"Why book? If you dig design and want to gawk at both an impressive in-house art collection and striking mountain views at a property packed with luxe little extras in a central location, you’ve found the perfect place. Set the scene The poppy property chicly splashed with blue-and-white decor and a notable art collection (including an original Lichtenstein!) is set around an attractive pool surrounded by comfy chaise lounges and umbrellas. There’s also a lush lawn, and shuffleboard court adjacent to a pergola-covered deck with extra seating areas and a firepit that’s lit each evening. Holiday House feels intimate without being crowded and the adults-only clientele – heavy on couples and laid-back duos of friends – makes for a relaxing vibe. The attention to detail here is razor sharp and guests get fun perks like a rosé spritzer at check-in, access to an honor system ice cream cart, beach cruisers, and a delightful breakfast spread. The backstory Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock, whose first foray into the Palm Springs hotel scene was via the rustic-chic Sparrows Lodge (and whose most recent project is the uber-hot eatery Bar Cecil) bought the former Chase Hotel in partnership with PRG Hospitality Group several years back. They enlisted LA-based interior designer Mark D. Sikes to give the 1950s venue a complete facelift, opening it as Holiday House in 2017. The rooms The 28 bright and airy rooms are set within the dual-level buildings and feature custom textiles like bold bedspreads and wallpapers, plus rattan accents and curated artwork that differs from space to space. The result is a style cornucopia of midcentury-meets-boho chic with a nod to the nautical thanks to all that oceanic blue. Each room comes equipped with Cowshed bath products, a complimentary travel toiletry kit, plus pretty pencils and postcards, but are purposely void of TVs. “Good” rooms are the standard offering, while “Better” rooms are a bit bigger. Opt for one in the “Best” category, which, if you’re on the second floor, includes an outdoor balcony and indoor soaking tub (in addition to the extra-large glass shower in each room). The “Best” rooms on the ground floor are favorites, and come equipped with private patios and dreamy outdoor showers. I especially loved the well-situated room 10 that’s far enough from the lobby but still allows for easy access to the pool. Food and drink The complimentary morning breakfast spread goes beyond continental with chia pudding, Greek yogurt, fruit, New York-imported bagels, and fresh juices. Patio restaurant The Pantry, shaded by an awning and dotted with potted plants, caters to hotel guests first and foremost but is also open to the public (and a go-to lunch spot for in-the-know locals), serving Cal-Americana fare with colorful salads plus a decadent burger and a standout fried chicken sandwich, all of which you can get served poolside, as well. Don’t leave without trying a craft cocktail like the Paloma or Bourbon Basil Sour. The neighborhood/area Holiday House is about as centrally located as it gets -- just a block from Palm Springs’ main drag filled with restaurants and shops galore and the weekly Thursday street fair VillageFest. It’s also a short stroll to the Palm Springs Art Museum and, thanks to its proximity to the mountains, close to multiple hiking trails. The service Far from fussy, but as attentive as it gets, staffers are happy to help, and someone is stationed in the lobby 24/7 in case you need anything at all. Blue (of course!) polka-dot bikes are available for guests to explore the scenic surroundings. Accessibility Two ADA rooms are available upon request. The property features accessible ramps to the entrance and access to all public areas. A chair lift is available at the pool and jacuzzi. Anything left to mention? Make sure to borrow the hotel’s art guide for a self-guided tour of property’s most interesting pieces, including the outdoor sculpture “Big Red Poppies” by Donald Sultan." - Lizbeth Scordo
