Checking in: Historic desert hideaways

Feb 06, 2012

Katarina Kovacevic is a freelance travel writer specializing in hotels and resorts. She's the author of The Food Lovers' Guide to Phoenix & Scottsdale and founder/editor of Style Jaunt, a blog about fashionable travel. Her work has appea...

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5 Palm Springs boutique hotels

If you thought Palm Springs’ celebrity hotspots were the city’s best-kept secret, you’ve never been privy to its collection of boutique hotels. On a recent visit, I happily discovered a portfolio that runs the gamut of kitschy and fun to chic and elite.

5 Palm Springs
boutique hotels

If you thought Palm Springs' celebrity hotspots were the city's best-kept secret, you've never been privy to its collection of boutique hotels. On a recent visit, I happily discovered a portfolio that runs the gamut of kitschy and fun to chic and elite.

The Alcazar

The Alcazar, formerly the Pepper Tree Inn, is fresh on the scene after a renovation that did away with an outdated Spanish-colonial aesthetic. A cool white stucco design, local art and sleek water features make it the perfect newcomer to Palm Springs' family of quirky hotels. I love The Alcazar's design, including its laid-back pool scene, but it's the hotel's two restaurants that stole my heart. For breakfast, stop by Cheeky's and order the huevos rancheros then make plans for pizza and wine at Birba that evening. The Alcazar is in the Uptown Design District and within walking distance of the original Trina Turk boutique.

Rooms: 33
Starting rate: $79 per night