Don’t just “get away from it all.” Travel back in time to a place of old Hollywood glamour once frequented by Albert Einstein, Clark Gable and Marion Davies. Nestled among stunning mountain vistas, the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn has been a Hollywood favorite for nearly a century.
Today, this Mediterranean villa has been meticulously restored to its original elegance of the 1930s. Mahogany-beamed ceilings and natural stone fireplaces complement modern amenities such as highspeed wireless and inroom DVD players. Enjoy a threecourse gourmet breakfast next to the waterfall, tour the extensive gardens or sip cocktails by the pool. From the luxurious comforters and bamboo fiber sheets to the nightly wine and hors d’oevres reception, no detail has gone overlooked in this secluded desert oasis.
Located in the Old Palm Springs Village, the Willows is just a short walk from the renowned Palm Springs Art Museum, downtown historical sites, movie theaters, fashion boutiques and antique shops. Step across the street to the four-diamond restaurant, Le Vallauris, or have dinner delivered. Book your desert getaway at a place esteemed travel writer Jerry Hulse called “without question, the most fetching new small hotel in Palm Springs.” The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is one of Palm Springs’ 10 oldest sites. Today, only the glamour of its old Hollywood history can rival its modern comforts and amenities.
The Willows features eight bedrooms, each with its own unique character. Outside, a colorful terraced garden and fruit trees border the heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Inspiration Point, a place where Einstein liked to watch the sunrise, lies just a short hike up the stone footpath. While staying at the Inn, you’ll enjoy a full gourmet breakfast each morning with fresh-squeezed orange juice, homemade granola, freshly baked breads and muffins, peppered bacon and apple sausage. Main courses may include baked eggs with black truffle sauce and parmesan, bananastuffed French toast or puffed German pancakes with berry coulis.
Choose to dine in the formal dining room, on the verandah by the waterfall or in your own private garden patio. We also serve afternoon refreshments and an evening reception of fine boutique wines and hors d’oevres. Room service is provided by Le Vallauris, the four-star French restaurant across the street. The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn has a full concierge service to meet your every need. Unwind with spa services such as aromatherapy, massage, facials, manicures and pedicures in your room or at one of our nearby spas. Golf, tennis and gym facilities are also nearby.
You can even choose to have rented mountain or street bicycles delivered to the Inn. At the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, you’ll find many amenities not provided by most bed and breakfasts or hotels. From Egyptian cotton sheets to hand-milled soaps and bath salts, we’ve made sure no detail has gone overlooked in our quest to provide ultimate comfort and luxury.
CHECK OUT THE O’DONNELL HOUSE IN PALM SPRINGS — Oil tycoon Thomas O’Donnell came to Palm Springs, California in the early 1920s seeking relief from a respiratory condition. There he met Nellie Coffman, owner of the Desert Inn. Coffman wished to expand her hotel in the California Spanish style, while O’Donnell wanted to create a winter Palm Springs estate. The two struck a deal, and began construction of what would become the O’Donnell House — also known as “Ojo del Desierto,” or Eye of the Desert. O’Donnell constructed the 4,100 square-foot home, which includes four bedrooms and four baths, on 14.96 acres of land leased from the Desert Inn.
The O’Donnell House remained the highest mountainside home in Palm Springs until the 1960s. O’Donnell and his wife wintered at the Ojo Del Desierto for 15 years, until his heart condition precluded his use of the stairs. He then decided to build a smaller, one-story home on the nearby golf course, which later became the clubhouse for the O’Donnell Private Golf Club. After O’Donnell’s death at 75, the O’Donnell House became the winter residence of Nathan and Virginia Milnor. The Desert Museum acquired the home in 1978 shortly after Mrs. Milnor’s death, and turned it into a home for art workshops, demonstrations, exhibits and receptions.
The home went back in private ownership in 1993 when it was purchased by the Willows’ current owners. It has since undergone a meticulous renovation back to its original glamour and refinement. The City of Palm Springs recognized the O’Donnell House as a historic site in 1984, preserving the residence for future generations. The O’Donel House Toda y — Settled on the sheer mountainside, the expansive terrace of the O’Donnell House seems to float above the desert floor. Meticulously restored by the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, the O’Donnell House and grounds feature original and rare tile floors and bathrooms, redwood ceilings, antique furniture, unique gardens, impressive rock work and exquisite views of the desert below. The O’ Donnell House is available as a conference site and venue for weddings, corporate meetings, family gatherings and other events. Submit an event request form or get more information about wedding and event accommodations at the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn and O’Donnell House.
When you hold your next event at the Willows, you’ll become part of a rich history that includes Albert Einstein, Marion Davies, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Tucked against a mountainside in Old Palm Springs Village, this Mediterranean villa reflects the elegant glamour of the 1930s – complete with modern comforts and amenities. The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn and nearby O’Donnell House can be combined for larger events. These properties feature desert gardens, a veranda, a spacious swimming pool area and a waterfall. To ensure privacy, the properties are closed to everyone but event guests and staff. Overnight guests can stay in the eight rooms of the historic inn, where they’ll enjoy a full gourmet breakfast, an evening wine and hors d’oevres reception and full concierge service.
(The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, (760) 320-0771) Check out http://thewillowspalmsprings.com/ for more information!