Before Parker Palm Springs opened its doors in 2004, owner Jack Parker and designer Jonathan Adler doubled down on making it a definitive Palm Springs retreat. They had, and still have, a lot to work with creatively. The first Holiday Inn in California was opened on the site in 1959, and renamed “Melody Ranch” when actor Gene Autry took ownership of the property. In the 1990s, talk show legend-turned-hotelier Merv Griffin transformed it into Merv Griffin’s Resort Hotel and Givenchy Spa, drawing celebrities and Hollywood elites in grand Palm Springs style.

© Elyse Glickman

The lobby, along with the just-renovated Mr. Parker and Norma’s restaurants, swing through and around the 1960s and early 70s. The lobby of Palm Springs Yacht Club, its spa and fitness hub, bops to the tunes of the 1950s. The soundtrack inside the spa locker areas, treatment rooms and its indoor pool area evokes the 1940s, and the “Boiler Room” (fitness room) pays tribute to U.S. Navy sailors who served in World War II. MiniBar, adjoining Mr. Parker restaurant, has a glamorous Prohibition-era setting. Even names of certain spaces set the resort apart. Treatment rooms inside Palm Springs Yacht Club are named after famous yachts, and some suites are named in honor of Parker’s children.

While time traveling through the property is effortless, Parker’s 144 rooms and suites are dressed in late-1960s California cool, from decorative accessories and artwork to a meditation corner. Adler’s slightly over-the-top touches, particularly the heavily mirrored bathroom with jewelry-inspired faucets and fixtures, are unforgettable, as is a selection of bathroom amenities that may include items from Le Labo, Bvlgari Green Tea and Ferragamo, along with more practical items based on weather conditions and other factors.

In little nooks around the 13 acres of unexpectedly lush tropical landscaping, guests can enjoy two outdoor pools, a hammock area and modern sculptures. Noteworthy enclaves house red clay “Terre Battue” courts for tennis matches and private lessons, a manicured English Croquet lawn, and a Pétanque & Pastis area where one can try the old-world French boules game on for size.

© Elyse Glickman

The Lemonade Stand, exclusively for registered hotel guests, has drinks to suit every themed space and occasion. Present-day areas and amenities worth noting include the spa’s nautically inspired yoga room and resident fitness instructors, as well as cheerful staffers throughout the entire property.

Mr. Parker promises to become even more buzzworthy. Its reworked ambiance brings added context to its reputation for imaginative, high-quality food and drinks executed by Executive Chef Pedro Baroso, with an assist from Sommelier Bruce Barrett. Beyond the psychedelic painted door, one is immersed into a dark setting brightened up with spot-lit rock memorabilia and whimsical paintings. It is the kind of space where one can picture Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and other era musicians and producers in their prime,  kicking back with a cocktail of choice away from prying eyes. Cave à Manger, a sort of companion to Mr. Parker, features a curated selection of wines by the glass and menu of small savory snacks.

Casual dining outlet Norma’s boasts both an old-school indoor diner setting and an adjoining festive patio area. Eclectic menus are awash with cleverly renamed and reinvented comfort food items, including several that can be readily adapted for gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian diets. Popular choices include Claw’s & Chip’s Gone Fishing (fish and chips upgraded with a lobster claw) and Nonna’s Wagyu Lasagna.

© Elyse Glickman

Breakfast and brunch at Norma’s are can’t-miss, with numerous dishes exceeding expectations. Norma’s Doughnuts is the menu’s must-order item. Other temptations worth checking out include the Berry Brioche French Toast (filled and topped with fresh berries); simple but perfectly prepared waffles; Get Shredded Corned Beef Hash with sunny-side-up eggs, roasted peppers, and Herbs de Provence; and a stacked Croque Manhattan with ham, Gruyère cheese, mornay sauce and eggs. Mexican dishes are approachable, beautifully presented and will stick to one’s ribs for hours.

All the elements dreamed up by Parker and Adler not only add up to a fun, choose-your-adventure stay for individuals, couples and families, but also unforgettable large-group events from weddings to corporate retreats. A jaunt through the website’s special events page is sure to provide inspiration.

The Parker Palm Springs

4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, CA 92264
tel 760 770 5000