Palm Springs’ Alcazar is aptly named - after the Arabic word that translates as castle or palace. Although small and intimate, the hotel packs a grand feel of elegance and exclusivity in its blend of Spanish Colonial architecture updated with the area’s signature mid-Century modern design.

The former Pepper Tree Inn re-opened as the Alcazar in 2011, just off the town’s main drag, Palm Canyon Dr. The boutique property is just a block away from the ever-popular Koffi and its grassy, welcoming courtyard.

 

Alcazar’s 34-rooms wreath a central pool and Jacuzzi, edged by walls of water that cascade down framed screens. It’s a lovely, chic effect that adds to the soothing but hip vibe – one that hits you just after entering the iron gates ornamented with green glass.

Rooms are white-on-white efficient and stylish, with furnishings mostly from IKEA, which work well given the smaller scale and ordered feel the property emanates. King, queen and double rooms are available, a few with fireplaces.

Alcazar is the final piece in the owner’s ABC vision, that includes restaurants Cheeky’s and Birba that adjoin the property. Owners describe the concept as a “complete container” comprising “relaxed luxury, community, creativity, love and integrity.”

Quirky artwork by KeFe hangs in Alcazar, Cheeky’s and Birba. Described as “experimental yet classically grounded,” the pieces by the San Francisco artists Kelly Tunstall and Ferris Plock include touches of surrealism and animalistic enchantment.

Additional information: Reservations, more photos and deals. 
 

 

Entry gates

 

 

 

Along Palm Canyon Dr. 

 

 

 

There’s a sense of “home” I search for in any hotel. Bed and breakfasts are more conducive to creating a relaxed, familiar feel, but I’ve seen even grand-sized properties convey the perception that proprietors know, and even care about guests.

Palm Springs Rendezvous bed and breakfast does just about everything right in this regard. Moreover, there’s a sense of genuine interest that every staff member conveys – from the owner and general manager, all the way to housekeeping.

Ten guest rooms are styled after iconic 1950s themes: from the Crooners room that features photos and details from the Rat Pack; Route 66, a tribute to cars from the era; and the Elvis-themed Shake Rattle & Roll room. All but two of the rooms feature two-person whirlpool tubs.

Marilyn Monroe once stayed in the Pretty in Pink room, now awash in feminine charm. The heavily themed rooms would become mere kitsch in other hands, but the Rendezvous brands the guest rooms in a clean, attractive and fun style.
 

 

The entry way door

 

Each room opens to the courtyard pool, strewn with loungers along with several 1960s Herman Miller Marshmallow chairs. Mountains that wreath Palm Springs loom over the rooftop of the property that was completely renovated in 2008. Personal touches include gourmet breakfasts that start with a healthy shake.  A cocktail hour with appetizers and kicky drinks like blue raspberry martinis launches each day at 5 p.m. Home-baked treats are placed in rooms each afternoon.

Rendezvous captured the TripAdvisor’s Choice Award during the past three years, and was rated in the top 25 hotels in terms of relaxation and spa experiences.  Peruse the TripAdvisor reviews.

The hotel is located about a 15-minute walk from Palm Spring’s central strip, Palm Canyon Dr.  And it’s just steps from the Palm Springs Uptown Design District, awash in shops specializing in mid-century modern design.

More information:  reservations, groups and special occasions and packages. 

The Shake, Rattle & Roll room

Firepit by the pool for winter nights