Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows, Palm Springs
Where Hollywood Glamour Meets Desert Romance
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A legendary 1936 Spanish Colonial Revival hideaway that has welcomed Hollywood icons for nearly a century.
● Steve Hermann’s sophisticated redesign blends Art Deco glamour, Mediterranean elegance, and Palm Springs style into one of the desert’s most atmospheric hotels.
● An adults-only retreat where lush gardens, mountain views, exceptional dining, and intimate luxury create an unmistakably cinematic escape.
A Palm Springs Legend Reborn
Long before Palm Springs became synonymous with design festivals and modernist architecture, Colony Palms was already writing its own Hollywood story. Opened in 1936 by the notorious Al Wertheimer, the Spanish Colonial Revival hotel quickly became a discreet retreat for movie stars, socialites, and California’s elite. Rumors of hidden speakeasies and glamorous late-night gatherings only added to its mystique. Today, following an extensive renovation by designer and hotelier Steve Hermann, the property has reclaimed its place as one of Palm Springs’ most iconic boutique hotels. Rather than simply restoring its glamorous past, Hermann has created a contemporary interpretation that feels timeless, intimate, and unmistakably Californian.
Spanish Colonial Elegance with a Mediterranean Twist
From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere is one of quiet sophistication. The lobby introduces Hermann’s refined aesthetic with patterned marble floors, walnut paneling, elegant Art Deco detailing, Sergio Mazza lighting, and a palette of soft greens inspired by the Riviera. Throughout the hotel, Spanish Colonial architecture is complemented by Moroccan influences, hand-painted tiles, wrought-iron lanterns, lush planting, and carefully layered textures that soften the desert landscape. Bougainvillea-covered courtyards, winding garden paths, and hidden terraces create the feeling of a private estate rather than a conventional hotel.
Rooms Wrapped in Desert Luxury
The hotel’s guestrooms, bungalows, and suites balance classic Hollywood glamour with contemporary comfort. Bold wallpaper, soaring ceilings, luxurious fabrics, marble bathrooms, and bespoke furnishings create interiors that feel elegant without becoming overly formal. Premium Frette linens, Le Labo amenities, Nespresso machines, and thoughtfully curated decorative details elevate every stay, while many rooms open onto private terraces or secluded gardens framed by the San Jacinto Mountains. For the ultimate experience, the Hermann Residence offers expansive living spaces, a private garden, outdoor hot tub, and exceptional privacy.
Life Around the Pool
At the heart of Colony Palms lies its signature saltwater pool. Surrounded by towering palms, private cabanas, fire pits, and lush gardens, it has become one of Palm Springs’ most elegant places to spend the day. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than performative—more leisurely lunches and afternoon spritzes than high-energy pool parties—capturing the refined glamour that has long defined the hotel. Mountain views provide a spectacular backdrop from sunrise to sunset.
The Colony Club
The Colony Club continues the hotel’s reputation as one of Palm Springs’ most desirable dining destinations. Inside, Art Deco-inspired interiors combine with chandeliers, rich textures, and intimate lighting, while outdoor terraces invite guests to dine beneath the palms. The Mediterranean-influenced menu celebrates seasonal California ingredients through refined yet approachable dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether joining for brunch, dinner, or evening drinks, the restaurant feels as much a local institution as a hotel dining room.
Wellness in the Desert
The adults-only spa embraces the slower rhythm of desert life through personalized treatments, sound healing, gua sha facials, massage therapies, and restorative wellness rituals. Throughout the property, quiet gardens, complimentary bicycles, secluded seating areas, and the ever-present mountain landscape encourage guests to disconnect from everyday life and embrace the calm that defines Palm Springs.
Why It Works
Colony Palms Hotel succeeds because it understands that true glamour is timeless. Steve Hermann has carefully preserved the romance and intrigue of one of Palm Springs’ most storied hotels while introducing contemporary luxury with remarkable restraint. Rich in history, layered with beautiful design, and wrapped in lush desert gardens, it remains one of California’s most seductive boutique escapes—where Old Hollywood elegance meets the relaxed sophistication of modern Palm Springs.
