We could start—and end—at the amazing outdoor adult lemonade stand; rest assured, The Parker is a veritable adult playground. The well-heeled East Coast crowd will feel just as cared for as breezy Southern Californians in this boutique-style property that has personality in spades. It’s not uncommon to spot movie stars, chart-topping recording artists, and other celebrities at this property on the edge of Palm Springs.
Resplendent comes to mind when describing the 144 rooms, which also include private units, like the Gene Autry House, as well as villas. Every color and pattern imaginable seems to accent the neutral-bathed high-design, mid-century interiors. Rooms are energetic, bold, and very very fashionable.
Bathrooms are part of the open floor plan in most rooms, with good-sized vanities and toiletries from Hermès and Acqua di Parma.
Design oozes from every crystal chandelier, pieces of modern art, and every tufted piece of furniture in this swank destination.
The Parker has three pools, two outdoor and one indoor, all with poolside bar service.
The fitness center is loaded: free weights, machines, recline and recumbent bikes, a Crossfit tool kit, more. If the outdoors call, there are two clay tennis courts (reservations required) and croquet. Oh, and yoga, table tennis, and giant chess. Adult playground, remember?
The cheerfully decorated Norma’s is open starting at 7 a.m. for when you need your coffee fix. Open through brunch and lunch into the mid-afternoon, there’s a break in service between 3 and 5 p.m. when dinner begins. Mister Parker’s, a sultry supper club where a smoking jacket wouldn’t look out of place, is only open for dinner and not open on Monday or Tuesday.
The Parker’s wine bar, Counter Reformation, also serves tapas. Mini Bar is all gold, mirrors, and martinis.
Valet parking is included in The Parker’s resort fee and the property also offers up bikes to borrow.
A place where new Hollywood could meet old is Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge (7-minute drive), a favorite of Sinatra’s back in the day. To see and be seen, the buzzy Mr. Lyon’s Palm Springs (5-minute drive) is the place to be. Manhattan in the Desert (3-minute drive) serves Jewish deli favorites like lox, brisket, and pastrami, as well as cakes and giant deserts.
For a cool cocktail in a hip space, pay a visit to Amigo Room (4-minute drive), in a standalone building anchoring the nearby Ace Hotel, or Seymour’s (5-minute drive). The Purple Room Supper Club (3-minute drive) provides live entertainment to go with that drink, as does the exuberant karaoke at the divey Studio One 11 (2-minute drive).
Parker Palm Springs is hip, chic, and the price tag matches. Aside from the rich and famous, the spot is a popular pick among honeymooners, couples with a taste for glamour, and high-intensity girls’ weekends.