From 1920s Hideaways to Midcentury Modern Icons
Palm Springs hotels are more than places to stay—they’re living pieces of history. From early desert retreats built for health seekers to glamorous hideaways for Hollywood’s elite, these iconic properties helped shape the identity of Palm Springs as we know it today.
In the early 1900s, Palm Springs was a quiet desert village known for its hot springs and dry climate—long believed to have healing properties. By the 1920s, that reputation began attracting a new kind of visitor: Hollywood.
What began as a healing destination in the early 1900s—drawing visitors to its natural hot springs—quickly transformed into a Hollywood playground by the 1930s and 1940s. Celebrities escaping Los Angeles helped shape the city’s identity, turning boutique inns and private estates into glamorous retreats.
By the 1950s and 60s, Palm Springs became a midcentury modern design capital, with architects like William F. Cody and Herbert Burns redefining desert living through clean lines, open spaces, and a seamless connection to the outdoors.
Today, a new era has emerged—one focused on preservation and reinvention. Properties like Orbit In celebrate authenticity through careful restoration, while others like Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs blend historic character with contemporary luxury.
The result is a destination where nearly a century of hospitality history isn’t just preserved—it’s something you can experience firsthand.
Palm Springs Hotels in the 1920s: Desert Beginnings
During the 1920s, Hollywood discovered Palm Springs as a convenient weekend getaway destination. The town became a hotspot for celebrities looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Soon, hotels started cropping up to cater to the influx of movie stars and wealthy tourists.
Korakia Pensione
Built in 1924, the Moroccan villa at Karakia Pensione was the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts. The villa served as the venue for Coutts to recreate his earlier life in Tangier, employing a wide range of architectural features that evoked a Moroccan aesthetic. Coutts hung his paintings in the library, where he regaled his guests with tales of adventure.
Korakia quickly became a gathering place for musicians, visiting artists, and celebrities such as Rudolph Valentino and Errol Flynn. It is rumored that even Winston Churchill has painted in the villa's Artist Studio.
Address: 257 S Patencio Road | Book a Room
The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn and Bishop House
The Willows Historic Inn comprises two stunning mansions: the Mead and the Bishop House.
Constructed in 1925, it was the winter home of William Mead and was designed by architect William Dodd, one of Southern California’s most prominent architects. The name came from the many willow trees on the property. Much of his fortune came from real estate and a fire insurance business, and he was the founder of the Central State Bank.
Dodd & Richards designed a strikingly similar home for Roland Bishop, known as the Bishop House. Bishop was a prominent Los Angeles businessman who headed Bishop & Co., Southern California’s largest confectioner and purveyor of baked goods at the time.
The Mead house was later purchased by Samuel Untermyer, a well-known New York lawyer who was the first in the U.S. to receive a $1 million fee. He became one of the wealthiest lawyers in the world. He was friends with Albert Einstein, who was also a guest. Marion Davies, mistress of newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, would later own the property.
Address: 412 W Tahquitz Canyon Way | Book a Room
Palm Springs Hotels in the 1930s: Glamour & Growth
Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows
Al and his brother, Lou Wetheimer, built the Colonial House in 1936, allegedly featuring an underground gambling den accessible only through a secret passage. The first unit of the Spanish Colonial Revival style was completed along Indian Canyon. The lower floor contained seven apartments, and the second floor was occupied by his wife, Thelma, in one large apartment.
It is now part of the Hermann luxury resorts brand. This upscale adults-only boutique hotel and its inviting palm-tree-lined pool are set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. The perfect place to savor the ultimate Palm Springs experience, The Colony Palms Hotel & Bungalows is a laid-back yet upbeat retreat that brings a dash of Hollywood glamour to the desert.
Address: 527 N Palm Canyon Drive | Book a Room
Casa Cody
Herold and Harriet Cody came to Palm Springs in 1916 for Herold’s health. His health was getting worse, so they rented out their Hollywood home and moved to Palm Springs for the dry desert air to cure his recurring bouts with pneumonia. Harold, an architect in Los Angeles, is said to be the cousin of legendary Buffalo Bill Cody. One of his local projects was the remodel of Riverside’s Mission Inn. Harriet is said to be a direct descendant of Sir Thomas Moore and from one of the wealthiest families in Philadelphia.
Cody decided to start the first stable in Palm Springs to make ends meet. Harriet carried on the riding stables until 1928, and then dealt in real estate until she built Casa Cody in 1937. She and her daughter Patricia operated the apartments until her death in 1954. Her daughter married Bill Rogers, a cousin of the famous Will Rogers.
