Launching our latest publication, Love Wins California Weddings, this is my second stay to Palm Springs and can say that as soon as I step off the plane, I experience a total sense of relief from any stress or worries. Located in the Coachella Valley desert region, Palm Springs is sheltered by the San Bernardino Mountains to the north, the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south, by the San Jacinto Mountains to the west and by the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the east. Palm Springs is best known for the amazing mid-century architecture and is known world wide for the mix of furniture stores offering vintage and retro style furniture.
During this stay, I was hosted by the Riviera Hotel and Resort, which in itself has an amazing history, its illustrious past can be felt all over the resort, and you instantly feel like you need to be sipping a martini and calling up your local rat-pack. Old Hollywood is alive and well at the Riviera Hotel, from the chip in the bathroom sink caused by Frank Sinatra throwing a champagne bottle in a argument with his second wife Ava Gardner, to the grand piano-shaped pool where Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich are said to have frolicked naked, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe were also frequent guest.
My favorite part of the resort are the various lobby sitting areas shown below.
Where to eat and drink while in Palm Springs;
The Parker Palm Springs - Norma's
Breakfast on the patio at Norma's is a MUST! Breakfast quesadillas are amazing, but come hungry or share as the portions are very large. The interior of the Parker is to die for, my favorite is the cozy lounge with the fireplace in the middle.
Eight4Nine restaurant and lounge, located on the popular stretch of the uptown design district. Once an old post office Eight4Nine is a great spot for large groups or just out for cocktails, with a spacious lounge, outside patio and private dining rooms. I recommend on the menu the beef tenderloin.
Another great place to check out is just steps away....Workshop Kitchen + Bar.
With its concrete tables and walls, it is all about the long family style table going down the middle. Yummy cocktails and food you will fall in love with. Make it a point to stop by this place.
And as any car girl does when traveling, she checks out the local luxury dealerships while making stops. This trip I spent time with Indigo Auto's new BMW of Palm Springs. These guys basically own the whole strip, with brands such as Rolls, Bentley, Aston Martin, Maserati, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover and my favorite...Porsche.
