Colony Palms Hotel, the new hotel on our Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park trip for 2019, has a rich and vibrant history. It has been an icon of Palm Springs since it opened in 1936, hosting Hollywood’s most elite athletes, producers and even some of the area’s most notable mobsters.
The hotel was opened by Las Vegas casino owner and Purple Gang member, Al Wertheimer. The original hotel was known for its popular downstairs speakeasy which had to be entered through a secret staircase behind one of the pantry cupboards. Throughout its nine-decade past, the hotel has changed names from the Colonial House, Howard Manor, The Palms at Palm Springs, to The Colony Palms Hotel today.
Throughout these changes, the hotel has held on to its charm and remains one of the most popular destinations in the Palm Springs area. Some notable guests of the hotel include: Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes and Ronald Reagan.
The property underwent an extensive renovation designed in collaboration with Los Angeles based designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard in 2017. Guests can now enjoy elegantly designed rooms with Moroccan accents, a 65ft saltwater pool with mountain views, a luxurious spa, and the Purple Palm Restaurant–featuring lively cocktails and classic California fare. This hotel is sure to wow at every moment from check-in to check-out.
Retreat to a piece of history
