Parker Palm Springs

      One of my best friends is a huge fan of the Parker in Palm Springs and wanted to celebrate his birthday there this year.  We had planned it out a few months in advance and had booked using SPG points when the point redemption rate was still only 12,000 points per night, now increased to 20,000 with the addition of a $30.00 resort fee per day.  Despite this it remains one of my favorite hotels.  We had both used Suite Upgrades to secure a suite for our stay.  I managed one of the larger suites in the main building, while my friend Sean gave up his suite in favor of a patio with a terrace right out onto the North Pool.

     After driving in from the airport and checking into our rooms, amazingly decorated in Johnathan Adler furnishings matching the property's mid-century modern architecture, we headed right out to the beautiful main pool to take in some sun.  The nearby Lemonade Stand makes delicious cocktails and the service at the pool is excellent, with the staff monitoring the pool to make sure only guests are using it. 

     The grounds at the Parker are tranquil and relaxing.  We played some croquet, jumbo chess and ping pong, before heading into the Palm Springs Yacht Club, the hotel Spa.  The interior is so relaxing even if not getting a massage, with separate men and women's steams and saunas, ample indoor and outdoor quiet seating, two hot tubs, and a large pool.  The relaxation room is a dark cushioned room lit with dozens of candles.  Amble fruit is out and the coolers serve either water or a vodka mix with the Yacht Club's manifesto stressing a cocktail encouraged environment.

     After relaxing and showering in the Yacht Club we got dressed for dinner, stopping in the lobby bar for cocktails before heading out for dinner downtown.

    The next day we went for a hike up the Araby Trail, conveniently located right next to the hotel and passing by Bob Hope's iconic home, an easy intermediate hike.  After showering it was breakfast at the Parker's main breakfast and lunch restaurant, Normas.  Book early since it gets very busy.  We had a continental breakfast included as a platinum benefit but we added one breakfast quesadilla to share which was delicious as are the pancakes at the hotel.  Next it was off to the North Pool for a day in the sun, and then a return to the Yacht Club, drinks in the lobby bar, and another meal in town and on to the fun Spa Resort Casino for some gambling.

    On our last morning we went for a long walk into town, grabbed coffee at Starbucks, and then had breakfast at Normas before a return to the main pool before heading out for our next top the Sheration Anaheim for a weekend at Disneyland. 

     The Parker is truly one of the best properties in the Starwood Family, with amazing restaurants, service, and grounds.  Well worth a visit for a relaxing stay in Palm Springs which itself offers so much to see and do.