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Le Parker Meridien
Rating Details »
4200 E Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 770-5000
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 770-5000
- Price Range:
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$$$
71 reviews for Le Parker Meridien
After an arduous work conference in Palm Desert, I decided to treat myself to a relaxing spa treatment at the Palm Springs Yacth Club aka PSYC. The tongue and cheek nautical theme starts with the name and continues on into the darling locker rooms. The spa is truly glamorous and relaxing at the same time. I had my treatment with Sylvie who is wonderful and has a cute French accent. I was so frazzled from work that I couldn't make a decision: red clay or white? scalp or foot massage? Sylvie was so sweet that she gave me a bit of everything. I adore her.
Also, I really liked that I was able to customize the music during my treatment. There is only so much Enya a gal can stand.
My husband and I didn't actually stay here, we were dropped off here by mistake by our "driver" instead of being taken to the Viceroy as intended. We should have just stayed at The Parker.
We got a warm and helpful reception staff while we sorted everything out and realized we were at the WRONG hotel. They called us a cab and visited with us while we waited for the taxi to show up. The fact that they were kind and attentive to us, even though we weren't actual guests at their hotel makes me want to stay at The Parker if my husband and I ever decide to come back to Palm Springs.
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While the grounds of The Parker are beautiful, my recent stay was just okay. We arrived later than anticipated due to some unexpected shopping at Cabazon. If you're not an outdoor-sy types person, this might not be the place for you. My bf is not a big fan of the outdoors so he was not too pleased with the maze-like dirt paths.
Oscar checked us in and was super helpful -- made delightful conversation, upgraded us to a nicer room, and gave us some background info on the place. After finding our way through The Parker's grounds, my bf and I automatically made our way to the pool. We were housed near the smaller pool and let me be honest when I say that it's small. My bf was dissatisfied so we walked across the grounds to the main pool. Size wise, this pool was great but it only took you seconds before you realized that those little black things in the pool were dead flies. Dozens of them to be exact... and it was really disgusting. Not only that but the surrounding pool area showed a general lack of cleanliness. The Lemonade Stand had just closed (very disappointed) and the staff had left the pool area littered with half finished plates and knocked over cups. It was not a pleasant sight given this was a highly rated vacation resort.
The establishment seems has a very old-school vibe with the hallways resembling that of an old motel. It's a little scary but the rooms make up for the outside exterior. The rooms are large and are decorated with a bohemian-luxe point of view that we definitely appreciated. By the time we wanted to eat dinner, Mr. Parker was closed and the front desk informed us that only fast food restaurants were open so we went with the limited room service menu. We ordered the club sandwich and it was actually really, really good. Service was fast and not to mention they even brought us cute packaged toothbrushes and bottles of sunblock.
The next day we started breakfast off at Norma's and it was delicious! My bf had the WaZa (blueberry and banana stuffed waffle) and it was SOOOOO good. I ordered the "Award-Winning" Potato pancake assuming that it was a pancake made with potatoes but it was actually just a fancy name for super oily hashed browns. Presentation was an A+ but it was just not my thing so my bf was considerate enough to switch with me.
We then proceeded to our PSYC massage appointments (we game on the Spa Junkie package) and it was great. I can't say that it was super amazing but their facilities are impeccable and I loved all their amenities - steam room, heat room, jacuzzi, salt water pool. They are really clean and the staff is really on point. Ladies, they have magazines for you to read while you're relaxing so that's a real plus.
Looking back, while the Spa Junkie deal sounds great, the spa itself is pretty over-priced. Since we only stayed one night and received one free treatment, we had to pay for another spa treatment out of pocket. At $150/pop before tip, it's actually pricey when compared to other great spas in LA. But all in all, it was a relaxing break and my bf liked spending the day lounging on the hammocks and taking pictures on the grounds.
NOTE: The Parker has great service because after I filled out my customer survey with my concerns of cleanliness, the manager wrote back a personal message apologizing for the appearance and inviting me back via personal phone call. I'm not sure what to make of this but perhaps they will try to accommodate us better the next time? I don't know but maybe we'll give this place a try another time.
