Guide to Palm Springs

It’s Fall already and it is hotter than hell in this neck of the woods. Dean had to install an air conditioner in Franco’s room yesterday, it was so damn hot. By the way, no one has AC in the Bay Area. You just always opened up a window to sufficiently cool off. But global warming has ushered in a new era of unbearable heat. After putting together a Guide to Seattle, I thought it would be fun to continue building my travel guides. There’s no better way to say good-bye to summer than a trek to always sunny Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is very special to us as it’s the place where we got married and celebrated with 100 family members and friends. Someone had suggested we might want to check it out as a wedding location and the very first time Dean and I stepped into the Ace Hotel, we knew we had found our spot. Everything about Palm Springs screams VACATION! It’s hot, fun, and relaxing.

WHERE TO STAY

Ace Hotel & Swim Club
701 E Palm Canyon Dr.
760-325-9900

A converted Howard Johnson motel, the Ace Hotel is desert hip. The rooms are rustically decorated—like you are camping, but in a luxury tent. Plus everything you need is at the hotel: bikes (not that I have ever biked in 90 degree temperature!), Vespas, two pools, a spa (nothing fancy), a diner (a converted Denny’s called King’s Highway), a bar (the Amigo Room), and a photobooth.

Motel 6
595 E Palm Canyon Dr.
760-325-6129

There is a Motel 6 next to the Ace Hotel that is super cheap (obviously) and perfectly sufficient if you don’t plan to spend all day lounging in your room. I say that because you can sleep at the Motel, then make your way to the Ace to lounge poolside.

Parker Palm Springs
4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
760-770-5000

If I had my druthers, this is where I would stay in Palm Springs and I would not leave! Designed by Jonathan Adler, who is one of our favorite designers, it is a photographer’s dream. People stop by just to take pictures at the Parker—not that that’s the only thing to do. You can play croquet, order cocktails from the outdoor lemonade stand, relax at the amazing PSYC (Palm Springs Yacht Club) spa, have brunch at Norma’s, and dine at Mister Parker’s.

Viceroy
415 S Belardo Rd.
760-320-4117

We’ve also stayed at the Viceroy and enjoyed it. Pretty standard with pool, spa, and restaurant/bar. It’s closer to the main drag of town which may be appealing if you don’t want to drive everywhere. It’s also a smaller boutique hotel, meaning less crowds and raucousness.

WHAT TO DO

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One Tram Way
760-325-1449

The tram is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. Incredible views! At the very top, there’s a café, restaurant, and bar. I would love to go back and do a hike. Apparently, there are miles and miles of hiking trails all around the mountain. The cold weather and breeze at the top of the mountain are a huge contrast to the desert heat.

Palm Springs Visitor Center
2901 North Palm Canyon Drive
760-778-8418

The Palm Springs Visitor Center is a former gas station at the bottom of the road that leads to the tram. It’s a historic site noted as an example of modern architecture.

Windmills
From the Visitor Center, you can see Palm Springs’ iconic windmills. You can see the windmills from many different directions, but the Visitor Center is a good anchor location if you don’t know exactly where to go.

Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
1350 Ladera Circle
760-322-1192

It was closed when we went, but we did a little tour from outside. Super cool. It’s like being transported to the 1960s. I wish we could have gone inside. Next time!

Palm Springs Yacht Club (PSYC)
4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
760-321-4606

I love spas! I could spend all day in a steam room turning into a prune. If I had limited time on this earth, I would hightail it to PSYC at the Parker Hotel and tell everyone I knew to meet me there. It’s probably my favorite spa ever! Beautiful indoor pool and every spa amenity you can think of. Put this on your bucket list.

WHERE TO EAT

Cheeky’s
622 N. Palm Canyon Dr.
760-327-7595

Exceptional brunch spot. All the classics (chilaquiles, eggs benedict, French toast, bacon flight) done with zeal. I detest waiting, but this place is worth it.

Melvyn’s
200 W. Ramon Rd.
760-325-2323

Melvyn’s is an upscale classic restaurant which defines 1950s Hollywood glamour. Waiters in uniform and tableside cooking!

Tropicale
330 E Amado Rd
760-866-1952

This place is one of my faves. The food is great. They call it world cuisine, but it’s really just a smorgasbord of every kind of food you can imagine: sushi, pizza, spring rolls, ribs, shrimp tacos…and it is all so damn good! Great vibe. Fun for small or big gatherings with tables both inside and out.

Kings Highway
701 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
760-866-6180

This is the diner attached to the Ace Hotel. The menu is extensive and the food is good, especially for a hotel restaurant with a daytime, evening, and kids menu.

Mister Parker’s
4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
760-321-4629

Having dinner at Mister Parker’s is an ideal option for checking out the hotel without splurging on accommodations. You can also opt for breakfast or lunch at Norma’s (the daytime restaurant at The Parker), but I think you get more bang for your buck with Mister Parker’s. Food is good too. Food is actually pretty good all over Palm Springs!

The Original Las Casuelas
368 N Palm Canyon Dr.
760-325-3213

This is where to go for margaritas and Mexican food.

WHERE TO DRINK

Melvyn’s
200 W. Ramon Rd.
760-325-2323

If you only have one night in Palm Springs, go to Melvyn’s! Imagine me, Dean, a friend of ours, and Dean’s parents, ordering rounds of drinks, dancing, and howling along with the singer at the piano bar. Music and entertainment every night of the week.

Amigo Room
701 E Palm Canyon Dr.
760-325-9900

The bartenders make stiff drinks—not really my style, but this is a fun place to have a cocktail.

TRANSPORTATION

Renting a car is ideal, but you can also call for cabs. Does Uber service Palm Springs?!