The Lobby Lounge with the vintage “Drugs” pharmacy sign at Parker Palm Springs.

Set on 13 lush acres with surprises around every corner, Parker Palm Springs is the ultimate Palm Springs getaway. Whether you want to relax in total privacy or immerse yourself in an array of fun leisurely activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the iconic destination, which first opened in 1959 as California’s first Holiday Inn.

After having multiple owners over the years, including musician Gene Autry and television host Merv Griffin, in 2003 the property was purchased by hotelier Jack Parker and renamed Le Parker Meridien (but also known as Parker Palm Springs), with an extensive remodel by designer Jonathan Adler.

I recently had the pleasure of spending a pre-Christmas getaway at the stunning estate, which feels more like a beautiful home than a hotel. Check out the top 10 things we love about Parker Palm Springs that you need to check out the next time you visit.

1. The Whimsical Decor

Guests are greeted by a knight in shining armor and chic decor.

After undergoing a $27 million remodel with Adler, we wouldn’t expect anything less from the Parker. The moment you enter the signature orange doors, it’s a feast for the eyes every step of the way. From the knight in shining armor and vintage “Drugs” pharmacy sign in the lobby to the hallway carpets inspired by The Shining, your Instagram will never have a dull moment.

Want to replicate the Parker Palm Springs vibe at home? Click here to discover and shop the exact pieces featured in the guest rooms and more.

One of the sitting areas in the entryway lobby.

The cozy lounge area towards the back of the lobby lounge with a fire pit.

A closer look at the stylish decor, which includes macrame owls on the wall.

The carpet in the hallways was inspired by The Shining. — The carpet in the hallways was inspired by *The Shining*.

2. The Gardens and Grounds

Parker Palm Springs features winding pathways, tall grass and beautiful flowers.

With tall hedges, lush plants, and a variety of flowers that lead down different winding paths, the grounds of the Parker evoke an Alice in Wonderland nostalgia. In every direction, you’re bound to come across something interesting—be it a giant chess set or a 7-foot-tall bronze banana sculpture (which marks Adler’s first foray into public art).

In addition to a variety of games and amenities, including croquet, ping-pong, red clay tennis courts, petanque, and a putting green, guests can also lounge in hammocks or order s’mores ingredients to be delivered to the fire pit, where they can roast marshmallows to their heart’s content.

The gardens are filled with all sorts of surprises, including this horse.

Guests can lounge in hammocks under palm trees.

One of the highlights is the 900 pound, 7-foot-tall sculpture of a giant bronze banana in the gardens.

A colorful tiled fountain greets guests down a pathway.

Croquet is among the leisure activities available for guests to enjoy.

A giant chess set is located next to the property’s clay tennis courts.

Next to the chess set is a ping-pong table, which is conveniently just steps away from The Lemonade Stand.

A magical entryway that looks like a scene out of Alice in Wonderland. — A magical entryway that looks like a scene out of *Alice in Wonderland*.

The view from the other side of the entryway.

The doors lead to an expansive putting green with mountain views.

The grounds at the Parker include a fire pit with seating, where guests can have s’mores ingredients brought to them.

The iconic entrance to Parker Palm Springs.

3. Breakfast at Norma’s

There is plenty of colorful and plush seating on the patio of Norma’s.

No visit to the Parker is complete without having a meal at Norma’s, which serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It offers indoor and outdoor dining options—the interior has a cozy, diner-like feel to it with large booths and decorative wall art, while the outside area consists of a brightly colored open-air terrace with comfy orange cushions accented with an array of colorful pillows.

The menu features a wide variety of both tasty and healthy offerings, like the Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash and the Seared Maine Lobster and Asparagus Omelet, as well as more decadent and splurge-worthy options, such as Norma’s Super Blueberry Pancakes with Devonshire Cream or Crunchy French Toast. Prior to being served breakfast, all guests are offered a complimentary shot of the fresh smoothie of the day. We also highly recommend the fresh squeezed orange juice!

For those that don’t do mornings (or afternoons), Norma’s also has an evening menu that includes some breakfast options, as well as other delights like Chunks of Lobster Swimming in Cheesy Macaroni (with a name like that, how can one resist?)

