Hotel Review: The Ingleside Inn, Palm Springs, California, USA

What’s the Curbappeal?

- The rambling Spanish architecture

- Lovely tropical grounds and gardens with stunning mountain views

- The ‘retreat’ vibe

- Old-school Hollywood glamour

- The celebrity history. You name it – they’ve all been here: Cher; Elizabeth Taylor; Joan Collins; Liza Minelli; Goldie Hawn; Norah Jones; John Travolta; Clark Gable; John Wayne; Frank Sinatra; Marlon Brando….

- But…style warning(!): the bedrooms are in need of a refurb. They feel oddly ‘corporate’ in such cosy surroundings.

So, would I stay here? Probably not. The architecture and the grounds of the hotel are lovely but the rooms let the whole thing down. Make the rooms ‘cute and cosy’ and the whole package will make sense – and I’ll be back in a flash.

With Love,

Ms. Curbappeal x

PS. here’s some photos from my Canon SLR…

The rambling Spanish architecture, lovely tropical grounds and gardens...

But…style warning(!): the bedrooms are in need of a refurb... they feel oddly ‘corporate’ in such cosy surroundings...

polite notice: all photos copyright Curbappeal 2013

Restaurant Review: Purple Palm, Colony Palms Hotel, Palm Springs, California, USA

What’s the curbappeal?

- Set by a pool and enclosed in intimate gardens: it’s secluded and romantic

- Inside there’s purple and green leather seating, Moroccan-style patterned tiled flooring, grand old mirrors and seductive lighting. All of which adds a mysterious vibe. Made even more the case when you realise this building used to house a legendary underground speakeasy in the 1930’s...and a brothel….thankfully, no more...

- We came for lunch and the menu mainly focused on healthy Mediterranean-dishes. I opted for the lovely seared Ahi tuna nicoise sandwich.

- If you're not hungry, certainly call in here for a relaxed drink at the bar and take in the elegant and intimate setting.

...A photo from my Canon SLR….

Polite notice: all photos’ copyright Curbappeal 2013 

Hotel review: Viceroy Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California, USA

What’s the curbappeal?

- A fun and stylish boutique resort

- The 1930’s heritage: originally conceived as a series of bungalows in mission style

- The ‘Facelift’ by uber-glamorous designer Kelly Wearstler. It’s now fashioned with flamboyant ‘Hollywood Regency’ interiors: think European aristocratic décor with a very colourful twist!
- Countless celebrities have walked through its doors

- Homely feel: bungalows are scattered around the grounds

- Fabulous mountains views from the villas and bungalows

- Ideal for a romantic getaway

With Love,
Ms. Curbappeal x

…Some photos from my Canon SLR….

 

 Polite notice: all photos’ copyright Curbappeal 2013 

Hotel Review: The Parker, Palm Springs, California, USA

Keeping It Short…

What’s the Curbappeal?

- It’s a temple to kitschy-camp mid-century design

- The glamour… the fame: popular with Hollywood stars, past and present

…it feels like how a movie star should live….

- I absolutely loved it here: the interiors are just so incredibly uplifting!

Oh, and it’s on my shortlist for Curbappeal’s ‘Most Fabulous’ 2013 awards – for ‘Most Fabulously Uplifting Hotel Interior’

The Wordier Piece…

Hidden behind a huge white breeze-block retro facade, The Parker is an achingly-stunning hotel. From the minute the pink-jacketed doormen swing open the huge bright orange entrance doors you realise this is no ordinary hotel.  The light and airy lobby combines white-washed exposed brick walls with a colourfully eclectic decor (Italian chandeliers, suits of armour, a zebra print rug, glitzy cushions & a red tapestry hanging on the wall) and it all works together to create a wonderfully chic and decadent  look.   

Continuing through into the lounge area the uber-hip vibe continues... funky lights of differing styles, colourful vintage vases, sofas covered with Uzbekistani throws, an indoor fire pit...it’s just soooo Jonathan Adler (the US designer responsible for the quirky but wonderful decor).  Adler's belief that 'colours can't clash' is illustrated around the hotel and his imaginary Mrs Parker (a fictional 'favourite elegant Great Aunt' who he created for inspiration in styling the hotel), is certainly an Aunt I’d love to have, and move in with…  

Venturing outside into the beautifully manicured grounds, you can enjoy a game of croquet, relax in a hammock between palm trees, sit and enjoy fresh lemonade from The Lemonade Stand or swim in one of the two outdoor pools. In the evenings, if the temperature gets a little chilly, you can wrap up warm and sit snugly by an outdoor fire pit under the stars.

The rooms are well-sized and the use of neutral paints creates a calm feel but, to brighten things up a bit, Adler has added colourful cushions, rugs, cubistic 4-poster beds and other quirky touches. 

Dining is either casual, at the brightly-coloured, retro-styled, Norma’s or more formal at Mister Parker’s.  And, if this wasn't enough, the hotel also houses a simply stunning nautically-themed spa...putting all this together – I think The Parker is pretty near perfect...

Some photos from my Canon SLR...

 Polite notice: all photo’s copyright Curbappeal 2013