The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows

The Colony Palms is Palm Springs' most glamorous slice of pre-war history. Opened in the 1930s at 572 North Indian Canyon Drive, a block east of Palm Canyon Drive between downtown and the Uptown Design District, it has a past involving mobsters, athletes, politicians and Hollywood stars; its original owner is said to have been Al Wertheimer, a reputed mobster, and the hotel cheerfully leans into the story. Designer Steve Hermann, whose hotel group also includes L’Horizon, updated the Spanish colonial property with a polished, sophisticated look that keeps its whitewashed walls, tile roofs and intimate courtyards. Today it is an upscale adults-only boutique hotel with 57 rooms and suites on about three acres, including Premiere Rooms with balconies or patios and private bungalows for more space. The centerpiece is a palm-lined pool set against the San Jacinto Mountains, with poolside dining under striped umbrellas that feels distinctly South of France. The Colony Club, the hotel's restaurant, is a modern take on Art Deco whose interior recalls a 1920s speakeasy, a nod to Wertheimer, and it is listed among the MICHELIN Guide's Palm Springs restaurants. A wellness spa offers treatments set in the landscaped grounds. The location is a real asset: you can walk to the Uptown Design District's shops and restaurants and to downtown, VillageFest and the museums. Check the current resort fee and parking terms when booking, and expect higher rates on winter and spring weekends.

The Colony Palms has the atmosphere of a classic Hollywood hideaway: courtyards shaded by palms and citrus, fountains, tiled walkways and a pool that seems made for long lunches and late afternoons. The Colony Club is a destination in its own right, and dining poolside or in the Deco dining room makes a stay feel like a step back to an era of cocktail glamour. The adults-only policy keeps the mood relaxed and sophisticated, and the scale, large enough for a lively pool but small enough to feel personal, suits weekends away.

For room choice, the Premiere Rooms with balconies or patios give the best balance of space and outlook; ask for pool or mountain views. The bungalows offer the most privacy and room, and suit longer stays or celebrations. Book spa treatments and weekend dinner reservations at the Colony Club in advance. Because the hotel is popular for weddings and events, check whether a large gathering is planned if you want complete calm.

Who should stay: couples, friends and design-minded travelers who want old Hollywood romance with walkable access to Uptown and downtown. Who should not: families with children, since it is adults-only, and travelers on a budget. Compared with its sister L’Horizon, the Colony Palms is more historic and social, with a destination restaurant on site; compared with Korakia, it is more polished and full-service.