Behind every great hotel is a great story. Sometimes it’s a legend, other times it’s folklore or fable, with the truth remaining a mystery. The Parker Pam Springs has a combination of all three. Once the private residence of entertainment icons Gene Autry and Merv Griffin, among others. It was the place to be and be seen, but with the utmost privacy and discretion.
When real estate developer Jack Parker Corporation took over the property in 2003, Autry hired designer Jonathan Adler to re-imagine the property, combining mid-century, Palm Springs whimsy with rock star decadence, Liberace opulence, and an unmatched eye for artistic flair. The result is a visual stunner of glass sculptures, circular hanging fireplaces, and original artwork by visionaries such as Bert Stern and Victor Vasarely. The luscious and private gardens were designed by renowned landscape artist Judy Keameon, who maintained the high walls of foliage and added intimate spaces and conversation-inducing artwork.
The room décor is evocative and provocative Palm Springs fantasy, fusing mid-century whimsy with an unapologetic opulence. Red lacquer doors inside and out welcome guests to a world where privacy and opulence are sacred and nothing is too over-the-top when done with Adler and Co.’s creative flair. From Moroccan textiles to 60’s and 70’s bohemian furniture and art, each guest room is an art gallery unto itself. Another set of red lacquer doors opens to the mirror-covered guest bathrooms with baroque gold fixtures, luminous tile walk-in showers, and premium bath amenities by Le Labo and Bvlgari. Lavish but surprisingly never garish, each crevice and corner is perfectly curated as an homage to art, luxury, and living life to the fullest. Many of the guest room patios are equipped with hammocks and sofas to revel in the desert sun.
Gastronomical delights are an integral at Parker Palm Springs, starting with Norma’s, the hotel’s acclaimed cafe with a brunch that inspires love letters for its famous crunchy French toast, lemon custard doughnuts, and deconstructed huevos rancheros. If you’re lounging by the pool, Lemonade Stand is Parker’s ode to the boardwalks of the early 20th century. Mister Parker, however, is the Parker’s latest culinary addition, where Prohibition-era glamour and sophistication meet exclusive menu items, such as the Grade 9 Wagyu beef and Muscovy duck. Jackets and dressy attire, please.
Stylish sipping is a fine art at Parker. With posh seating augmented by a hanging fireplace and enveloped in deep jewel-tones, Mini-Bar is Parker’s take on relaxed sipping with all the swank you could ask for. Counter Reformation, on the other hand, offers an exceptional selection of wines and Portuguese-style tapas in an elegant, yet convivial setting with low lights amid a brass bar.
What’s a Palm Springs getaway without some serious pampering? The Palm Springs Yacht Club, Parker’s renowned spa, is an elevated and one-of-a-kind spa experience. Eschewing the usual spa decor comprised of dark lighting, fake Buddhas, and rehearsed rituals, PSYC replicates a 1930s cruise ship with colorful awnings, nautical-themed décor, sofas, and bright lights that encourage a convivial and cheerful mood. Cheeky good humor is plentiful, and the vintage soundtrack enhances the spirit.
Don’t let the atypical ambiance fool you. PSYC is a luxury spa incorporating premier products into its rejuvenating treatments, with exceptional service from the moment you arrive, which begins with a thimble of homemade cucumber-infused vodka. This impressive 36,000-square-foot wellness destination is equipped with 15 treatment rooms, a yoga room, steam, sauna, and Jacuzzi, an indoor pool, a dedicated nail salon, and the “Boiler Room” fitness center (open 24 hours). Customization is taken to another level with personalized massages, where guests can tailor their massage or facial to their personal preferences and receive a full consultation before the service commences. Guests can even choose the music played during their treatments. Twice a week, the resort offers complimentary yoga and sound baths; fitness classes and private meditation can be booked. For soothing nights, the Parker offers cute, complimentary sleep masks with a pattern made in partnership with Sant & Abel.