Tom M.
Yelp
After last minute changes to vacation plans, we had some extra time and flexibility to join friends for a birthday celebration weekend in Palm Springs. I've looked at this property before but always opted to stay closer to downtown. With friends all at different hotels, I decided to read the reviews and try something new. Well, the reviews here and on other websites seemed to be a tale of two hotels - people either love it or they hate it. Reading deeper, I noticed that the property was starting a renovation in 2024. Rather than guess, I called the property (the night before check in!) to ask about the status of the renovation. Based on the feedback from Thomas, we decided to book and, wow!, I'm so glad we did.
First - you gotta know the property is almost finished with a full renovation. The hotel was built in the 1930's and has played host to many members of Hollywood royalty. It's a small hotel - 59 rooms - spread over three buildings with two separate pools, and an awesome old school Palm Springs vibe. You start with a great space, freshen it up, and you have wonderful. So they're starting with something pretty amazing, but if you read many of the reviews you'll notice that it was in need some polish.
Good news, they're polishing it up! They're finished with most rooms, the restaurant and pool bar, and some of the lobby. Our room was one of the renovated rooms and it was fantastic. Paint and furniture might be new, which is nice, but the room was also just spacious and comfortable. This will remain even after the furniture starts to wear. The pool furniture is pretty faded, stained, and the cushions a little worn out, but again, it takes time to do a property wide renovation.
We didn't eat on property, but had several visits to the lobby and pool bars over several days. The options are kind of limited - not the best liquor choices (Absolut and Seagrams for Vodka, only Evan Williams Bourbon). While the coolers were full of some very basic mixers - the bartenders took a great deal of pride in their craft and opted to make margaritas and Bloody Mary's from scratch. Nothing beats fresh juice in a margarita, or a perfectly (Perfectly!) spiced Bloody. It's a small boutique property and I think they could use a beverage program refresh, focusing on quality and craft with some premium brands. Still, nothing to complain about except that they use Pepsi - which is a requirement at all Marriott properties - so you can't hold that against them.
Now for the best part. This property team is serious about hospitality. Everyone we interacted with, or just passed by, was amazingly friendly. Every.
Single.
Person.
When you enter the front door Thomas (or whoever happened to be working) welcomes you back to the hotel. Pass the bar, Gilbert is there to welcome you back and ask if you need anything. Call for your car, yep, amazing service - offering directions, recommendations, or just a wish for a good day. When you hit the pool in the morning, the restaurant staff is there to ask about your night and if you need anything to start your day (the Bloody Mary of course!). Go out front to grab your Uber and the team comes out to ask if you need your car - they wouldn't want to keep you waiting. And don't forget Maria - waving at you in the pool to make sure it's ok to go in and clean your room. The culture of service excellence that the management has created is truly amazing. I hope that they can retain and/or hire new associates that are willing and able to create a truly memorable experience.