It is now called the Casa Cody Inn, the oldest continuously operating hotel in Palm Springs. It is designated as a Class I historic site.
Address: 175 S Cahuilla Road | Book a Room
Read More: Casa Cody: Where History Meets a Palm Springs' Timeless Oasis
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
Few properties capture the layered history of Palm Springs quite like the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows. Originally opened in 1933 as the Estrella Villas, it stands as one of the city’s earliest luxury resorts, predating much of the midcentury boom.
Over the decades, the property has undergone several transformations, hosting a who’s who of Hollywood elite, including Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, and Jackie Cooper, while evolving with each new era of design. Today, Avalon masterfully blends its Spanish Colonial roots with contemporary style, creating a space that feels both historic and fresh.
Address: 415 S Belardo Road | Book a Room
Palm Springs Hotels in the 1940s: Hollywood’s Playground
Ingleside Estate
Ingleside Inn, now known as Ingleside Estate, was originally built as a private residence in the 1920s and later converted into a hotel by Ruth Hardy in 1940. The 22-acre Ruth Hardy Park was named after her.
The inn became synonymous with Hollywood glamour. Charles Laughton, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Gary Cooper, Salvador Dali, the elusive Howard Hughes, Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, Debbie Reynolds, Jackie Coogan, Yogi Berra, and the Gabor sisters were all guests.
Melvyn's at Ingleside Estate is one of Palm Springs’ most iconic dining destinations, renowned for its timeless elegance, Hollywood history, and fine dining experience. Since opening in 1975, Melvyn’s has welcomed countless celebrities and continues to attract diners seeking sophistication, old-world charm, and exceptional cuisine.
Address: 200 W Ramon Road | Book a Room
Del Marcos Hotel
The midcentury brought about a new era of Palm Springs hotels. The architecture became more streamlined and modern, reflecting the post-war optimism. One of the most famous examples is the Del Marcos Hotel, which opened in 1947. Designed by architect William F. Cody, the hotel's sleek lines and minimalistic design became an instant hit.
Del Marcos was receiving national recognition. William Cody was presented the Award of the Year for resort design by the American Institute of Architecture. More attention was paid to the hotel through an illustrated article in an Architectural Forum issue with wide national circulation.
Address: 225 W Baristo Road | Book a Room
Palm Springs Hotels in the 1950s: The Rise of Modernism
Holiday House
Lloyd Whaley opened Holiday House in 1951. He had visited Palm Springs with his family since the early 1940s. The architect is Herbert Burns, who helped define Palm Springs' modernist style. The hotel boasted a heated swimming pool, putting greens, shuffleboard games, an outdoor cabana for day and night functions, bicycles for tenants, and other recreational facilities. All this can still be enjoyed today.
Address: 200 W Arena Road | Book a Room
The Three Fifty Hotel
The Three Fifty Hotel is a 10-room boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Originally built in 1950, this midcentury modern gem was designed by famed architect Herbert W. Burns. The hotel was fully renovated in 2017 by interior designer Laura Slipak and keeps its midcentury roots while updating with a chic, minimalist flair.
Address: 350 S Belardo Road | Book a Room
L’Horizon Palm Springs
The hotel was originally built in 1952 as a private residence for television producer Jack Wrather and his wife, actress Bonita Granville. The property was designed by legendary architect William Cody, known for his contributions to the midcentury modern style.
When Wrather and Granville decided to sell the property in the early 1960s, Hollywood producer Joshua Logan purchased it. Logan converted the property into a hotel and added several luxurious amenities, including a pool and a tennis court.
Today, L'Horizon is a stunning hotel that offers unparalleled luxury and sophistication. Its sleek, stylish design pays homage to the midcentury modern era, with clean lines, simple shapes, and ample natural light. Located within the La Horizon Hotel, SO•PA (short for “South of Palm Springs”) is an intimate alfresco restaurant offering a refined, romantic dining experience unlike any other in the desert.
L’Horizon Palm Springs is a distinguished part of the Hermann Luxury Resort Collection.
Address: 1050 E Palm Canyon Drive | Book a Room
Courtesy of Wrather Papers. Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University.
Orbit In
Located in the Tennis Neighborhood, Orbit In was originally built in 1957. Orbit In leans into authenticity. The restoration—led by passionate preservationists—carefully retained original architectural details while incorporating era-appropriate furnishings, vintage décor, and curated design pieces that transport guests straight back to the 1950s.
