Palm Springs' Oldest Operating Hotel
History and hospitality meet in poetic harmony at Casa Cody, Palm Springs’ oldest continuously operating hotel. It offers more than just luxurious accommodations—it’s a living time capsule that honors the legacy of the desert’s early pioneers while embracing thoughtful modern design.
A Class 1 Historic Site.
Designated a Class 1 Historic Site by the Palm Springs City Council in 2008, Casa Cody holds the highest level of historic recognition in the city. Its adobe buildings, citrus groves, and mountain views continue to tell stories of artistry, endurance, and architectural innovation.
Harriet Cody: Pioneer, Hotelier, Visionary
Harriet was born into one of the wealthiest families in Philadelphia in 1884, a direct descendant of Sir Thomas Moore. She went to Vassar College and married young architect Harold William (Bill) Bryant Cody in 1910. He is said to be the cousin of the famous cowboy and showman Buffalo Bill Cody. They moved to San Francisco, but Bill later contracted a serious lung condition, so they moved to Hollywood, hoping for a more temperate climate. While in Southern California, he was hired by Myron Hunt, whose firm included the remodel of Riverside's famous Mission Inn.
Bill's condition worsened, so in 1916, they rented their Hollywood home and moved to Palm Springs, initially staying in a small cottage next to the Desert Inn, where Harriet befriended the inn's owner, Nellie Coffman. They lived off the rent from their Hollywood home and, with that money, purchased a tract of land. Things were fine until they began to run into trouble when the tenants began skipping rent payments. To make up the difference, Harriet started to engage in some trading and acquired an old wagon and two horses. She then traded her Hollywood house for 80 acres of land in Palm Springs owned by developer Prescott Stevens.
Cody camped out on their newly acquired property until their adobe house was constructed. She started the first stable in Palm Springs to make ends meet and purchased some horses from Lee Arenas, a popular Cahuilla Indian. During this time, her husband’s health continued to deteriorate, and he passed away in 1924. By this time, she had 35 horses and rented them for $5 a day in addition to boarding horses.
When Harold passed away, Harriet took full control of the property, transforming it into a welcoming desert retreat.
Harriet carried on the operations of the riding stables until 1928 and then dealt in real estate until she built Casa Cody in 1937 (175 South Cahuilla Road). It was designed by Myron Hunt and H. C. Chambers and built by Oral Carpenter. Jack Rennick did the interior decorating, built the furniture, and created the color scheme. She and her daughter Patricia operated the apartments until she died in 1954. Her daughter married Bill Rogers, a cousin of the famous Will Rogers, and they lived on the property in the 1950s. They were also co-owners of the Palm Canyon Market. Pat died in 1974 at the age of 62.
Both Harriet Cody and her daughter are buried in the Wellwood Murray Cemetery in Palm Springs.
Harriet Cody, 1925, Palm Springs Historical Society.
A Sanctuary for the Arts and Hollywood Royalty
Harriet was no ordinary hotelier. She leveraged her connections in Los Angeles to attract artists and entertainers who were drawn to the privacy and creative atmosphere of her inn.
The Adobe house was built in 1916, and it is where actors Helen Taggart and Reginald Pole lived. Reginald had moved to Palm Springs to obtain treatment for his respiratory problems. He was also friends with Fanny, the widow of Robert Louis Stevenson, who also frequented the Desert Inn. He was also good friends with opera star Lawrence Tibbett, who also frequented the property. It is said that Charlie Chaplin also frequented the house and would often perform there.
Helen later divorced Reginald and married Lloyd Wright, the architect's son, who would go on to design the Oasis Hotel in 1924 for Pearl McCallum.
Adobe House
Preservation and Transformation: A Thoughtful Renovation
The property went through a two-year renovation focused on preserving the character of each structure, including the Adobe House. Instead of forcing uniformity, each room has been refreshed to highlight its charm while maintaining a cohesive and serene ambiance throughout the grounds. Interiors feature zellige tiles, Otomi textiles, and organic amenities. A new reception area and gift shop with locally sourced goods were also added.
Importantly, no alterations were made to the historic exteriors, working closely with preservation experts to ensure that renovations respected the original architectural integrity of the site. Modern updates were reserved for interiors, landscaping, and guest amenities.
Indoor-Outdoor Living, the Casa Cody Way
With its lush gardens, citrus trees, and sweeping mountain views, Casa Cody celebrates the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that defines Palm Springs. Each of its 30 rooms and suites is accessed from the outside, giving it a more private estate feel than a traditional hotel.
Guests can book a stay in the historic Adobe House, stroll through the same gardens as past Hollywood icons, and enjoy amenities such as two sparkling pools, hammocks, fire pits, and wellness programming—all designed with tranquility in mind.
Plan Your Stay
Casa Cody is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, just steps from world-class restaurants, shopping, and attractions like the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Historic Tennis Club District.
Website: www.casacody.com
Address: 175 S. Cahuilla Road
Other Historic Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
If you love Casa Cody, you may also enjoy staying at these nearby boutique hotels with midcentury charm and desert flair:
