Palm Springs, California

First Impressions

What looked like a private paradise, arriving at the Parker felt like an experience itself. The hidden driveway led to the grand entrance where the friendly staff greeted us and took our bags, guiding us through the famous orange double doors. As it’s peak summer in Palm Springs, this is not the most popular time to visit, so before arriving, we were informed that due to the lobby’s floor renovations, the main reception and bar area would be closed starting the following day. Since we were visiting in the desert in the off-season, this meant the hotel was quieter than usual, which gave us an unexpected sense of exclusivity, as we had much of the resort to ourselves. Determined to soak in the experience, we were delighted to have our room upgraded, giving us the perfect chance to fully explore the main entrance, bar and spa that afternoon. Instantly captivated by Jonathan Adler's stunning interior design. The hotel's design holds a grand feeling with a vibrant twist on Mid-Century modern, transporting us to the atmosphere of what Palm Springs would have embodied in the 50s.

Accomodation

Having a staff member guide you to your room is essential as the Parker is a bit of a maze. It's also an enchanting feeling as you walk through gardens, with each turn revealing another hidden gem. As we entered our ‘Deluxe King Bed room’, we were presented with a spacious living area, generous wardrobe, a luxurious king bed and the jaw dropping dramatic mirrored bathroom that immediately caught our attention! Jonathan Adler’s design hosted an eclectic mix of Aztec and Indian influences incorporating the classic Palm Springs, Mid-Century Modernism aesthetic. Complete with iconic celebrity photographs on the walls, drawing in the perfect blend of old Hollywood glamour.

With a big window filling the space with natural light, the view was mostly of the tall trees and gardens, creating a more private scenery as the Parker is known to be a popular stay for celebrities. For those who enjoy the mini bar, it was sensor activated, so any indulgence would be automatically charged to the room. The TV was somewhat outdated which hardly mattered since we weren't spending our time in front of the screen. The true highlight of the room was its spaciousness, the incredibly comfortable king bed and of course the show stopper bathroom that included high end amenities like Hermès and Sandal products, combined with its generous cabinets to neatly tuck away your cosmetics was a thoughtful touch, elevating the luxurious experience. If you're dreaming of a relaxing, private desert getaway, the Parker Palm Springs is ideal for those who admire historic charm and unique first class experiences.

Dining

As the Parker was undergoing renovations during our stay, the hotel’s dining options were slightly limited. However, we still got to indulge in some of what the Parker had to offer. Palm Springs most famous cafe ‘Norma’s’ was the best spot for breakfast, outshining all of our expectations with its generous portions and memorable presentation. The hotel's main restaurant ‘Mister Parker’ was unfortunately closed as was the lobby’s indoor bar, ‘Mini Bar’. Despite its closure, we got a glimpse of Counter Reformation’s quirky vibe, which has a confession booth and moody dim lighting making it the perfect spot for a late night drink.

Walking through the gardens at night, I came across a romantic fire pit under the stars, where you can enjoy a cocktail from the bar if you prefer outside seating. Lastly, room service was impeccable. Our five dinner choices arrived quickly, stacked neatly on top of each other, presented with classic American generous portions. A must try is the brownie ice cream sandwich dessert, the perfect indulgence to end your evening!

Rest & Recreation

The Parker offers a choice of three pools, each catering to different moods and preferences. The first pool I came across, the ‘Silicon Valley Pool’ is conveniently located right outside the pool suites, complete with poolside cabanas, a perfect spot for families staying at the resort. Another pool named ‘The Palm Springs Yacht Club’ that’s housed within the spa ‘Psych’, provided a serene indoor retreat. Although Psych was closed for renovations, we were able to take a peek before it closed. The peaceful and quiet sanctuary, adjacent to the steam room, seemed like the perfect escape from the desert sun or the hustle and bustle of life.

The third pool, and perhaps the most popular, is the the ‘Gene Autry Pool’ an adult only pool, surrounded with yellow beach umbrellas to match the Palm Springs aesthetic, also perfectly located next to the Lemonade Stand. Learning that this pool stays open until midnight added a special touch to our experience. After a delightful dinner in town, I returned to the moonlit pool under the stars, which I had entirely to myself… a truly magical summer night.

The Gene Autry adult pool was where I spent most of my time. The attentive staff came around with infused cold water to keep us hydrated and took orders from the Lemonade Stand menu, delivering drinks right to our poolside lounge chairs. My favourite was the fresh lemonade with cucumber and basil, a refreshing treat in the desert heat.

While I primarily used my time at The Parker to relax and unwind by the pool, the resort offers many activities. From two tennis courts to the most charming croquet setup imaginable, there’s something for everyone. There’s also a garden area for ‘Petanque,’ a French bowls game, and a giant chess set located in the shade next to the Lemonade Stand. Yoga classes were available as well, although I didn’t have the chance to attend.

Since the spa was closed, the hotel offered in-room massages. Thankfully, with our upgrade and the spacious living area, the massage became a wonderfully relaxing experience. My travel partner even mentioned it was one of the best massages they’ve ever had, and that’s high praise from someone who gets weekly massages!

Service & Hospitality

The staff at The Parker were the epitome of hospitality. Genuinely friendly, attentive, and always mindful of our privacy. They weren’t overbearing but were always there when we needed them. Their exceptional service is a key reason I would return to The Parker. The level of service and quality of experience we received at The Parker was exceptional. It’s a place where luxury meets character, and in that regard, it’s worth every penny.

Property & Location

The Parker is perfectly located just five minutes from the main town of Palm Springs, making it an ideal retreat while still being close to local attractions and shopping. Although our room didn’t have a view, The Parker is known more for its seclusion and celebrity appeal rather than scenic vistas. Built in 1959, The Parker is a picturesque paradise, full of stories and character. It owns its authenticity and encapsulates the luxury desert experience, making this a unique and unforgettable stay where every moment stands out.

Overall Experience

I stayed at The Parker with one other travel partner in the middle of summer, and despite visiting during the off-season and some amenities being closed, we found it to be just what we needed, a serene, secluded, and luxurious escape. The Parker’s blend of old-world charm and modern amenities make it a place I would eagerly return to and recommend to others.