Even though we are die hard Ace Hotel fans, my husband and I took advantage of Palm Springs’ great summer rates and stayed at two different hotels on a recent trip. We loved both for different reasons.
The funky Saguaro has been featured in many blogs and magazines thanks to the kaleidoscope of color that engulfs the property. The color palette comprised of 12 different hues inspired by desert wildflowers, makes for great photos and if you’re anything like me will probably have you discussing which one is your favorite (I liked the pumpkiny orange). Located in a renovated Holiday Inn, most rooms look into the inner courtyard, which features a pool, bocce ball court and manicured grounds. With views of the surrounding mountains something about it all reminds me of Bedrock, you know the fictional home of the Flintstones? Like the Ace, the Saguaro isn’t super fancy but it offers great amenities like bikes, yoga and an hourly shuttle to downtown Palm Springs. The best thing about the Saguaro by far though is the food. Tinto, from James Beard award winning chef Jose Garces, serves Basque tapas and may be the hottest table in town. The more informal El Jefe is also great and offers Mexico City small plates, limey margaritas and the best tequila selection in the desert.
The swanky Parker has always been on my to do list so when I saw it featured on Jetsetter recently I pounced. Whimsical, bohemian and lush, it’s really one of the most unique and beautiful places I’ve ever stayed. Unlike other Palm Springs hotels where the pool is the center of the property, the star here is the fairy-tale grounds which have surprises around every corner– a fire pit, seating nooks built for two, an ivy covered ballroom. There is still a great pool with Balinese décor and a lemonade stand serving “adult” beverages (this is Palm Springs after all). I love the more intimate setting which feels like you’re lounging at a wealthy estate rather than a hotel. Rooms, which are spread out in different buildings around the property, feature crisp white linens, black and white photos from the 70’s and large bathrooms. The room rates are higher than the Saguaro, but the result is better service and more privacy. We even arrived to find an overflowing complimentary fruit platter in our room one afternoon. While this was delicious my one complaint would be the food, which is expensive, boring and certainly not local. What’s up with salmon from Scotland? Word on the street is they’re getting a new chef. Hopefully they’ll breath new life into Mr. Parker’s stale menu.
The Sagauro
1800 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-322-1900
The Parker
4200 Eat Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-770-5000
http://theparkerpalmsprings.com/index.php