Sunset at the Arrive Hotel in Palm Springs
Stay, Eat, Drink Palm Springs
Words by Patricia Kline
I’ve been asked so many times by friends and family for recommendations on where to stay and where to drink and eat when in Palm Springs that I now have quite a list to share.
This is my list of hotels, bars and restaurants. In my next post I will share my favorite shopping spots for midcentury modern finds.
When to go
Our favorite time of year to visit is October, December and February. December because it is probably the best weather month in Palm Springs. October and February because that is usually the time of year for Modernism Week when you can take tours of such iconic midcentury homes such as the the Forgotten Frey (the Cree house) or the Raymond Loewy house.
The February Modernism Week is the main show with October hosting a slightly scaled down version.
This camel figure greeted us in our room at the Rowan in Palm Springs. FYI, it’s against the law to ride a camel down Palm Canyon Drive between 4-6 pm.
Where to stay
We have stayed at many spots through the years but we have five current favorites:
The Arrive Hotel: Opened in 2016 this two story hotel is one of the newer hotel additions to Palm Springs. It is in North Palm Springs which is a bit further from the main part of downtown but we like its location to the Uptown Design District. The vibe is midcentury modern cool with a design that blends several styles including a nod to famed midcentury architects William Krisel and Donald Wexler. No formal lobby for the Arrive — you check in at the bar and interact with the staff via text message.
Tip: stay in a second floor room on the South side to avoid the noisy HVAC fans located on the roof of the adjoining businesses on the North side. Even better tip: get a cocktail from the bar and sit by the fire pit and stare at the pool and palm trees. Heaven.
The Kimpton Rowan— Opened in 2017 and is located in the heart of downtown. This hotel is part of the IHG family of hotels and is the anchor hotel for a seven block redevelopment project in downtown that replaced the enclosed mall that officially closed in 2002 although it seemed to be abandoned by locals and tourists alike long before then. It has amazing views of the mountains and has the only rooftop pool in Palm Springs. Its location gives you great access to the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center both of which are located a few blocks from the hotel.
Tip: Have a drink at the Lobby Bar. This is the place for the best gin and tonic in Palm Springs.
The Orbit In: For a very local pick stay at The Orbit In. This hotel is also located just off the main part of downtown. Designed by modernist architect Herbert Burns in 1947, this is an authentic Palm Springs midcentury experience. The property is well maintained with lots of special touches including kitchenettes in most rooms, vintage stereo consoles with Frank Sinatra vinyl among the choices for your listening pleasure.
Tip: Choose The Orbit In if you are staying for more than a week in Palm Springs. Its location and large rooms with kitchens make for an easy stay at a good value.
We don’t usually stay at an Airbnb in Palm Springs but on our last visit we stayed at The Stardust Oasis Guest House — an Airbnb located in the Sunmor Estates neighborhood of Palm Springs which is near the Palm Springs airport. It was a slice of midcentury modern heaven. If (when) hotels get too pricey in Palm Springs, don’t hesitate to see if this spot is available. I know we will be back. (and we have now stayed there three times!)
And of course, if you have the budget for it splurge on The Parker Hotel. If not, do as we do and go to enjoy a drink or dinner amongst the Jonathan Adler designed interiors.
A gin and tonic at the Lobby Bar in the Rowan Hotel, Palm Springs
Cocktails
If you are visiting Palm Springs, seeking out the best cocktails is most likely on your agenda. Here are some of our favorites:
Truss and Twine - they also have good bar food if you want to eat light.
Bootlegger Tiki — very small bar but one of our faves.
Parker Palm Springs has outdoor area for drinks as well as a bar
Lobby bar at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel
Paul Bar: You will need to drive to this hidden gem. The place looks deserted until you open the door and find yourself one of many hoping for a seat at the bar.
Melvyn’s: Located in the Ingleside Inn — a Palm Springs classic and the place everyone tells you not to miss. Well, it took us ten years but we finally gave it a try and yes, you should go. Sit at the bar and order a martini. And you won’t feel out of place if you dressed up a bit for this experience.
Seymour’s: A hidden bar located within Mr. Lyons steak house.
A new addition to the cocktail scene is Tailor Shop. Located next door to Bootlegger Tiki, it is another venture from chef Engin Onurai. A dark, moody bar with excellent cocktails and small bites. Also a good idea to make a reservation.
Breakfast
The line forms early at Cheeky’s on the weekend.
Cheeky's - best breakfast place in town — will have a line so go early to put your name in.
Townie Bagels: When we stay at an Airbnb we often head to Townie Bagels to stock the kitchen. These bagels are water boiled, the perfect size and have a nice snap.
Cafe La Jefa: Our newest coffee obsession is located in the Flannery Exchange workspace. There is a cute patio to relax while you enjoy your coffee or you can check out the shops within the same space.
Lunch
Tyler’s: Best burger in Palm Springs. Located in a tiny former Greyhound bus station that began life as a Mobile gas station. Also has outdoor seating.
Norma’s: Located in the Parker Palm Springs. Diner food elevated.
King’s Highway: a classic coffee shop concept reinvented by the folks of the trendy Ace Hotel.
El Jefe: great spot for tacos. Located in the colorful Saguaro Hotel
Chicken Ranch: The name says it all — all things chicken — salads, sandwiches, and more. Delicious!
Paul greets the guests at Paul Bar/Food in Palm Springs
Dinner
Copley's on Palm Canyon - the buildings were originally owned by Cary Grant.
So Pa located in L’Horizon Hotel
Mister Parkers located in Parker Palm Springs Hotel
4 Saints: located on the rooftop of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel
Maleza at the Drift Hotel: Baja-inspired cuisine. We were amazed at the flavors of Chef Ysaac Ramirez’s offerings. We tried the masa dumplings, sweet potato and winter squash tostadas, among other dishes. Chef Ramirez was in charge of the kitchens at King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel as well as 4Saints at The Rowan so he knows how to elevate hotel dining.
This list should keep you full and busy!
Have a favorite place we should check out? Follow me on @patkline and send me a DM.