Fodor's Expert Review Parker Palm Springs

We could start—and end—at the amazing outdoor adult lemonade stand; rest assured, The Parker is a veritable adult playground. The well-heeled East Coast crowd will feel just as cared for as breezy Southern Californians in this boutique-style property that has personality in spades. It’s not uncommon to spot movie stars, chart-topping recording artists, and other celebrities at this property on the edge of Palm Springs.

room

Resplendent comes to mind when describing the 144 rooms, which also include private units, like the Gene Autry House, as well as villas. Every color and pattern imaginable seems to accent the neutral-bathed high-design, mid-century interiors. Rooms are energetic, bold, and very very fashionable.

bathroom

Bathrooms are part of the open floor plan in most rooms, with good-sized vanities and toiletries from Hermès and Acqua di Parma.

lobby

Design oozes from every crystal chandelier, pieces of modern art, and every tufted piece of furniture in this swank destination.

pool

The Parker has three pools, two outdoor and one indoor, all with poolside bar service.

spa

The cheekily named Palm Springs Yacht Club boasts 15 treatment rooms and services ranging from spa to salon and an adjacent pool. Packages are also available with wonderfully clever winking titles like “Lost at Sea” and “Yachtsman's Voyage.”

gym

The fitness center is loaded: free weights, machines, recline and recumbent bikes, a Crossfit tool kit, more. If the outdoors call, there are two clay tennis courts (reservations required) and croquet. Oh, and yoga, table tennis, and giant chess. Adult playground, remember?

dining

The cheerfully decorated Norma’s is open starting at 7 a.m. for when you need your coffee fix. Open through brunch and lunch into the mid-afternoon, there’s a break in service between 3 and 5 p.m. when dinner begins. Mister Parker’s, a sultry supper club where a smoking jacket wouldn’t look out of place, is only open for dinner and not open on Monday or Tuesday.

drinking

The Parker’s wine bar, Counter Reformation, also serves tapas. Mini Bar is all gold, mirrors, and martinis.