572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, California, United States | (760) 969-1800
Charming, historic boutique filled with character
Unique, lovely rooms with Moroccan-inspired design
Rooms with fireplaces and private patios available
Outdoor heated pool in pretty garden setting
Upscale Mediterranean restaurant and poolside bar
Serene spa and small fitness center
Pet-friendly rooms available
Free Wi-Fi
Resort fee
Limited lounge space by pool
Windowless fitness room with limited equipment
Not kid-friendly
Built in 1936, the Colony Palms Hotel began as a desert gambling den and hideaway for a group of gangsters looking to escape the limelight of LA, and it still retains some of that exclusive, tucked-away atmosphere. Elegant, but still relatively casual, this hotel is geared toward an adult crowd looking to lounge and dine in style. Though on the smaller side, the rooms have a hip Moroccan-inspired decor (some have fireplaces and patios) and the rates are highly competitive for a hotel of this caliber in Palm Springs. Guests have noted a pesky resort fee and that lounge space by the pool can be limited.
Scene
Boutique where Spanish Colonial meets Moroccan decor
Mosaic tiles, rich fabrics, and exotic wood furniture combine in this Spanish Colonial style hotel to create an atmosphere that feels as much "Casablanca," as it does Palm Springs. This peaceful boutique is covered in green space and the central courtyard that holds the pool is a garden as well as a sun deck. Though there are some children, they are somewhat actively discouraged by the hotel (no pool toys allowed) and the scene is dominated by couples lounging with cocktails in the sun.
Location
Centrally located in Palm Springs
On North Indian Canyon Drive, the Colony Palms Hotel is centrally located near all that sunny Palm Springs has to offer. Lots of shopping, restaurants, and bars are a block over on North Palm Canyon Drive, or within a few minutes drive from the hotel. All the attractions of this resort town are nearby, including regional destinations like Joshua Tree National park (45 minutes) and Coachella (35 minutes). Palm Springs International Airport is a 10-minute drive and it's a two-hour drive to Los Angeles.
Rooms
Charming rooms with hip decor, Italian linens, and fireplaces
Arranged around the central pool courtyard, the rooms at the Colony Palms Hotel are on the smaller side, but are full of style. Turkish and Moroccan-style furnishings are custom designed and beds are covered in Italian linens. Shutters and heavy curtains are designed to keep sunlight at bay on hot desert days -- a thoughtful touch for pleasant afternoon napping. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the walls (which can make for awkward viewing angles). Minibars are nicely stocked and modern bathrooms have designer toiletries. Many rooms have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Larger casita-style rooms have private patios and outdoor hot tubs.
Features
Spa, heated outdoor pool, and cabanas
The major draw of the Colony Palms Hotel is its garden courtyard and pool with poolside bar service. The lounge chairs and cabanas are especially limited on weekends with people reserving them at the crack of dawn and holding them all day. The on-site, upscale Purple Palm restaurant specializes in small plates and has both indoor seating and outdoor patio tables. The spa has four treatment rooms, but can be filled with non-guest clients, so it's recommended to book well ahead of time. The attached fitness center is limited and dark -- the windowless space is not particularly inviting. Although the valet parking and Wi-Fi are both free, keep in mind the daily resort fee.