As someone who appreciates the finer things in life, especially when it comes to travel experiences, I am always on the lookout for exquisite places that provide a distinctive charm. This time around, the spotlight is on The Parker Hotel, Palm Springs, where my partner Brian and I had the pleasure of spending a recent weekend getaway. For those looking for a quick review – it was magical!
From the moment we arrived, we were instantly charmed by The Parker’s sublime aesthetics, coupled with a warm and welcoming ambiance that filled the air. The hotel’s design was a visual treat, an eclectic mix of retro elegance and modern whimsy, truly representative of Palm Springs’ iconic mid-century modern style. The hotel sits on 13 acres and boasts and expansive garden, multiple walking paths, 3 pools, several restaurants and bars, a hammock lawn, fire pits, and multiple gaming areas (tennis, bocce ball, and croquet). Walking to our room from the main lobby felt like making our way through an English hedge maze!
We reserved a Deluxe Garden King Room for our stay which had its own private outdoor patio. The room was a comfortable, stylish haven that allowed us to unwind in private, surrounded by tastefully chosen furniture and décor, a spacious bathroom, and thoughtful amenities. The large glass doors opening out to the patio let in an abundance of natural light, painting a serene picture of the hotel’s expansive and impeccably manicured grounds.
The Parker Palm Springs takes its culinary offerings seriously. We had the opportunity to dine at both of their restaurants (Norma’s and Mister Parker’s) and each of the bars—The Minibar, Lemonade Stand, and Counter Reformation. Each meal was an exquisite play of flavors and presentation. From Norma’s delightful breakfast options (we are still dreaming about their short-rib eggs benedict) to the sophisticated French-American cuisine at Mister Parker’s, we were in food heaven.
Now, to the pools. The Parker boasts three swimming pools, each with its own character. The family-friendly Main Pool was buzzing with cheerful energy, the indoor Palm Springs Yacht Club Pool was a serene retreat, while the adults-only Gene Autry Pool was ideal for those wanting a bit of seclusion. While we had an amazing time lounging poolside, sipping on delicious cocktails, we felt that the pools could get a bit crowded at peak times. It was particularly annoying because other guests would get to the pool very early, “reserve” spots by leaving some of their random stuff on the chairs, and then leave to do other things. We found this to be very frustrating and think the hotel can do more to regulate the flow of guests—especially at the adult only Gene Autry Pool.
One cannot talk about The Parker without mentioning the staff. Brian and I stayed at The Parker over Memorial Day weekend and it was obvious that the staff were staying very busy! As such, it was sometimes hard to get service. Our first day there we sat at Norma’s Restaurant for 20 minutes before we finally had to flag down a server to help us. However, once you got someone’s attention they were extremely helpful. We were particularly impressed with the friendly, attentive, and dynamic service at the Counter Reformation wine bar.
To sum up, our weekend at The Parker Hotel was a wonderful experience – a harmonious blend of style, comfort, and fun. Despite the pools’ overcrowding issue, we had an amazing time and can’t wait to return. So, if you’re planning a getaway to Palm Springs, do consider The Parker.
