Tag: Palm Springs

  • Korakia Pensione

    Korakia Pensione

    257 SOUTH PATENCIO ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    It is hard to describe this Morrocan-inspired boutique lodging in words other than to say it is absolutely magical. My husband and I once checked in for a brief two-day staycation and wound up extending our reservation to a full week as we just couldn’t bear to check out. The Korakia has that effect. Stunning, peaceful, with grounds begging to be explored and not a TV nor phone in sight, at Korakia you can check in and truly check out. Be sure not to miss the classic movies shown each evening al fresco in the tranquil courtyard.

    ★★★★

    Website

  • Ingleside Estate

    Ingleside Estate

    200 WEST RAMON ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    One of Palm Springs’ most intimate, serene, and tranquil properties, this 30-room, adults-only boutique hotel is a genuine landmark. My husband and I actually got engaged at the property in 2009 and have returned several times since, with each stay seemingly better than the last. Boasting gorgeous grounds, a 24-hour pool and hot tub, and a stellar onsite restaurant and lounge, the Ingleside is the place to stay when you want to get away from it all. As such, it has become a Hollywood haven, hosting everyone from legendary crooner Frank Sinatra to Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, who honeymooned in Room 148.

    ★★★★

    Website

  • Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs

    Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs

    100 WEST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
    PALM SPRINGS

    The Rowan is one of the few spots on this list where I haven’t actually stayed the night, but I have spent a considerable amount of time on the premises, dining at the many restaurants/lounges and enjoying cocktails at the rooftop bar. And I can honestly say it is an absolute delight! Though pricey, the property is one of downtown Palm Springs’ most upscale full-service hotels with a slew of amenities to offer. And its location at the heart of pretty much everything couldn’t be more prime! You can’t go wrong with a stay here.

    ★★★★

    Website

  • The Willows

    The Willows

    412 WEST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
    PALM SPRINGS

    A hidden gem, The Willows is one of Palm Springs’ most unique and extraordinary lodgings. The boutique, adults-only, 17-room property is situated in two adjacent former private residences that have been reimagined as intimate and luxurious accommodations. With tasteful guest rooms, three-course breakfasts served daily against the backdrop of a striking 50-foot waterfall, and hors d’oeuvres offered aside a roaring fireplace each night, the site is more of a home away from home than a hotel. I recently had the pleasure of spending Christmas on the premises, and it was a magical experience. The location, just a block from Palm Springs’ main drag, also can’t be beat!

    Website

  • Tom Neal House

    Tom Neal House

    2481 NORTH CARDILLO AVENUE
    PALM SPRINGS

    This ranch-style dwelling was once the home of actor Tom Neal (most famous for his role in the 1945 noir “Detour”), who, on the afternoon of April 1, 1965, shot and killed his third wife, Gail Kloke, following an argument over their impending divorce. He was ultimately found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and, while awaiting sentencing, infamously posed for a photo shoot outside of the residence/murder scene, feigning much grief. Following a six-year prison stint, Neal relocated to Los Angeles and passed away just eight months later, one of Hollywood’s most tragic cautionary tales.

    Website

  • Charles Naywert House

    Charles Naywert House

    530 WEST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
    PALM SPRINGS

    This towering abode is the site of one of Palm Springs’ most notorious crimes, the still unsolved July 4, 1984 double murder of art dealer (and suspected diamond smuggler) Charles Naywert and his housepainter, Carl Ernest Hinsenkamp, in a scene “The Desert Sun” described as being more brutal than the Manson killings. Per reports, police had a prime suspect in mind from the start, but no arrest was ever made due to a lack of evidence. The residence, which bears a strong resemblance to the infamous Los Feliz Murder House, was sold by Naywert’s estate following the murders and was later owned for a time by actor Gary Oldman.

    Website

  • Community Church Of Palm Springs

    Community Church Of Palm Springs

    283 SOUTH CAHUILLA ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    Next door to the Orchid Tree Inn sits the once-celebrated Community Church of Palm Springs. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by William Charles Tanner in 1935, President Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, attended services there while visiting the desert in 1954. Shuttered since 2004, the once stately parish is charred and decaying today, following mass devastation resulting from two fires that tore through the property in 2013 and 2022. While there have been talks of transforming the church, as well as the Orchid Tree Inn, into a boutique resort, those plans have yet to come to fruition.

    Website

  • Bar Cecil

    Bar Cecil

    1555 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
    PALM SPRINGS

    If you know anything about the Palm Springs food scene, you’ve heard of this place – and it is absolutely worth all the hype! Offering fine dining in the non-stuffiest form (the menu even includes a burger!), this swank establishment opened in 2021 and has been the hottest ticket in town ever since! Named after British “rebel/aristocrat” Cecil Beaton, the vibe is excellently eclectic, with fine art and colorful collectibles lining the walls, and the fare is some of the best around. Not-to-be-missed items include Cecil’s Bread Rolls, Steaks + Frites (the fries are insane!), and the Chocolate Chip Cookies (served right out of the oven).

    $$$$

    Website

  • Spencer’s Restaurant

    Spencer’s Restaurant

    701 WEST BARISTO ROAD
    PALM SPRINGS

    Opened in 2000, Spencer’s has been delighting discerning patrons for decades. Nestled on a stunning plot with three lush, light-strung patios abutting the San Jacinto Mountains, the four-star, adults-only restaurant exudes elegance and style and serves up some of the best food the city has to offer. The winner of copious awards throughout its lengthy history (including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence), one step across the threshold and it’s not hard to see why the establishment has become one of the area’s most renowned and beloved gems.

    $$$$

    Website

  • Copley’s On Palm Canyon

    Copley’s On Palm Canyon

    621 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
    PALM SPRINGS

    Housed in the most gorgeous of settings (and what is purported to be Cary Grant’s former guest house!), this fine dining location is a Coachella Valley landmark known for its romantic patio, stellar food and craft cocktails. The Hawaiian Ahi Tacos are a can’t miss!

    $$$$

    Website