Fab time in the desert
Spring fling in Palm Springs: Hip California desert spot isn't just for grandma
Pool at the Palm Springs Parker Hotel
A gigantic “DRUGS” sign lights up the lounge area, perhaps as a brazen nod tothe Betty Ford Center down the road.Photo by Ellie Knaus
Ellie Knaus
The hotel has a mid-century modern vibe, as dones much of Palm Springs.Photo by Ellie Knaus
Outdoor lounge area at the Parker Palm SpringsPhoto by Ellie Knaus
Outdoor bar at the Parker Palm SpringsPhoto by Ellie Knaus
My friends have been raving about Palm Springs for years. They always return with glowing tans and renewed joie de vivre. Secretly, I always thought of Palm Springs as a retirement community. Sure, Frank Sinatra had an estate there. Yes, Bob Hope was the honorary mayor. But those facts only seemed to reinforce my bias.
Recently, I decided to check out the desert town for myself after I came across a hotel steal. The Parker Palm Springs offers two exciting packages: "Spa Junkie" and "Glutton’s Delight". I’m a spa junkie. My husband’s a glutton. We compromised and signed up for one night of each.
Getting there is easy. Fly into the Palm Springs airport or drive the hundred miles from L.A. If you're driving, there are two stops I'd recommend. Pull off the freeway for lunch at In-N-Out Burger. And then, have an empty suitcase ready for the the loot you’ll haul out of the Desert Hills Premium Outlet (I’m talking classy stuff like Barney’s, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and Ralph Lauren).
We hit the road, and after indulging in fast food and designer deals, we arrived at the Parker Palm Springs. The hotel’s designer Jonathan Adler is known for his vibrant colors and eclectic taste, but the only thing of note in the driveway is a white concrete wall. It's as if the stark entrance is a visual palate cleanser preparing visitors for the world you are about to enter. Medieval suits of armor stand guard in the lobby. A gigantic “DRUGS” sign lights up the lounge area, perhaps as a brazen nod to the Betty Ford Center down the road. The interior design is a bonanza of country club, Moroccan, and retro vibes.
Waiting for my room key at the front desk, I murmured, “It’s like we’re visiting Auntie Mame.”
“Who’s Auntie Mame?” my husband asked.
“The character. You know, the eccentric, globe trotting—Oh, never mind.”
As it turns out, Auntie Mame is also one of Jonathan Adler’s favorites. The hotel guests are characters too. Don’t be surprised if you spot a bulldog in an argyle sweater, an old codger with an acrylic French manicure, or a toddler wearing a cravat.
I had high hopes of exploring Palm Springs' art galleries and taking the aerial tramway, but I had a hard time leaving the property. There were just too many relaxing things to cram in! Poolside lounge chairs fill early with pregnant models and pilates-toned men. European families dig into “Irresistible Banana-Macadamia Nut Flap Jacks” and “Mango-Papaya Butter Cinnamon Crepes” at Norma’s, the hotel’s splashy indoor/outdoor diner. Hollywood agents hit up the clay tennis courts. In the afternoon, couples sip Pastis and play Petanque as if they are in Provence. In the evening, friends dress up for dinner at the swanky Mister Parker’s. Those who grab a casual bite in town come back afterwards to roast marshmallows around the outdoor fire pits.
The highlight of the Parker Hotel is its nautical-themed spa: the Palm Springs Yacht Club. The spa includes an indoor saline pool, two hot tubs, a sauna, and a candlelit den. The front desk greets you with: Welcome Aboard! The best part? Massage therapists offer clients a shot of vodka before treatments. I'll take two.
Now, I'll have to admit Palm Springs isn't just for Grandma; but she’d have a fabulous time too.
Follow Ellie's adventures at www.ellieinla.comand on Twitter @EllieInLa.
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