76661 US Highway 111, Indian Wells, California, United States | (888) 710-7049
Lovely grounds include two golf courses with views of the San Jacinto Mountains
Pleasant rooms and suites with private balconies or patios
Heated outdoor pool and hot tub
Frank's Place restaurant and lounge has nightly entertainment
Two outdoor tennis courts and a fitness center
Shuttle to neighboring golf courses
Breakfast and Wi-Fi included in resort fee
Obligatory resort fee includes Wi-Fi, parking, and use of fitness center
In need of general updates
Dated room decor and amenities
Indian Wells Resort Hotel was built by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and though this upper-middle-range property has lost some of its glitz, it's still a special place for lovers of old Hollywood. The hotel's combination nightclub and restaurant, Frank's Place, carries on the crooner traditions of a bygone era with live stage entertainment every night and is a big hit with locals of a certain age. The San Jacinto Mountains play backdrop to a heated pool and the hotel's own golf course. Rooms and suites are spacious, though in need of some updates, and each has a lovely private balcony or patio overlooking the grounds and mountains. Even with the obligatory resort fee, it's more affordable than the nearby Miramonte Resort & Spa or Hyatt Regency, but both are considerably more updated.
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Scene
Golf resort hotel with old Hollywood history
Built in 1957 by Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, this former celebrity getaway is full of large photographs adorning the walls of all the Old Hollywood personalities who once frequented this desert retreat nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. The sprawling lobby is centered around an open staircase that winds around a huge fountain flanked by a clutch of palm trees and a grand piano. The nightclub that spills out into the lobby lounge area steals the show, with a 50-and-older set mingling and dancing to a live show every night.
Location
Located in the vacation town of Indian Wells, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs
The hotel is nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in a quiet Indian Wells neighborhood surrounded by country clubs and golf courses. There are a few restaurants and other hotels within walking distance, but guests will need a car to get around. It’s a 30-minute drive to Palm Springs airport, and about 35 minutes to downtown. Coachella is a short 16-minute drive and Joshua Tree National Park's southern entrance is a good 40 minutes away.
Rooms
Spacious, pleasant rooms and suites with private balconies or patios
The 155 rooms and suites have contemporary decor with a neutral color palette. There's a touch of desert ambience, thanks to the sand-colored walls and framed pastel landscapes decorating the walls. Though last renovated in 2012, many of the furnishings are dated and worn carpets are common. Loud air conditioners are a frequent complaint and the flat-screen TVs are on the small side. Other amenities include mini-fridges and coffeemakers as well as Wi-Fi (included in the obligatory resort fee). Standard Deluxe Rooms have bathrooms with average shower/tub combos, while One-Bedroom Suites have walk-in showers and separate marble bath tubs. All rooms have lovely private balconies or patios with views of the golf course and mountains beyond.
Features
Two golf courses and an outdoor pool, plus a restaurant and night club with live music; resort fee includes breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, and shuttle service to golf courses
Guests of the hotel have tee time scheduling privileges at the adjoining Indian Wells Country Club, which has two 18-hole golf courses. There are also two outdoor tennis courts as well as a mirrored fitness room with the usual set of cardio machines, free weights, and weight trainers. The hotel's large heated outdoor pool has a sprawling sun deck with an accompanying hot tub. A covered terrace adds shady seating and a poolside bar.Frank's Place is a traditional nightclub, complete with a full restaurant. It hosts nightly live music, mostly jazz, big band, and impersonators that take the guests back to the Rat Pack nostalgia of the '50s and '60s. Meeting rooms and event facilities at the hotel can accommodate up to 350 people. An obligatory resort fee includes a continental breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, as well as shuttle service to neighboring golf courses.
