The Opulent Parker Palm Springs
Parker Palm Springs was known as California’s very first Holiday Inn back when it first opened its doors in 1959. The posh hotel was then purchased by Gene Autry in 1961. Under his ownership, the hotel name was changed to the Autry Hotel and he added a second pool, restaurants, and tennis courts. In 1994, Autry sold the property to Rose Narva, who partnered with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. Together they transformed the hotel into a Versailles-inspired establishment named the Givenchy Hotel & Spa.
An upscale hotel everyone wanted to visit, it remained a hot spot even after Autry sold the property. Autry and his wife still lived in the two-bedroom private home known as the Gene Autry residence after he sold it. The residence is still on the property today and is available for private accommodations.]
Back in 1998, Merv Griffin purchased the hotel and changed the name to Merv Griffin’s Resort Hotel and Givenchy Spa. Celebrities of all ages made the hot Palm Springs location their personal favorite as many from Hollywood would visit and stay there when they were in town.
In 2002 the property was again sold. It remained vacant for a year until it was snatched up again, only this time the buyer was hotelier Jack Parker. In 2004, Parker hired famed designer Jonathan Adler to renovate and redecorate the rooms, stairways, and lobby. In fact, he added a touch of his style throughout the entire hotel and on the hotel grounds outdoors. The project was a $27-million-dollar renovation and when it was ready, the hotel reopened as the Parker Palm Springs.
Adler did his best work at the Parker in my opinion. He likes to call his Parker style “hippie chic,” as it has an eclectic mix of vintage treasures throughout the guest rooms, hallways, lobby, and seating areas. The hotel’s PSYC spa is one of my favorites in Palm Springs. I mean if you’re staying at one of the poshest places in Palm Springs, you must enjoy the spa, right?!
Whether you stay at the Parker or just stop in for the afternoon to take a look around, both of the property’s restaurants top my list of must-visits in Palm Springs. Mister Parker’s is a fine dining secret that sits behind a black velvet drape off the lobby and offers the finest wines and entrees you’ve ever experienced. This location is for evening reservations only.
Norma’s is a hot brunch spot that is hard to get into but they do offer the best day mixers and salads a girl could ask for. When you visit, please be sure to keep your cool when the Kardashian’s walk-in or if your favorite Hollywood hunk sits at the table next to you. It just might happen. The hotel remains a favorite amongst celebrities and studious guests from all over the world. It very well could be the chicest hotel you’ve ever visited.
Parker has 144 rooms that are chic as can be with shaggy Moroccan rugs and Adler needlepoint pillows that accent lacquered four-poster beds and retro artwork. The bathrooms spoil each guest with products by Molton Brown and Hermès.
The gorgeous pool is in the center of the property, and it’s chlorine free, so your blonde tresses are safe. Guests can also enjoy a 16,500-square-foot spa, lawn croquet, pétanque, golf, and there is even tennis available.
Parker Palm Springs is located at 4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive in
Palm Springs, CA.