-- I love their PSYC towels... soooooo plush!
The Parker has all the trappings for it to evolve into a snobby and pretentious resort but thankfully staying there is like summer camp for adults. The vibe is loose and friendly mixed with understated luxury and style. Jonathan Adler's interior design is straight up sick. He has created a cozy and comfortable environment that is full of humor, style, warmth and playfulness. This is all accomplished through an unexpected blend of 70's trends and old Hollywood glamour.
The storybook grounds and paths are incredibly well maintained, complete with bachi ball and bunny rabbits. The hammocks are well situated for a relaxing view of the surrounding hills will you catch a nap (after they bring you an icy (spiked) sparkling lemonade). The pools are nice but a bit small. The nautical themed spa, which is included in the resort fee, is beautiful and wasn't crowded when I was there.
The room was very comfortable and quiet, complete with Jonathan Adler's sense of whimsy and comfort that you experience throughout the resort. I thought the vintage books and magazines were an especially nice touch.
The food was very good at Mr Parker's Restaurant but you certainly pay for it. The rest of the food we had around the resort was was decent but not worth the price at all (a light lunch for 2 was $110 after a couple drinks). However, I would imagine most guests at The Parker aren't exactly pinching their pennies.
I've never stayed at a resort that actually made me want to stay at the resort. I normally get bored or I need to get away from the industrial "hotel" vibe at some point. That is not the case at The Parker. The hip cozy comfort mixed with a super friendly staff make this a true resort that offers incredible charm and relaxation. This place probably isn't right for individuals that think The Ritz Carlton is terrific (the giant "DRUGS" sign in the lobby would probably scare them off), but The Parker is perfect for anyone that appreciates subtle and refined luxury with smart style.
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OMG One of the best spas EVER! I have traveled the world and gone to many 5 star spas....I dont know what it is here, but it is just the BEST!
From the moment you walk into the Palm Springs Yacht Club (PSYC...loves!)...it is soo beautiful and white and clean...they wisk you away to the girls or boys changing room....I dont know what it is but there is never really a lot of people here, maybe i have seen one other person...which i also love, I feel like I have the whole changing room to myself...then you put on these big fantastic robes, and you can pick your music that you want to listen to during your treatment, they have books and books of playlists (not my thing, but I am sure people love it)...then you wait for your appointment, they are always prompt...the messages are TO DIE FOR...i am not one that likes it hard, just relaxing....and I dont know who teaches these people, but it is super relaxing and perfect pressure THEN...the next day... I FEEL like I have run a marathon....AWESOME!!!! After your massage...they give you an M&M...how cute!! Back to the changing room...have great showers, hair products...etc....then you are on your way....oh i could use the parker now!
I booked the Parker on the night of my cousin's wedding, since the wedding was held there. We got a special rate for being wedding guests.
Upon driving into the place you are greeted by the friendliest of people. Can not say enough about the staff! They are the best. The receptionist even waved my late checkout!
Here are my favorite parts:
1) The Wa-Za at Norma's Cafe within the Parker. That waffle is to die for. It's a must have in the morning.
2) 24-hour access to the pool. Can't beat hanging out with the fiancee late at night with a bottle of vino.
3) Secluded fire pits and ham micks all over the place. Tall brushes hide everything.
I will say that my only dislike is the price. I was sticker shocked at the regular price. Expect to pay a daily resort fee, so use all the amenities when you get there.
Our hotel was a wonderful experience. Lobby is bit freaky with medieval stuff all over but cool. First off they let us check in 3 hours early when we arrived! We checked into our gorgeous room and had a view overlooking the mountains! Inside our room was huge king size bed with high thread count sheets, feather bed and huge room with big closet and huge bathroom with dual sinks for us to you! We had tons of towels and cute new bathroom accessories of soap, shampoo and lotion to try out! They have 2 pools and the smaller one was right by our room so we hung out there most of the time. We enjoyed lemonades, vodka drinks, chicken sandwiches, burgers by the pool every day and everything was top notch and yummy! The hotel had gorgeous landscaping of flowers, grass, trees and a huge hammock to go relax in.
