We left the Riviera early so that we could make our way over to
one of my favorite hotels, if not my favorite hotel in the SPG
collection. I am a huge fan of this hotel, and even on the busy
Memorial Day weekend the staff was amazing. The grounds of the property
are some of the most relaxing I have ever seen, with mini-golf, giant
chess, croquet, and various other activities for the young and old alike
set throughout a wonderland type atmosphere. Two outdoor pools and the
indoor pool and spa at the Palm Spring Yacht Club add to the amenities
of the property. The suites in the main building are great, but many
people love the terrace suites with patios leading right out to the
north pool. Brunch at Normas is a town favorite but priority is given
to hotel guests so stop in and ask for an outdoor table on the terrace
at check in or early in the morning.
We checked in early and
were ushered out to the pool while our room was prepared. We relaxed
and had drinks at the North Pool which is the more child focused pool
with the main pool filling up early each morning on busy weekends.
After only an hour they called to let us know the room was ready, but we
were so relaxed we stayed poolside for a few more hours. When we
finally went in we were upgraded to one of the upstairs Suites, with
huge open living and lounging areas all decorated by Jonathan Adler, a
large patio overlooking the peaceful grounds, and two bathrooms on
opposite sides of the room, one being a ‘party shower’ bathroom. Our
bags had been dropped off and a bottle of champagne on ice had been left
for us as a birthday treat for me.
We headed out for a
relaxing hour in the indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna/steam complex that
is the Palms Springs Yacht Club, the luxurious and tranquil spa complex
in the hotel. Afterwards we showered and headed out to Tropicale, one
of my favorite restaurants in the city. From there is was just a walk
around the downtown area which I had never seen so packed, even over
Coachella, White Party, or Palm Springs Pride, some of the main weekends
in the city. The newly inaugurated flights from New York and Toronto
were definitely bringing a different group from the typical West
Coasters that frequent Palm Springs, I had never seen so many families
on the one hand and fraternity/sorority groups on the other. It was
almost as though Spring Break and Disneyland had collided in the desert
and the restaurants and bars of Palm Springs were bursting. We stopped
at the casino briefly which is always fun before heading back in an Uber
to the hotel.
The next morning we did my favorite hike just
across from the Parker, the Araby Trail. This is one of the best hikes,
not too difficult and not too grueling if done early before Palm
Springs really heats up. The views from here are amazing. After it was
brunch at Normas on the patio, the Breakfast Quesadilla is a must, and
then a few more hours before the pool, a trip back to the Palm Springs
Yacht Club, and then a late departure thanks to the late check out the
hotel provided.
As always an amazing property and stay, the
staff were wonderful and even when completely full, every guest is made
to feel relaxed and special.
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| Parker Suite |
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| Parker Suite Bathroom |
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| Parker Suite |
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| Parker Suite Party Shower |
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| Parker Suite View of Gardens |
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| Parker Suite Patio and Birthday Champagne |
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| Parker Bar |
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| Parker Lobby |
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| Parker Lobby |
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| Parker Grounds |
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| Parker Grounds |
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| Parker North Pool |
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| Parker North Pool Cabana |
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| Parker Mini Golf |
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| Parker Gym |
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| Parker Gym |
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| Parker Croquet |
