Maybe it was the jetlag or the heat but as I walked through the orange door of The Parker, Palm Springs, I genuinely thought that I had died and gone to an Andy Warhol inspired heaven.
The Parker sure serves up the wow factor in bucket loads. It’s colourful, it’s quirky, it’s promiscuous, it’s luxurious and for one night only, it was home for me!
Palm Springs is one of those towns that has a very unique charm and ambience to it. It feels completely unique and with places like The Parker dotted around the edges of it, it’s clear to see why.
The Parker Palm Springs in its current formation was opened in 2004 after extensions renovations by the designer Jonathan Adler. His vision brought to life a secluded but fun hangout that has become a favourite of the jet-set and celebrities alike.
The hotel itself comprises of 2 main buildings (north and south) and a collection of private villas and pavilions that are all dotted around the property’s beautifully landscaped gardens.
The check-in process was quick, I was very luckily upgraded to a Deluxe room in the north building. I was then provided with a map and directions to find my room but as it was dark and late, I still managed to take a wrong turn. Let’s just say I was exploring on the way to my room!
The room itself was quite sizable and had 2 large beds and is a design lovers dream. There are touches of old Hollywood mixed with hippy chic. The soft carpet and inviting bed gave this place a real homely feel too.
I’m not normally one to get excited over hotel toiletries but wow! The Parker takes care of every possible need with a tray containing the likes of Hermes soap, Acqua di Parma shower gel and Aesop mouthwash. I felt totally spoiled.
It was dark by the time that time I got to my room that evening but I could see that I overlooked one of the pools (I saw 2). The following morning though I opened the shutters to the most breathtaking sight of the sun coming up and revealing the mountains behind. Sometimes jetlag really delivers!
I skipped breakfast at the hotel and instead headed along to downtown Palm Springs to grab some food.
The Parker does have a couple of dining options though. The rather swanky looking Mister Parkers and the more relaxed Norma’s. They also have a cool spot named the Lemonade Stand that is a go-to for a mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Sadly, one night is never enough in a place like The Parker but as I was heading on to spend a few nights in LA it was already time for me to pack up my things and head on out.
Will I be back? I hope so, just as long as I can find myself a good deal as the nightly rate is anything but cheap. Is it worth it? I’d say so as this is the kind of property that you never forget. It’s an icon for sure!
The Parker Palm Springs, 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