We also used their Spa for a massage and facial that was just amazing! The facial was an hour and it was like a massage and facial all in one and my skin was so soft afterwards. One of the best I have ever had! The woman massaged my face, neck and back after the facial! My husband had the massage and said it was so relaxing. After our spa services we used the salt water indoor pool and the hot tub which we both enjoyed. OMG it was so relaxing! They also have tons of magazines to read in the lawn chairs by the pool.
The customer service was outstanding and always someone helping you with anything you need and right away taking care of you at the hotel. Bellhops moved so fast to get your car out front as fast as possible. I loved this hotel and didn't want to leave after 4 days! When can we go back?
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What a beautiful hotel!
One thing I learnt about hotels are...gotta get the King beds.
The whole room is usually alot nicer...including the bed, sheets, and small perks, like a huge mirror over the headboard!!!
Oh the bathroom sink, mirror and vanity area was nicely done.
Just need to add a small stool for all the ladies.
Oh and the tray full of bathroom goodies:
-L'occitan bar saop-full size.
-Blistex Lip Medex balm
-Real Q-tips
-Peter Thomas Roth famous sunblock
-Quercus shampoo and conditioner
-Bulgari perfumed body lotion
It was odd how the fridge was inside the bathroom...that didn't feel right.
Fridge needs an uprade with some premium stuff in there.
*Management: Please check out The Custom Hotel in Marina Del Rey. They have one of the best stocked fridges ever!!!!
But your fresh fruit plate was a nice touch! *props*
Valet service was prompt!
They even offered us free cold evian bottle waters with the cool squirt top when the car pulled up. TIP has just gone up! chi ching!
The one thing with valet service...if you got the car, you got the service.
Wish I stayed here for 2 nights...then i would have visited the spa and all the other cool amenities.
Going to review Norma's right after.
I have been wanting to stay here for sometime now. But, being that when ever I am in the desert I always end up staying with friends.. This time I went for a little holiday and we booked a room here. Pricey for sure and even more so when not pre-booked. We seriously decided to stay here while in route to Palm Springs several weeks ago. I really honestly wouldn't splurge on a room but decided to treat ourselves.
NOTE: This is not your spot if you are cheap...
This place is AMAZING! The decor is a mid century lovers mecca! We got in fairly late and I was a bit tired from the drive so I went to bed soon after checking in. The bed was something that I had to tear myself out from. They have the most comfortable mattress ever. I really didn't want to leave the next morning. The service here was also amazing. From the moment that we walked in we were greeted and even offered to carry our bags. (which were only 3). Super friendly.... It's a shame that I couldn't spend more time here. We had an event to go to rather early the following morning and we had to check out to get to the event on time. BUT... I am for sure coming back and it is to spend more time and enjoy Le Parker....
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Okay there are many reasons why a person may hate this place, but I really like it!!! I love the pseudo white trash decor, the pretentious staff, and super expensive good food/drinks. No really I am not being sarcastic!!! It's one of those places that is kinda fairytalesque and has amazing vibes, cool people, great music and overall is rather interesting. If you like kitschy YOU WILL HAVE MULTIPLE ORGASMS HERE!!! Overall also very relaxing, would be great for groups of friends and couples. Sign up for email they are always offering great deals. There is also a really cute 18 hole par 3 next door, which is also part of the reason why I love this place! :)
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the best place about this place is the spa. which of course, you pay for in your $30 resort fee (you can't not pay). The rooms were ok except our sink wouldn't drain. Very trendy decor but more like the Marriott level, not worth the $255 rate we paid a nite. The most disappointing thing was the drink and food costs. $18 for a burger and $15 mixed drink? are they kidding me? The food wasn't even good.
The dead flies in the pool and just the disgusting state of the pool water our entire trip was the nail in the coffin for me. We decided to stay there over the Riviera because our friends were getting married there. Even w/ the "wedding rate", I would not stay there again or recommend it to others. Not worth the price. Oh, the food at the wedding wasn't any better either, except the desserts. those were good. (the fire alarm went off during the wedding reception too). Classy.
