The Parker Palm Springs

When I was in Palm Springs I knew I had to stop in at The Parker Hotel to see it in person. I am sure if you are on Pinterest you have seen lots of photos from the hotel, specifically the image of the iconic orange doors and white breeze blocks.
The Parker was originally the first Holiday Inn in California, opening in 1959. It was later owned by Gene Autry and Merv Griffin.
Ten years ago the hotel went through a major renovation, with Johnathan Adler designing the interiors.
The hotel gets mixed reviews, not sure if I would actually stay there, but it was neat to spend a bit of time touring the grounds and taking a few photos. What was interesting about the outdoor design was the rambling dirt paths that are bordered by high hedges that conceal hidden areas to explore. You will find areas for fire pits, croquet, tennis, hammocks, bubbling 

fountains and secluded sitting areas.

For me the design was a mix of mid century and old county club, with a bit of 70's hippy style.

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Palm Springs

A few more photos of our time in Palm Springs.

Hiking from one oasis to another in the Indian Canyons...

 The guide found a Rosy Boa snake. 

We had dinner one night at Merv Griffin's estate.

The house was built with entertaining in mind. It has 4 guest bungalows, a guest cottage and a gate house that are all available for rent.

I thought the design was really well done...notice the very subtle Moorish details throughout.

 

 "Sammy", "Frank" and "Dean" welcoming us to the house.

 Being serenaded by Dean Martin..complete with drink and cigarette.

 One of the round guest bungalows.

The next night we had dinner in a private dining room at The Riviera Hotel.

We spent a day touring the old Palm Springs downtown. 

Lots of interesting shops and restaurants.

 The Palm Springs Art Museum was well worth the visit.

Lots of beautiful abstract paintings.

This multimedia piece by Brian Wills was crazy.

 It is made up of thousands of rayon threads strung over wooden boxes.

Viewed straight on, the colours are mutted, from the side the colour are more vibrant.

It reminded me of a paint chip strip.

The Ritz Rancho Mirage

Palm Springs was great! I really enjoyed the dry, hot air (every day was a perfect hair day) and the unique desert landscape was beautiful. We took full advantage of the constant sunshine, spending most of the day outdoors around the pool or hiking in the many canyons in the surrounding area. 

The Ritz Rancho Mirage was gorgeous. The hotel is situated on a bluff with amazing views of the mountains and the Coachella Valley. I especially loved it in the evening when the many fire pits were lit and the lights of the city below could be seen sparkling in the distance.

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 View from our room of the opening night reception for our group.

 Afternoon snacks on the patio.

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 View from my chair!

 Lobby roses.

 Every evening the candy bar appears!

I survived the mountain hike around the hotel!)

(Not for those afraid of heights!!)

See the cliff edge BEHIND ME!!

 

This is a terrible photo, but I wanted to show you

how cliffy it was. This was the beginning of the hike where the path was far from the edge...

as we went higher the path became very narrow. Shortly after this photo was taken the wind picked up and it began to thunder...I spent a few terrifying moments gripping the rock wall trying to compose myself. Seriously...the path was only 2 feet wide! On one side was the mountain on the other side was a steep drop. I kept my eyes on the trail, not once looking over the edge and 2 miles later I arrived back at the hotel...exhausted, but ALIVE!

And then, to calm my nerves I ordered the Ritz's signature cocktail...

Rosemary Lemon Aid with Champagne and Vodka!