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Palm Springs is known for its association with a bygone era of Hollywood glamour, but the new Colony Palms Hotel represents a lesser-known aspect of the city's past. Built by reputed mobster Al Wertheimer in 1936, the property served as a base for his infamous Purple Gang and even had an underground speakeasy and brothel. Now what was once a hot spot for southern California's criminal element is a weekend retreat for Hollywood's music- and movie-industry elite and stylish guests from points beyond. The original buildings, in Spanish colonial style, are set in lush, intimate grounds with stunning views of Mount San Jacinto. A chic, poolside scene is fuelled by the bar-restaurant Purple Palm, which has a VIP cocktail lounge. The Moroccan-themed spa and 56 rooms and casitas were designed by LA-based designers Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and Trip Haenisch, who have introduced warm, Mediterranean elements with antique French-Moroccan tiles, headboards hand-woven in Turkey and a palette of olive, ochre and terracotta.
The
WHEN TO GO
April, during the famous Coachella Music Festival.
The
ROOM TO BOOK
One of the 10 charming casitas, eight of which have private patios.
The
572 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California (00 1 760 969 1800; www.colonypalmshotel.com). Doubles from $209; casitas from $380
Find out more about Palm Springs in our destination guide |
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