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Using your Starwood points to book a room here? Be warned: if you don't cancel more than SEVEN DAYS prior to your stay, the hotel will refund your Starwood points and charge your credit card the full rack rate. For me, that was over $800 for one night!!!
Apparently that's in the very, VERY fine print somewhere. Outrageous.
I was prepared to forfeit my 12,000 Starwood points, but was not prepared to see an $800 charge on my AmEx card. To make matters worse, the hotel and Starwood were extremely unhelpful when I called to ask about how this could have happened.
As a result, I'll never stay at this hotel... even if I do have $800 to burn.
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{review for hotel only}
So my partner took me here on a surprise b-day getaway. I knew nothing of the place, and was pleasantly shocked when I first rode up to the giant orange-red doors in the front. When they opened up, I entered a world of intensely late 60's era garishness that was completely over the top! Something about it all balanced uber-tres-chic with the comfort of visiting grandma. LOL. It is like staying over at your grandma's place...except she is really really hip and loaded. Perfecto.
I did not want to leave. I was comfortable here. It was pretty, and had a well designed layout throughout the entire hotel. Lots of little places to tuck in and get comfortable and relaxed throughout the garden; and a nice chill clothing optional spa for each gender.
Most importantly, the place did not feel mass produced; every moment felt welcoming, charming and personal. I felt like I was visiting Gene Autry for the winter.
It felt like a cruise...everything at your fingertips...calm, beautiful...and polite staff!!! Oh how polite staff make all the difference in the world.
The room was well designed, spacious and comfortable too. I love the fact that because of the outrageous, fairly garish design of the place, one could wear almost anything there and still fit in (especially anything evocative of the 60's).
They have plenty of games to play and bikes to borrow for a ride in the town...which was a blast. Their room service was prompt, and the breakfast we enjoyed was wonderful---nice china, heavy silver platter and coffee service, and excellent pastries. Yoga class in the morning was fun and worthwhile....spa amenities and cleanliness were great.
Very little to complain about...I suppose the food is overpriced for what you get. The portion sizes are not bad at all...and they read all extravagantly (at times, gratuitously so) on the menu, but generally were alright to good, but never really great. While the ingredients read all fantastically, when one tasted it, the dishes in both restaurants lacked distinct flavors of the ingredients that comprised them. It seemed as if all the main menu items in Mr. Parker's was about $15 more than what similar establishments charge...and for what? Nothing really. But at least the food was not disappointing...just not excellent. At best, the food was good in that sort of "pump me with calories/make it good and rich" sort of way, but not really elegant and refined as the prices suggested.
I would love to go back to the hotel and stay there for quite a while...but I would eat at other places besides Norma's and Mr. Parker's. They were not bad, but just not worth the extra expense. They did have this $200 food credit option which we got ($50 extra per night = $200 credit to food bill per day), so that helped soften any disappointment about that.
I wanna go back...now.
--Anthony
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For the price we paid, we expected more...We went down for a bachelorette weekend; we didn't want to do the Vegas experience, rather we wanted to lounge, drink and be merry. That we did.
The grounds are beautiful and the spa is lovely. The lobby area and bar are super, especially the fireplace. Great place to come back to at the end of the night for a nightcap.
The rooms... eh. We had the "second to lowest" as far as price goes and were slightly disappointed. There are no mirrors in the room except for the bathroom---- which is hard when multiple people are trying to get ready. The double beds seemed oddly small - almost like a European sized mattress. The shag foot rugs are a nice touch but they're hard to notice as they're placed under the bed for storage.
The service when you walk in was fantastic (valet, bellhops, front desk) but it stops there. We had HORRIBLE service at their restaurant Norma's which I will review separately. It wasn't just our table, it was everyone's around us. Whoever is managing this restaurant needs to step up to match the service at the rest of the hotel.
I'm not sure I would spend my well earned dime here again; there are many boutiquey-trendy hotels in Palm Springs to explore and the Parker just didn't wow me.
