Shadow Mountain Resort and Club

When the Shadow Mountain Resort and Club opened in 1946, there were few other resorts nearby and no other golf courses. The clubhouse was built in a mid-century-modern style out of stone, wood, and glass. In the 1950s, Shadow Mountain was a destination for the superstars of the day, such as Bing Crosby and synchronized swimmer Esther Williams (who put on shows in the pool). Today, the property's pop culture history is displayed in the lobby's oversized photographs and the old Hollywood aura still adds a shine to parts of the hotel that have aged. The lobby has a gray stone accent wall that frames a wide-mouth fireplace. While the furniture is relatively new, the fabrics and design are inspired by the mid-century-modern and arts-and-crafts movements. Even though the glory years have passed, it's still easy to envision the celebrities of yesteryear palling around on the well-maintained deck. The neatly manicured golf course is lined with palm trees as well. 

There are several golf courses close to the Shadow Mountain Resort and Club. The Classic Club golf course, which was planned out by Arnold Palmer, is a 15-minute drive away. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course at the Escena Club is about 25 minutes by car. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, with animals and plants from deserts around the world, is a five-minute drive away. For fans of professional tennis, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is 12 minutes away by car. For upscale shoppers, El Paseo Drive, the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert," is about five minutes by car. And downtown Palm Springs is a 30-minute drive. Travelers arriving at the Palm Springs International Airport should expect the ride to the hotel to be about 25 minutes.

While the lobby of the Shadow Mountain Resort and Club takes its direction from the property's mid-century roots, the 125 rooms show signs of having been updated at different times, from the 80s to recently. The decor and bedding are homey and comfortable for a couple or family, so much so that it may feel like staying with a relative. The interior design takes elements of floral chintz and contemporary arts and crafts, depending on the room. Guest spaces range in size and style, from studios to three-bedroom villas. Most have queen or king beds and lounge areas with sofas, chairs, and flat-screen TVs. Some windows have views of the pool; others look out onto the hotel. Most units have kitchens with stoves, microwaves, and coffeemakers and some units have brick-lined fireplaces. For guests who want to relax or eat outside, there are decks attached to each guest space with patio furniture or dining tables. Free Wi-Fi is free in some guest spaces, but it doesn't reach all of them. 

The Shadow Mountain Resort and Club may no longer be the most luxurious destination in Palm Desert, but it still has a lot of fun amenities. The cornerstone of the club is the par-70 golf course, designed by PGA champ Gene Sarazen. The resort's figure-eight pool is one of the most distinctive spots to swim in the area, plus there are three other pools and five whirlpools. Tennis fans can take advantage of the 16 courts as well as lessons and a pro shop. And a fully equipped fitness center includes multiple cardio machines, free weights, weight-training machines, yoga mats, and locker rooms with saunas. Massages can also be arranged. There are two on-site restaurants, and while guests report that the food is moderately priced, they also claim it to be mediocre. Breakfast is available for a fee. There's a small business center with a computer and printer, and free Wi-Fi is available in some of the common spaces.