The hedonistic playground of the Rat Pack in the 1950s and ’60s, Palm Springs – some 100 miles east of Los Angeles – is a place filled with elegant mid-century architecture and drenched in sunshine for more than 269 days per year. While Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe are long gone, the area retains a retro-chic vibe that attracts well-heeled travellers the world over. Here’s our guide to the region’s best hotels.
L’Horizon Resort and Spa once served as a playground for Hollywood A-Listers and U. S. presidents alike. Now, redeveloped as a luxury resort, it boasts true exclusivity nestled within intimate spaces on three acres of manicured desert grounds. The boutique property has a relaxing, residential feel with 24 custom-designed bungalows and one private residence surrounding an infinity pool.
A renovation and rebranding evolved the former Rat Pack-inspired theme of old Hollywood glamour into the hotel’s new character: one that is mid-century modern glam but brought into the 21st century. The former black and red palette is now mostly green, white and neutral. While there’s plenty to keep guests happy on site—including a spa, pools, bars and restaurant—downtown Palm Springs is easily accessible, thanks to a free city shuttle that stops right at the hotel.
Surrounded by palm trees and framed by the San Jacinto mountains, Parker Palm Springs is full of wacky pop-art and bursts of colour. Designed by Jonathan Adler, it has a retro-modern look with lots of nooks for relaxation in the extensive gardens. It has a reputation as a celebrity hangout and is often used as a backdrop for fashion shoots.
This former mid-century modern motel has been transformed into an eclectic 176-room oasis. Rather than the usual Rat Pack retro chic, the Ace Hotel has a refreshingly oddball aesthetic, with Sahara-circa-1950s decor such as tent-canvas bedspreads and wallpaper, magazine racks stuffed with vintage copies of National Geographic, and a clock/MP3 player that appears to be World War II surplus. The King’s Highway restaurant serves Middle Eastern cuisine with a California edge.
Located in the uptown design district, just over a mile from the heart of downtown Palm Springs, ARRIVE is the brainchild of Ezra Callahan, the sixth employee of Facebook, fusing quirky tech features and gorgeous mid-century modern design. Rooms are arranged around a poolside courtyard with open-air lounge areas, fire-pits and huge flowing cabanas. The design is inspired by the mid-century modern architectural ethos of the city, but with contemporary splashes of colour, patterned walls and slick angular furniture throughout.
This Spanish colonial-style hotel was built in 1936 and is spread over three acres in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood. From the welcoming arched and vintage-tiled entry to the cosy lobby, to the lush, tropical grounds, there’s an air of exclusivity and privacy. The pool area, with white lounge chairs and white umbrellas with touches of black, is both relaxing and elegant and boasts a great view of the San Jacinto mountains.
You won’t have any trouble finding this resort. Its brightly hued exterior is painted in 14 different wildflower colours that are native to California’s Colorado Desert. William Kopelk, a local architect, designed the gardens and when everything blooms the colours match those of the building. There are daily yoga classes that are often held outdoors on the San Jacinto lawn, one of two large outdoor areas that bookend the pool and whirlpools