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This place is heaven.
I admit I had the privilege of going here for a week long work event, but even if I had to pay out of my own pocket I would be delighted to given my experience here.
The cottages are just great, combining style and functionality. You even get your own little private patio to lay out and relax on.
The service? Outstanding! the staff bend over backwards to accommodate and do so with a smile.
The facilities are top notch, from the various pools, to the great little bar and of course the killer spa. Yes, this is a bloke telling you that the spa rocks. They have male and female sections, with and indoor pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. And then there is the massages..... oh drool! I am not a huge fan of a heavy massage, but this was wonderful.
So if you have some spare cash, head here for a weekend treat, and while in the pool, try the dirty lemonades as they are refreshing, tasty and potent... which is very nice!
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One of the best spas ever! Massages from either Dwayne or Paul are terrific, and the facilities are great. You're always made to feel welcome the minute you step into the spa, and I've never been disappointed with the service here or at the hotel in general. A definite must-see in PS!
How can you not LOVE the Parker! I adore this place! Any chance I get, I make the two hour trip to Palm Springs just to visit the Parker.
They have great specials in the off season such as $200 per night with a $200 food credit. The meals pay for themselves! We ate like queens with dinner, breakfast, and lunch by the pool. Everything was covered with the cost of the room. Did I mention the food is amazing too!?! Norma's is DEE-LISH!! If you can only eat there once, you MUST make it breakfast. Last time we had the eggs benedict, rice crispy crusted french toast, and peach pancakes. Everything was delicious, especially the french toast.
Definitely try this hotel; the staff is nice, the pool is perfect, the spa is great, the rooms are beautiful, the food is DELICIOUS... i cant think of one thing that isn't great about this place!
6 stars!
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The Parker... what a wonderful, perfect experience! *swoons*
Since living in L.A. had seriously been stressing us out, my fiance Sam & I decided to get away to Palm Springs just for a day. We arrived late Saturday night & were immediately greeted by the warm, friendly concierge. Since Sam is a Starwood Preferred Guest, our room was instantly upgraded :) And what a fabulous room it was! Retro-but-stylish, not kitschy, decor (like you've got the coolest, richest aunt in Palm Springs & she just had her house redecorated for your visit), cute patio with a comfortable round chaise, & a hammock to relax in. And the bed... oh, that bed was *so* comfortable. We've got a TempurPedic mattress at home & I usually don't sleep well on any other kind of mattress anymore, but this bed was super-cushy.
The next morning, we ordered room service & the breakfasts were delish. Then we walked to the nautical-themed spa for our side-by-side massages. The therapists were wonderful & they even let you pick your own playlist for background music. Everything was super-clean, even in the bathroom & changing room. Afterwards, we chilled by the one of the two pools & enjoyed the yummy frozen muddled vodka lemonades from their lemonade stand. 'Twas the ultimate touch in the 80-degree (end of January) weather. Heavenly!
What I loved most about The Parker are the grounds. All the buildings are set up around the winding gardens & courtyards, and it "forces" you to walk through all the charming little twists. You turn a bend, and... there's a fountain here, a fire pit there, some hammocks here, some lounge chairs there. Not to mention the beautifully kept flora. Even though we were there for less than a day (super-late checkout at 4 p.m., natch), it truly felt like we were in paradise for a week, and we left feeling completely refreshed.
We've now decided that The Parker is our quick let's-get-away-from-the-L.A.-hustle-and-bustle spot! I can't wait to return!
10 Yelp stars if I could give them :)
I am a woman of my word.
1. Health dept. has been contacted
2. Contacted hotel Management and received NO RESPONSE
3. Had my corp. travel agency remove them from our lists.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/22/2008
This place needs to be reported to the health department. The spa is filthy and the manager… Read more »
Stayed here for 2 nights recently for a friend's birthday. The minute we pulled up to valet we had to wait for someone to get our car. Also, they didn't ask us if we needed help with our bags, wow. I was ready to leave and find someplace else to stay but figured maybe we came at wrong time.
