experiences, architectural wonder, and intimate luxury. As each suite at The Velvet Rope opens its doors this December, the hotel will provide an exclusive experience to Palm Springs like never before, intertwining the city’s iconic past with an exciting, inclusive present.

Contact information for The Velvet Rope and Bar Valerie:

Email: contact@thevelvetropeps.com

Phone: 714-345-7610