The hotel operates as an adults-only retreat with a strong sense of community. Guests gather around the pool for evening cocktail hours, a nod to the social culture that once defined Palm Springs getaways during Hollywood’s golden age. With just a handful of rooms, it offers an intimate, almost club-like atmosphere—perfect for travelers seeking both design immersion and quiet sophistication.
Address: 562 W Arenas Road | Book a Room
Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs
The Riviera Resort opened in 1959 and quickly became known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the area. It opened with 250 rooms and the largest swimming pool on the West Coast. It now boasts 398 rooms.
The film Palm Springs Weekend, starring Troy Donahue, was filmed there that same year. Connie Stevens is shown having lunch poolside with actor Robert Conrad. Desi Arnaz performed regularly there with his orchestra. Trini Lopez, a longtime Palm Springs resident, performed hits like "Lemon Tree" and "If I Had A Hammer" in 1968.
Escape to a world of relaxation and renewal at Santé Spa. This serene oasis offers a wide array of indulgent treatments designed to transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Address: 1600 N Indian Canyon | Book a Room
👉 Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood Self-Guided Tour
Palm Springs Hotels in the 1960s: Celebrity Retreats & Reinvention
The Parker Palm Springs
The property got its start in 1961 as California’s very first Holiday Inn. Owner Milt Hicks’ Holiday Inn was the 200th Holiday Inn built to date.
Soon after it opened, the singing cowboy Gene Autry purchased it. Autry intended the property to house his newly acquired baseball team, the California Angels, during spring training.
In 1994, Autry sold the property to Rose Narva, who partnered with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy to transform the hotel into a French-inspired establishment named the Givenchy Hotel & Spa. Even after the sale, Autry and his wife lived in a two-bedroom, two-bath private home on the property, now known as the Gene Autry residence and available at The Parker.
Jack Parker purchased the property and hired designer Jonathan Adler to lead a multi-million-dollar renovation. In 2004, the hotel reopened as the Parker Palm Springs. The 13-acre property was reimagined in the style that Adler likes to call “hippie chic.”
Step aboard the Palm Springs Yacht Club Spa at The Parker. The Parker's Palm Springs Yacht Club Spa stands as a serene oasis, offering an unrivaled experience of luxury and relaxation.
Mister Parker's offers a dining experience unlike any other in Palm Springs. Known for its sophisticated ambiance, refined menu, and exclusive atmosphere, this renowned restaurant has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.
Address: 4200 E Palm Canyon Drive | Book a Room
How to Choose the Right Historic Hotel in Palm Springs
Not all historic hotels in Palm Springs offer the same experience. From midcentury modern icons to intimate Old Hollywood hideaways, the right choice depends on your travel style.
- For midcentury modern design lovers: Stay at places like Del Marcos Hotel, Orbit In, or L’Horizon Palm Springs, where clean lines, minimalist architecture, and vintage aesthetics define the experience.
- For Old Hollywood glamour: Book a stay at Ingleside Estate or Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs, where celebrity history and timeless elegance still linger.
- For boutique charm and intimacy: Properties like The Hideaway, The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, and Casa Cody offer quiet, personalized stays with rich backstories.
- For resort-style amenities: Larger historic resorts like Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs and Parker Palm Springs deliver pools, dining, spas, and a more social atmosphere.
Why These Historic Hotels Still Matter
Palm Springs’ historic hotels are more than places to stay—they’re living pieces of the city’s story. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet charm of early desert hideaways, the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, or the clean lines of midcentury modern design, each property offers a unique way to experience the past in the present.
From intimate inns to iconic resorts, these stays don’t just preserve history—they invite you to be part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Historic Palm Springs Hotels
What is the oldest hotel in Palm Springs?
Casa Cody is widely considered the oldest continuously operating hotel in Palm Springs, dating back to the 1930s.
What are the most historic hotels in Palm Springs?
Some of the most notable include Ingleside Estate, Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs, Korakia Pensione, and The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn.
Are there midcentury modern hotels you can stay in?
Yes—Palm Springs is one of the best places in the country to experience true midcentury modern design. Hotels like Del Marcos Hotel, Orbit In, and L’Horizon Palm Springs preserve and celebrate this iconic architectural style.
Which historic hotels are walkable to downtown Palm Springs?
Hotels like Holiday House, Casa Cody, and Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs are located near Palm Canyon Drive, making it easy to explore on foot.
Are historic hotels in Palm Springs luxury or boutique?
Both. Some, like Parker Palm Springs, offer full luxury resort experiences, while others like Orbit In and Holiday House focus on intimate boutique stays.
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