The Palms at Indian Head
Spectacular desert views can be had from this small, 1950s hotel that displays an authentic mid-century modern look, with Mondrian influences and original art by local artists. For extreme privacy, request a poolside room with a fireplace. When the place was called the Hoberg Resort, Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, and Clark Gable, Lon Chaney Jr., among others, vacationed here. Although property owners have come and gone, it only gets better with time, now showcasing an Olympic-size pool and dive bar—literally, with underwater windows to the pool. For more space and privacy, request one of the two poolside casitas with kitchenettes. Service is casual and there's a dinner-only steak house (open Wednesday through Sunday) that is about as fine dining as you'll get in this area.