"Why book? If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a rest-and-recharge respite, this tucked-away boutique hotel with tranquil courtyard pools and trickling fountains set amongst Old Californian-style buildings is a no-brainer.
Set the scene After a serious overhaul, the 1940s property now boasts an eclectic blend of styles with midcentury decor and interesting art set within low-slung stucco-and-terra cotta-roofed buildings and courtyards where Spanish fountains sit alongside bold black-and-white tiles in geometric prints and plenty of lovely landscaping with big palm trees, blooming bougainvillea, and manicured Italian Cypress. The clientele is equally eclectic, and you might spot hipsters, babymooners, and bachelorettes splayed out on the cushioned lounge chairs or under the massive communal cabana on any given sunny day. Onsite restaurant Del Rey draws both locals and visitors to its sexy fireplace-flanked lounge and 12-seat bar where bartenders sling inventive cocktails that guests can pair with a tapas-heavy menu.
The backstory The former incarnation of this longstanding hotel was getting a little dated in terms of rooms and a stuffy continental restaurant, until hip hospitality group Provenance Hotels—which operates a dozen boutique hotels, including five in Portland and touts a focus on local art and culture—swooped in to buy and renovate the property, relaunching the new version in 2018.
The rooms Juxtaposed against 1940s Old California architecture and vintage paned windows, rooms are firmly planted in a midcentury aesthetic with vintage-style credenzas, mahogany wood paneling, and pops of turquoise and avocado green with a dash of free-spirited art pulling from a commissioned collection of custom oil paintings of famous faces like Debbie Harry and Charles Bronson. Impala suites are extra comfortable with living rooms, bars, kitchenettes, and separate bedrooms with king beds. All bathrooms feature glass-enclosed tiled showers.
Food and drink The gloriously glam Del Rey with its black velvet chairs and green tufted banquettes churns out killer cocktails often infused with unexpected ingredients and housemade bitters and syrups and is always a solid stop for a nightcap. Don’t miss the inventive Murciélago made with a duo of scotches, amaro, and date syrup over a black tea-infused ice cube. The Spanish-inspired dinner menu is mainly made up of sharable tapas like salt cod croquetas, garlic shrimp, and Basque asparagus topped with romesco and shaved Manchego. A poolside menu is available for lunch, and guests wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast and coffee.
The neighborhood/area Though hidden along a mainly residential street south of downtown, the property is close to plenty of newer bars and restaurants that have popped up in recent years in burgeoning South Palm Springs.
The service Staff is low-key without missing a beat, quietly making sure pool towels are plentiful, water stations are filled, and the breakfast spread stays stocked all morning. Front desk employees (there 24/7) will offer you a shot of mezcal at check-in and a roaming server is on hand to take your order poolside. At Del Rey, bartenders are keen on making you an off-menu option if you share your spirit of choice.
Accessibility The hotel’s DeVille ADA room features a floor-to-ceiling, tiled roll-in shower ensure accessibility in addition to open closets with ADA reach and ADA smoke, carbon, and fire alarms.
Anything left to mention? Borrow one of Villa Royale’s bikes to cruise through nearby neighborhoods of Deepwell, Tahquitz River Estates, and Twin Palms, for a self-guided tour of some drool-worthy midcentury homes." - Lizbeth Scordo
