The Colony Palms Hotel, Palm Springs
Desert Glamour with a Storied Past
A Hollywood Hideaway Since 1936
Tucked beneath swaying palms in the heart of Palm Springs, The Colony Palms Hotel is as iconic as the desert oasis itself. Opened in 1936 by mobster Al Wertheimer, the Spanish Colonial property quickly became a Hollywood playground—equal parts glamorous retreat and discreet escape. Its history is as colorful as its bougainvillea-draped walls, with tales of underground speakeasies and Golden Age starlets lingering in its courtyards.
Design & Atmosphere
Today, the hotel has been reimagined by designer Steve Hermann, who infused Moroccan-inspired details into the Spanish Colonial bones. Hand-painted tiles, wrought-iron lanterns, and rich jewel tones mix seamlessly with the desert light, creating an ambiance that’s at once sultry and serene. The lush central courtyard frames a sparkling pool, while private patios and hidden gardens offer a sense of seclusion that belies the hotel’s central location.
Rooms with Character
The 57 rooms and suites strike a balance between vintage romance and modern indulgence. Think four-poster beds draped in crisp linens, velvet accents, clawfoot tubs, and views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Each room feels intimate and layered with history, as though designed for lingering afternoons and starlit nights.
Dining & Social Spaces
At the heart of the hotel is The Colony Club, a restaurant and bar that channels 1930s glamour with contemporary flair. Guests dine beneath chandeliers and intricate wood ceilings on a menu that celebrates seasonal California ingredients. The poolside scene remains as lively as ever—cocktails flow, music drifts through the desert air, and conversations stretch long into the night.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Colony Palms is Palm Springs at its most intoxicating: historic, sultry, and stylish. A hotel that has lived many lives—gangster’s den, movie-star escape, Moroccan fantasy—it now stands as a quintessential desert hideaway where history and hedonism meet under the palms. Perfect for those who want their desert getaway to come with equal parts glamour and intrigue.
