The Willows Inn Palm Springs – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

“Opulence once enjoyed by Clark Gable and Carole Lombard” – The Guardian.And temporarily enjoyed by yours truly.

I’ve always gravitated towards tucked away hidden little gems. The unusual; or unexpected! This private hotel/hideaway is so well concealed that even after having eaten at the restaurant directly across the way, partied at the residence right above it and been to the museum next to it – this is the first time I’ve seen it. In my defense for never having noticed it before, and because I’m not that blind; it’s meant to be well hidden away from prying eyes. This historic Palm Springs Inn is built into the rocks on the side of a mountain. Reminiscent of a more splendid era.

Conrad, the property manager was kind enough to show me around this private, refined property – built by prominent Los Angeles architect William Dodd for two best friends who wanted to stay nearby each other. Now that’s what I call friendship!

I only recently found out about The Willows when having breakfast at Spencer’s. A friend of a friend came by our table and said she was staying there; sleeping in Einstein’s bed. Well, maybe not the actual bed Einstein slept in at the time he stayed there, but at least the room he stayed in. I was told that many locals aren’t aware of this lavish resort either, which makes me feel a lot better. The only thing that doesn’t make me feel better is that it’s not dog friendly. Not kid friendly as well, but that’s ok by me. You can’t just walk in either. You need a code. I called ahead and Conrad met me at the entrance gate and my dogs waited just inside the gate. It’s really something special. There are only 17 rooms but all are spacious and spectacular. The fees which run anywhere from around $450 – $700 per night, include breakfast from 8-10am by the waterfall and happy hour in the afternoon by the fireplace. Most of the rooms were occupied so I was not able to see them this time around.

The property is now owned by Soho House; an exclusive group with investments in hospitality, retail and entertainment around the world. Billionaire investor Ron Burkle is the majority owner of Soho House and has purchased a trio of iconic Palm Springs properties: The O’Donnell House and Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, Colony 29 event space, and Le Vallauris restaurant.

The introduction on their website says it all:

Mere moments from the excitement of downtown Palms Springs yet worlds away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is found one of the desert’s most unique hidden treasures – the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Willows is a dream of peace and serenity brought to life by skilled craftsmen who nearly a century ago magically transformed a rugged and barren hillside in Palm Springs into a veritable oasis of rare beauty and ineffable charms.

One of Palm Springs’ most beloved landmarks, the Willows holds a rare and prestigious “Class 1” historic designation and is honored as one of the ten oldest structures in the entire City.

From September to May of each year, the Willows opens its fabled doors to a limited number of lucky guests. With only seventeen guest rooms, the Willows retains the feel of an exclusive private hideaway, which is exactly what it was created to be nearly a century ago. There is nothing of the soulless cookie-cutter hotel found here. As Los Angeles magazine so rapturously declared, “Staying at the Willows is like getting the keys to a well –off friend’s country estate.”