Another view of the outside dining area.

Prior to breakfast, all diners are served a shot of the fresh smoothie of the day.

The Seared Maine Lobster and Asparagus Omelet.

The Scrambled Eggs and Bacon Breakfast Quesadilla.

The Potato Pancakes with Homemade Cranberry Apple Sauce.

4. The Palm Springs Yacht Club

The entrance to the spa, Palm Springs Yacht Club (PSYC).

A must for anyone who visits the Parker, the Palm Springs Yacht Club (PSYC) is the property’s amazing spa that consists of over 18,000 square-feet and includes an indoor saline pool, eucalyptus steam rooms, hot tubs, and charming nautical decor by Jonathan Adler.

Spa Profile: Palm Springs Yacht Club at Parker Palm Springs

Staying consistent with its overall theme, the spa’s treatment rooms are all named after different boats, and the menu offers a variety of sea-inspired treatment packages with fun names like Ahoy Mate!, Lost at Sea, and Yachtsman’s Voyage.

Spa Diary: Palm Springs Yacht Club at Parker Palm Springs

PSYC’s interior features charming nautical details by Jonathan Adler.

The co-ed relaxation lounge includes plenty of sitting areas and reading material.

One of the spa’s many nooks where guests can relax before and after services.

5. The Swimming Pools

The Parker has three different swimming pools, offering guests plenty of opportunities for leisurely lounging, each with its own vibe. The Gene Autry Pool (named after its former owner) is for adults only and is open 24 hours a day. The Silicon Valley Pool is family-friendly for all ages, and includes a hot tub and several cabanas, each outfitted with a mini fridge, comfy seating, and ceiling fans. The PSYC Pool is an indoor saline pool located inside the spa building and is open to all guests of the resort—even those that don’t have spa services scheduled.

Pool #1: Gene Autry Pool

The Gene Autry Pool is open 24 hours and is for adults only.

The saline pool is named after former owner Gene Autry, the “singing cowboy” who used the property to house his baseball team during spring training.

Guests can lounge under umbrellas and order food and drink to be delivered while they lounge.

The entrance to the private cabana at the Gene Autry Pool.

Pool #2: Silicon Valley Pool

The Silicon Valley Pool is family-friendly and open to all ages.

The pool includes nautical-themed umbrellas…

A closer look at the cabanas, which include fully-stocked mini-fridges, sofas, and ceiling fans.

Pool #3: Palm Springs Yacht Club Pool

The indoor saline pool is located inside the PSYC spa.

Guests can lounge in one of the striped loungers by the pool.

Guests can also order off the full-service food and drink menu at the PSYC pool.

6. The Lemonade Stand

The property’s famous Lemonade Stand is located next to the tennis courts and Gene Autry Pool.

Whoever said that lemonade stands are a thing of the past clearly hasn’t spent time at the Parker. Located next to the tennis courts and Gene Autry Pool, The Lemonade Stand is a charming place to order a Frozen Lemonade, mixed drink, or small bites in-between matches and swims. Guests can order from the menu poolside or opt to take a seat under the striped awning stand or at an adjacent table. Note: The Lemonade Stand is for registered estate guests only.

Guests can pull up a seat and order a variety of small bites and drinks.

Several tables under umbrellas are also available for alfresco dining.

7. Dinner at Mister Parker’s

The entrance to Mister Parker’s, the eclectic restaurant named after the property’s late owner.

With decadent decor, a swanky menu, and loud ‘70s music, Mister Parker’s is the perfect date night spot at the Parker. Named after the late owner (who enjoyed listening to loud music during dinner), the restaurant makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time and are a guest of Mr. Parker’s in his private abode.

Guests are greeted with champagne and hors d’oeuvres complimentary of Mr. Parker, and the menu features a delightful array of options such as Maine Lobster, Seared Sea Scallops, Roasted Duck Breast, and more. Dessert choices include Espresso Creme Brulee, Pistachio Mille Feuilles, and the Cheese Platter. The wine menu will also not disappoint, as it includes an extensive selection of reds, whites, champagne, and cocktails to lift your spirits.

The dimly lit interior features lots of cool artwork and furniture, like this white piano.

