Palm Springs Inns Still Making History

Three Hotels Are Class 1 Historic Sites

Among the many enticing accommodation options in Palm Springs, visitors can experience a slice of history at one of the city’s three designated Palm Springs Class 1 Historic Inns.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is one of Palm Springs’ most stunning examples of a Class 1 Historic Inn. It is also Palm Springs’ only AAA 4-Diamond property. Built in 1924, the Willows was originally the home of actress Marion Davies, long-time love interest of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst. The likes of Albert Einstein, Shirley Temple and Clark Gable and numerous glitterati have taken refuge at the meticulously restored Willows Inn. Its Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture is enhanced by elegant interiors featuring original decorative wrought iron works, mahogany beams, frescoed ceilings, and a dramatic waterfall that cascades down sheer granite mountain walls just steps from the Inn’s dining room where a sumptuous breakfast is served each morning.

The 1925 historic Ingleside Inn with its legendary Melvyn’s Restaurant has been a hot spot for celebrity sightings for decades. The Ingleside Inn’s old-world charm combined with Melvyn’s stellar service and cuisine offer guests the best of comfort with style; sophistication in a relaxed ambiance; and quality at great value. Set on two lushly-landscaped acres, the elegance of this 30-room boutique hotel is punctuated with antique furnishings and imbued with Palm Springs’ fascinating history. Some of the legendary celebrity sightings include the evening Frank Sinatra threw a pre-wedding dinner at Melvyn’s; the poolside lunch and swim by Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell who flew in just for an afternoon; and the impromptu performance by Liza Minnelli in Melvyn’s Casablanca Lounge.

The beautifully-restored adobe hacienda of the historic Casa Cody Inn will take you back to the halcyon days of Palm Springs’ elegant informality. The beautifully restored 1920s Inn was established by the cousin of the famed Wild West showman Buffalo Bill, Harriet Cody, for whom the Inn is named. With 27 rooms ranging from studios to a two-bedroom villa, two swimming pools, colorfully landscaped courtyards, Casa Cody’s authentic Spanish charm and handcrafted Mexican furnishings creates a relaxed and memorable ambiance. Located two short blocks from the shops, galleries and restaurants on Palm Canyon Drive, Casa Cody Inn is the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs.

There are education and advocacy organizations in Palm Springs such as Palm Springs Modern Committee, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation and the Palm Springs Historical Society that are committed to preserving the historical sites in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs features a diverse hotel collection of historic boutique inns, romantic bed and breakfasts, and secluded retreats. Over 70 mid-century modern classics and Spanish courtyard villas are nestled together at the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains. For a complete listing of small inns, go to www.VisitPalmSprings.com.