Inn at Palm Springs 

Through the Eyes of Gus – The Chihuahua Terrier

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My name is Gus, and I’m an 11.3-pound, 13-year-old chihuahua terrier who serves as the Ambassador for Inn at Palm Springs. I’m much more mellow in my senior years and dashingly handsome, two essential qualities contributing to my landing this role. My parents, Samantha (Sam) and Paul, felt it was important for us to be an inclusive property where we welcome guests of various backgrounds and from all over the world. We regularly see couples, solo travelers, families, and my colleagues and fellow canine companions.

Much like my personality, my colorful picture is the first thing people see when they enter the lobby. Since I love road trips and we do a lot of traveling, it is important to my parents and me that Inn at Palm Springs is accessible to fellow pups. We have designated dog-friendly rooms for guests who inform us ahead of time. Since some of our human guests have allergies, we have non-dog-friendly rooms available for them, too. Just let them know ahead of time. Unfortunately, due to severe allergies, we cannot accommodate our feline friends.

 Our History

According to my parents, Inn at Palm Springs has a rich history. It was initially known as El Tram Hotel at 2525 North Palm Canyon Drive, probably because it’s the closest hotel to the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It was opened by Mary Carlin and her husband in the mid 1950s.

As the story goes, Mary used to post signs advertising her room rates, $6.50 per night, just outside the hotel. Neighbors and other hoteliers were so mad that the city insisted the persistent human remove her sign. According to an article written by the Palm Springs Historical Society president, Tracy Conrad, “Carlin protested that the prohibition was unconstitutional, and in 1955, the California Supreme Court ruled in her favor forcing the city to amend its ordinance.” There’s way more to the story, but I want to tell you about the history of the grounds. She then ran for city council and was elected in 1958.

 A Home of Mystics and Legends

I know there’s something special about this place because I have a nose for this kind of thing. And the hummingbirds and butterflies who live here tell me what they sense too. My winged buddy, Bruce, and his girlfriend’s two new babies just left the nest they made here. It helps me feel calm when my parents take me for walks around the hotel – kind of a big deal for us temperamental chihuahuas.

Inn at Palm Springs is a colorful boutique inn located in Little Tuscany and mystical Chino Canyon, home of legendary Cahuilla Shaman Pedro Chino (who humans say was the longest-living person in North America). As the legend goes, sacred healings and mystical events have occurred nearby. It makes sense because, after hiking, biking, or walking their dog, some guests say they feel calm, peaceful, and even inspired to create while staying with us.

Local Artists Lending Color to the Space

Humans describe our booming Uptown Design District neighborhood as artsy and fun. Who says dogs can’t see color? Our hotel fronts North Palm Canyon and serves as the gateway to Palm Springs since we’re only one block from the Palm Springs Visitor Center and the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway entrance.

Our unique space offers stylish décor and features art from local and SoCal artists, including the modern abstract works of Matanah Bezer (my mom calls her Mattie which she likes), and some unique pieces from my parent’s collection by Daniel Wooster. We see both business and leisure travelers alike, many of whom have taken pictures and videos of the Instagram-worthy moments we have around the property.

We offer spacious King, Queen, and Double Double guest rooms and can host up to 56 people for guests who take over the hotel for special events. All rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, Qi wireless charging lamps and tables, plush white bedding, and art pieces that embrace the uniqueness of our history and the space.

Inn at Palm Springs Wishing Well

A favorite spot is our garden, home to our unique wishing well. In keeping with the spirit of the mystical Chino Canyons, I think ours is the only hotel in the Coachella Valley with a wishing well, and our managers and staff members have repeatedly heard that guest wishes have come true here. Since we don’t offer day passes, it is available to guests only.

Between us, I’ve wished for a sister or brother, but my parents say they aren’t ready to expand our family – yet.

 Marriages & Proposals 

Speaking of expanding families… my new human friend, Richard, saw the wishing well and wedding arch in our garden and told me over a bag of cookies that he and his now wife, Roxy, felt incredible energy and knew they had to get married here. My mom is an ordained minister, so she officiated their wedding, and shortly after that, their baby Daniella was born.

We’ve had one wedding, two proposals, and many birthday parties and reunions here. I’ve seen humans do Tai Chi and yoga by our tranquil pool, which, according to a recent British guest is also home to “the largest lemon tree I’ve ever seen in my life!”

When we got here, there were no lemons on the tree. Less than two years later, with a lot of TLC from my dad, “Lucky,” our lemon tree, is nearly 25 feet tall and bears delicious fruit year-round. My parents encourage our guests to enjoy Lucky’s lemons because there are so many. I like that Lucky provides plenty of shade for our guests to enjoy the Southern California summer sun while relaxing or taking in the views of the San Jacinto Mountains that we see from the pool.

Close Shops & Dining

There are lots of great shops, restaurants, and entertainment options in our Little Tuscany neighborhood. Directly across the street from us is a delicious Italian restaurant, Palmina by Puglia, which offers dog-friendly dining options for my furry friends and 4 Paws Coffee, where my mom loves their chai tea lattes. The ladies who own the place know me by name and give me a “pup cup” when I visit with my parents.

Many of our guests also like that we’re a very short stroll from many vintage shopping stores, including Gypsyland and Re[x] Palm Springs, which displays the largest showroom of midcentury style décor in Palm Springs. On rainy or cooler days, families and friends go across the street for an afternoon at Escape Palm Springs, where you can test your skills to escape some clever, themed rooms.

Of course, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is up the road, bringing guests to over 8,500 feet at the top of the San Jacinto Mountains in about 10 minutes. Unfortunately, only ADA dogs are allowed on the trolley. Area nightlife includes the famous Toucans, frequented by the Kardashians, and Boozehounds, one of my favorite dog-friendly places since it offers cool cocktails for pups and their people, are only one traffic light or less than a 5-minute walk from us.

Outside the Rooms – Cool Amenities

We offer various on-site amenities, including Qi Wireless charging stations, complimentary Wi-Fi, cruiser bikes, mini refrigerators, a microwave, a small fitness center, business center, free parking and an EV charger. A fantastic coffee, cocoa, and “hot drink of your dreams station” (as one guest described) is available 24/7 in our hotel’s breezeway. And for those who bring their four-legged traveling companions, we offer complimentary biodegradable “dog business bags,” too.

Great Value

Let’s face it, Palm Springs can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. At my place, Inn at Palm Springs, you’ll experience a wonderful, relaxed stay and a midcentury modern property on the main street that won’t break the bank. Excite your senses, take in the desert air, and enjoy that nightlife under the stars. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a relaxing vacation with your pup, our boutique hotel will surely impress. We pride ourselves on being super clean, comfortable, reasonably priced, and home to me, the hippest ambassador in Palm Springs!

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