‘70s music and retro decor add to the unique and fun vibe of the restaurant.

8. The Rooms & Amenities

We stayed in a Deluxe Garden King Room, which featured beautiful furniture and design accents by Jonathan Adler.

Comfy yet glamorous, groovy and eccentric, the rooms at the Parker are a combination of groovy modern meets Hollywood glamour with a touch of hedonism. All of the detail that went into the design of each room at the property is beyond impressive, and you feel as if you’re staying in the charming guest room of a stylish home—not a hotel.

The rooms at the Parker feature sculptured beds, angled seats, luxe linens, fine art on the walls, and unique lamp shades, paired with all of the important details that enhance your stay such as the beautiful faucets and toiletries that include L’OCCITANE and Hermès soap.

The Parker offers a variety of different rooms, each special in its own way, depending on what you’re looking for. We stayed in a Deluxe Garden King, which included its own private patio with garden views and was located towards the back of the property, offering peace and quiet. Other options include Hammock Rooms outfitted with Moroccan textiles and an outdoor sitting area with a hammock; Poolside Rooms with Bougainvillea-covered patios that offer direct access to the Silicon Valley pool; Junior Suites with four-poster beds, outdoor spaces, garden views, and a party shower; Private Villas (each one is named after one of Mr. Parker’s grandchildren) with private enclosed patios, one-bedroom suites with comfortable living and dining areas, and complimentary poolside cabanas; as well as the holy grail of them all, the Gene Autry Residence, a private gated residence with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, screening room, treatment room with sauna, and more.

To get the Parker look at home, click here.

Everywhere you look in the rooms, there is cute decor and details in every corner.

The rooms are stocked with plenty of towels and plush bathrobes.

The bathroom amenities include Hermès hand soap, along with other skincare necessities by L’OCCITANE, Acqua Di Parma, and more.

A cute booklet featuring drawings of the Parker.

A cute Parker Palm Springs notepad with a pencil.

Our private garden patio in the Deluxe Garden King Room.

9. Counter Reformation

Often referred to as the “shrine to great wine,” Counter Reformation is an intimate bar with its own wine cave that houses an eclectic curation of wines by the glass. The atmosphere is medieval-meets-monastery, with dimly lit candles and private confessional spaces in the back. It also has a food menu with innovative small dishes such as Fresh Shucked Oysters, Cabernet Short Rib & Poached Egg, and the Foie Gras Macarons. Reservations are accepted and recommended.

The bar features an eclectic curation of wines by the glass.

Counter Reformation features religious medieval decor.

The menu also includes a variety of delicious dishes such as the Foie Gras Macarons.

10. The Mini Bar

Whether it’s a welcome drink upon check-in or a nightcap after a long and fun day, the Mini Bar has got you covered. Located in the Lobby Lounge with gold palm trees on either side of the bold blue doors, the interior is just as grand as the exterior. With a dark emerald countertop and floors to match, mirrored accents, and lucite stools, it feels like you’re inside a life-size jewel box.

The drink menu features beer, wine, and unique cocktails like The Pharmacy (Grey Goose Le Vanilla, Espresso, Braulio Amaro, and OM Dark Chocolate Sea Salt) and Pink Heather (Chopin Rye Vodka, Mint, Cucumber, Lemon, House Salted Hibiscus Elixir, and Golden Green Juice). Non-alcohol versions of drinks are also available. If you’ve worked up an appetite, you can opt to share (or not) a variety of tasty dishes, including Wagyu Sliders, a California Artisanal Charcuterie board, and Hand Cut Estate Made Potato Chips.

Designed like a jewel box, the bar is intimate and grand at the same time.

The Mini Bar is the perfect place to order a drink upon checking in or a a nightcap to end the day.

In addition to cocktails, beer and wine, the Mini Bar also serves an array of appetizers and dishes to share.

The Pharmacy: Grey Goose Le Vanilla, Espresso, Braulio Amaro, and OM Dark Chocolate Sea Salt.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the Parker’s website or call 760-770-5000. Follow them on Instagram: @parkerpalmsprings

Parker Palm Springs

4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92264

[Photos by Kamala Kirk]

10 Things We Love about Parker Palm Springs