As we checked in the service, staff and food was mediocre considering the cost. I was so annoyed, I will never even think of coming back here.
Next time going to Viceroy for a better stay, service....
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I was a Palm Springs resident for three years so I've never actually stayed at the hotel, but I've had brunch several times at Norma's. My food at Norma'a has been wonderful. And I love the kitchy, 60's decor to the restaurant. However, the service can be a bit slow at times, but it wasn't too much of an issue for me because I enjoy the atmosphere and people watching.
I love the Parker. What a marriage of bohemian and luxe. From the moment you walk in everything feels good. The staff are sweet - but not overbearing. The decor is stylish and risky - but not forced... the drinks are strong enough to mean it - yet expertly crafted and deliberate. The property itself is a maze of well manicured greenery in every direction with easter egg delights and surprises around every nook and cranny. This is a place to play with friends or romance with a love. It's nurturing and indulgent without being overt or excessive. You can have it if you want it but you aren't being pandered to. "We are all equal" is the vibe and it feels really comfortable. The rooms are cozy, perfectly gender neutral and lovely with their vintage touches. Even the spa is a place where you feel completely at ease asking a silly question, swimming naked or just having a look. It's all good here at the Parker. Now don't even get me started on Mr. Parker's. I think God himself was channeled through Adler to make that genius happen!
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Mixed bag. Beautiful grounds and funky decor, but the staff doesn't have their "A" game on. Be very careful to check both their own website as well as http://spg.com as there are discrepancies in both rates and amenities included in the rates. Elite members of the SPG program should make an attempt to get all the usual benefits, but know that this hotel does many things differently than a typical SPG property.
The tray full of bathroom goodies that others have listed is a goner "during the summer" [read: time of cheapo rates and riff raff visiting] housekeeping says. What they give you is no better than an average Marriott for bathroom "goodies".
PSYC is a great spa, and almost worth overlooking the hotels defects for a visit. Top notch facilities and amenities there. Be prepared to pay big bucks.
Overall the Parker's set-up is very low-key, discreet, yet super-upscale. Those wanting a mega-resort with business center, kiddie pools and breakfast buffets should look elsewhere.
Date & Time: Various Long Weekends
Company: Michael
Crowd: Very Trendy Young LA
Atmosphere: Hip One-Stop R&R- Wine & Dine, Sun & Spa, Shop & Play
Decor: Mid-Century Modern. Comfy White Four Poster Beds. Private Patios. Wide-Array of Full-size Toiletries includes Hermes Soap in Green Case, Penhaligon's, Molton Brown, Bulgari Lotion, Sun-block on a Rope, Tub of Blistex.
Service: Mediocre
Restaurants- Norma's(for AM) & Mr. Parker's(for PM)
Date & Time: For Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch
Crowd: Good-looking Trendy LA
Vibe: Fun
Decor: Tres Cute! Brown Booths dot the Wall. Tables for Two & Fours. Bright Outdoor Seating & Lounging Great for Watching Hotel Guests on their way to the Pool/Spa/Play
Service: Efficient
Imbibe: Mimosas
Devour: Norma's Blueberry Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Doughnuts & Ice Cream Sammiches
Mr. Parker's
Date & Time: For Dinner
Crowd: Hip & Gay
Ambience: Energetic
Decor: Over-the-Top. Huge Dark Booths. Tables w/ High-back Chairs. White Piano. Bar.
Service: Professional
Imbibe: Wine
Devour: Lobster Bisque, Escargots, Rack of Lamb, Poached Pear w/Panna Cotta.
The Vast Grounds- 13 Acres for:
Four Pools- Cocktails & Dining Available Poolside. Yummy stuff like Burgers & Fresh Fruit w/ Blueberry Yogurt
Croquet
Tennis
Bocci Ball
Hammocks
Lounging Areas
Fire Pits
Spa
Shop
Notes: What more can one ask?! Only Complaint is that The Valet Service leaves a lot to be desired- waiting in the desert heat for your car.
Side-Notes: A Show based on this Hotel on Bravo!
