Ingleside Inn

The Spanish-style inn was originally built in 1925 as a gorgeous private estate by the family who owned Pierce Arrow Motor Company. In the mid-30s through the '60s, it was run as a private club for celebrities and dignitaries by invite only. After about a decade of disrepair, the property was purchased by the charismatic Melvyn Haber, who completely renovated it and added his namesake restaurant, attracting celebrities like Frank Sinatra and eventually Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt. After Melvyn passed away, the hotel was sold to the Avalon Hotel, who operates it today. Driving through the hotel's iconic black iron gates, it's instantly clear that you've arrived somewhere special -- enchanting even. Since the property was built before Palm Springs' tourist book, the Ingleside Inn enjoys over two private acres, just a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk from downtown, which is otherwise unheard of. The grounds hold a glamorous swimming pool and sun deck with chairs that have built-in shades. A long stretch of lawn is ideal for lounging on the hammocks or playing lawn games. Inside, the well-preserved lobby features a honeycomb tile floor, vintage art, wood-burning fireplace, and a bar stocked with candy. Guests are almost exclusively couples on vacation, many of them from nearby Los Angeles, and celebrities still pop by -- especially for dinner. 

Ingleside Inn has something few hotels in Palm Springs can offer: sprawling grounds and proximity to downtown Palm Springs. Thanks to the historic nature of the inn, it's built on over two private acres and faces a picturesque mountain view. Wrought-iron gates make things feel private, but guests are a two-minute walk via city sidewalks from a Rite-Aid and a taqueria. Downtown Palm Springs, with its plethora of restaurants and shopping, is about a 10-minute walk or three-minute drive. If your vacation is going to consist of checking out the downtown area and lounging by the pool, you can depend on biking, walking, and the occasional Uber. If you're going farther afield, a car is helpful. It's a 20-minute drive to Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Empire Polo Club (where Coachella is held) is about a 40-minute drive. Expect about a 45-minute drive to Pappy + Harriet's in Pioneertown. Joshua Tree National Park takes around an hour to drive to. Palm Springs International Airport is about a 10-minute drive. Los Angeles can take anywhere from two to hours to reach, depending on traffic. 

There are 30 rooms at the Ingleside Inn, divided into categories of Standard, Deluxe, Premium, two suites, and the Hardy House. All of the rooms feature beautiful honeycomb tile floors, whitewashed walls, and beautiful windows. The upper-category rooms have exposed wood ceiling beams. Standard Rooms come with a queen or king bed, mini-fridge with free waters and sodas, flat-screen TV, Keurig coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe Rooms add a green velvet sofa, plus a small sitting area with a bistro table and chairs. Upgrading to a Premium Room buys a large seating area, furnished private patio, and the possibility of a working fireplace. Melvyn's Suite has two rooms with a sleeper sofa and king bed. Most bathrooms feature a glamorous look with white subway tile and a glass shower. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.  For the most privacy and space, the Hardy House offers a private pool with an outdoor fire pit, plus two master suites and three bedrooms. 

The Ingleside Inn's most famous feature is Melvyn's restaurant. It's got old-school glamour, a well-trained staff, and tableside service for items like steak tartar and bananas foster (complete with fire). Mel Haber's table stays set for one and there's a large portrait of him on the wall. Guests can request Sinatra's favorite table, which is the best seat for being seen. The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner -- plus cocktails and live music at the adjacent bar and lounge. It really is a scene, and it's a must-visit for many Palm Springs tourists. Guests get a free continental breakfast, but it's served in the hotel lobby and not inside Melvyn's. The other popular feature is the hotel's sophisticated swimming pool. There's waiter service there, along with a whirlpool, sun loungers, and a huge lawn with hammocks and lawn games. Room service from Melvyn's is available. The resort fee covers bikes to borrow, valet parking, Wi-Fi, sodas and water in the rooms, and a selection of candy in the lobby. Dogs are allowed for a fee.