The Parker, in the kitsch paradise that is Palm Springs, was tricky to find due to the plants disguising the hotel sign from the main road — perhaps a result of neglect of the hotel's exterior vegetation, or maybe just how the hotel management like it. After all, this hotel does have the reputation for entertaining an A-list clientele.
Up the driveway and the hotel entrance, a huge orange door found in a plain white wall, leads into the lobby, cool and subtle with definite appreciation for the Fifties and Sixties heyday of Palm Springs. The check-in experience didn't have that warm and relaxed manner which so many resorts have nowadays. It was matter of fact and humourless, but efficient enough. Our room backed onto (past a small personal patio and finely cut lawn) one of the two swimming pools the Parker has within its 13 acres of unique "secret-garden" style grounds, complete with humming birds, which add a certain magic.
Our room reflected the style of the lobby, although the bathroom was strangely narrow the bedroom itself was pleasant, and we decided to take advantage of its location next to the pool and take a dip. The pool had a fair amount of the garden foliage in it and the poolside loungers were all stained with damp patches, which didn't quite live up to the elegance of the rest of the hotel. Hidden away in the gorgeous grounds of the resort are 12 one-bedroom villas. The gardens provide a cute backdrop for weddings, such as the one we saw happening during our stay. The hotel restaurant was closed that night, so we headed into town, a short taxi-ride or drive away as the resort sits on the edge of Palm Springs.
The Parker also has a large white summer house-style spa and fitness building, complete with a large salt pool, candlelit Moroccan 'relax' room and Jacuzzis.
On our check out the valet chaps, sharply dressed, were much more pleasant, warm and welcoming than some of the other service staff, who didn't quite have the personality that a resort such as this should surely freely ooze.
Parker Palm Springs, 4200 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California 92264, USA (760-770-5000; theparkerpalmsprings.com). Room rates start from £136 per room per night.
