The Colony Palms Hotel in the heart of downtown Palm Springs — along with its Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar — has been newly restored to spotlight its special brand of Spanish Colonial charm that, despite its being on flat ground, is reminiscent of an Acapulco hotel, also popular in the 30s: the Cantamar.
The Colony Palm’s new owners have just reopened after having spent some $16 million to renovate the three-acre property, and they are not finished yet. Its Moorish feel and refurbished old-style glamour feel like Old Hollywood, making, in this case, what is old, truly new again.
This charming four-star luxury boutique hotel was designed by Los Angeles-based Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, and its 56 rooms in are exquisitely decorated with great attention to detail. As they joyously bring the past to life, you might imagine Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth or other stylish and sophisticated legends relaxing in these surroundings. The addition of a spa is next on the Colony Palms Hotel’s building agenda, which they hope to complete by late 2008.
The Purple Palm Restaurant next to the pool at the rear of the hotel offers very good globally accented Mediterranean cuisine including some of the best French fries we’ve ever eaten (the pesto coating makes them outstanding). Norm had a hamburger and fries, while Maralyn chose the Tandoori-style chicken salad. Since Maralyn couldn’t resist Norm’s fries, it was fortunate that there were enough to share.
In the restaurant’s basement, we witnessed ongoing restorations that will add to its historical status. In the 30s, the lower level served as a legendary gangster-run speakeasy, gambling den and, yes, brothel.
Scenic murals that provide visual confirmation of its colorful past are gradually being uncovered and restored; and the owners plan to duplicate the murals on the opposing wall to revive its speakeasy atmosphere before moving the bar and expanding restaurant seating into the subterranean area.
The Colony Palms Hotel and its Purple Palm Restaurant are well worth a visit — we plan to return and spend a night or two. It is a work in progress that already provides for an exceptional experience.
After writing our article, we discovered that it was the Editor’s Pick for Conde Nast Traveler and Concierge.com http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/palmsprings/hotels/30578. It is nice to know they agree with us.
Colony Palms Hotel
572 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 969-1800 or (800) 557-2187
www.colonypalmshotel.com
Maralyn & Norman Hill, http://www.noralyn.com.
© Copyright 2008 by Authors/Owners Maralyn and Norman Hill
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
