Parker Palm Springs

About this place:

Look for the understated entrance gate along East Palm Canyon Drive – Parker Palm Springs keeps its thirteen acres tucked behind dense gardens and sweeping lawns. Past the gate, the drive curves through dense gardens and sweeping lawns – thirteen acres in total – before reaching the main building. The lobby drops you straight into mid-century territory: bright colors, a large fireplace, and plenty of lounge seating that spills into a sunken area just off the check-in desk. Most people pass through here on their way to their rooms, but the lobby also works as a spot to settle in with a drink or wait for friends. Rooms and suites spread out across the property, some tucked into low-rise wings, others set apart as standalone villas or houses. Hammock Rooms line up with patios facing the gardens, while Zoe Villas sit further out, each with its own private entrance, spacious outdoor area, and a wet bar. The Gene Autry Residence stands alone – a two-bedroom house with history, often used for events or longer stays. Paths wind between buildings and gardens; it’s easy to get turned around, but that’s part of the experience. Bikes wait near the entrance for anyone heading into town or just looping the grounds. Three pools are spaced across the property. The family pool sits near the main buildings, with cabanas reserved for villa guests. The other two pools stay quieter, bordered by hedges and palms. The PSYC spa sits off to one side in its own building. Inside, there’s a heated indoor pool, hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and plenty of loungers – food and drinks are served here, and spa treatments can be booked in advance. Food and drinks are woven throughout the grounds. Norma’s stretches along one side, open all day for breakfast and brunch – classic diner fare with a Palm Springs spin. Mister Parker’s, the main dinner spot, hides behind a velvet curtain just off the lobby. The room stays dark and theatrical, with a menu built around steakhouse classics: oysters, wedge salad, scallops, lobster bisque, and a Beef Wellington reserved for hotel guests. Counter Reformation is a narrow wine bar tucked along one of the walkways, serving a tight list of wines and small plates. Mini Bar is just that – six or seven seats – but drinks can go anywhere: lobby, lounge, or patio. The Lemonade Stand sets up poolside, pouring frozen drinks and lemon water all afternoon. Recreation leans old-school: clay tennis courts, croquet, pétanque, and big lawns for wandering. Event spaces are spread out – weddings and parties often take over multiple corners of the property, from the Gene Autry house to the gardens and terraces. The whole place is dog-friendly, with treats and water bowls showing up wherever you go. Valet parking sits at the entrance, though there’s usually some street parking along the drive. The property started as a Holiday Inn back in the 1950s and was reworked by Jonathan Adler – mid-century bones with plenty of color and oddball details. The hotel keeps up with regular updates, but the layout and look stay true to the original design. Most people end up wandering the grounds at least once, just to see what’s around the next bend – there’s always another hidden patio or quiet spot to find.