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If you're going to do their promo for $200 credit, I suggest doing the food credit instead of the spa. What they don't tell you online though that kind of sucks is that the food credit doesn't include beverages, tip, or tax, but still isn't bad.
Norma's I felt was over-rated and surprisingly greasy. If anything, I wished I would of wasted my food credit on the room service food instead of Norma's because it was freaking de-lish. Very surprised, and very full. I wasn't able to eat at Mr. Parker because it is closed on Mondays and Tuesday, but def try to stay on a night they're open. I went into the restaurant and just loved the dim light setting with the dark walls and awesome painting all over. It reminded me of Albie's in SD and I was so disappointed that I couldn't check out the food.
Loved how there were so many activities you can do at the lemonade stand. Definitely, rent out a tandem bike and bike around the place. I felt like I was granddaughter of some wealthy mofo with all his servants watching me tear up his place haha. Play chess, ping pong, tennis, and croquet before the sun goes down and the stand closes up. Service was awesome, but granted there weren't many guest.
I will be soooo coming back!
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Our Palm Springs home away from home.
Creatures of habit...we started coming here the year they opened in 2004. Like any young hatchling finding their legs...things have changed a bit from year to year. The first year we came was probably the best because even though they have made improvements since then, it was so lusciously dead and relaxing then...and everything was so laid back, that it felt like some little hush-hush secret that no one knew about yet.
We liken staying at this place to like staying at your great aunt's mansion where it's so big that you get lost, you can do whatever you want, and all the staff takes amazing care of you. Like many other people I have seen their reality show and all the behind the scenes stuff that goes on. Yes they also have their negatives, and we haven't had a top notch experience 'absolutely every minute' of every visit at this place. But I figure that's not super realistic for an expectation.
However, overall, the sum of our experiences equal 'fabulous' when it comes to the Parker. We have been upgraded every time we stay there, the summer concierge William is amazing...he's helped me 2 years in a row do something fun and surprising for my husband on his birthday when we visit.
We literally check in...unpack, head to the pool. The next few days are filled with the following: relax, eat, drink copiously, work out at their awesome little hidden gym, eat some more and then sleep. Rinse and repeat the next day, with the added pleasure of a phenomenal breakfast at Norma's.
We love the eclectic retro decor and the hot pink summer uniforms. The staff here is super responsive to almost anything you request of them which is something we have noticed year after year...and we always remark on how FRIENDLY people seem here..as opposed to some of the other 'trendy' hotels in the area where people act too cool for school.
The hammocks in the main garden space that are a fab place to relax after coming back to the hotel from some amazing dinner out in town. If you're really lucky (we have been 2 years outta 4)...you can snag one of the wonderful large rooms with your own hammock outside.
We love knowing the name of our bartender at the pool and having them come to find you within 5 minutes of arriving and laying out your towel to bring you the first drink of the day.
Yes this place is pricey, but you know that going in...they do absolutely nothing to hide it. One way to cut costs is visit in the summer, it's scorching hot but the prices are much lower and they have great deals all summer long that make it worthwhile.
Their spa is great for a vacation visit, but not so much different from any other spa I have been to, I do think their treatment prices are way too high...but I still get typically at least one service there...hey we are on vacation...I gotta splurge right?!
There are so many things that we love about this place..I haven't even mentioned the fab breakkie's at Norma's (see my review for raves there!!)....I imagine we'll keep going for years to come. Hopefully, they only continue to get better with each visit.
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Beautifully lanscaped grounds with small fountains in little sitting areas. Avant-garde, mid-century architecture. The retro style 70's music did get on my nerves because I generally don't enjoy music from that decade.
Spa was nice. Sauna and steam, saline pool, jacuzzi, massage. Nice and quiet small resort. Great experience. Our primary draw to this resort was the fact they had two red brick clay tennis courts in excellent condition. We played on them twice.
One item truly angered us: they charge a $30 per night RESORT FEE, a mandatory surcharge over the base nightly rate. This is an immoral mechanism by which hotels charge their customers more than the hotel's advertised nightly rate. This practice is not very dissimilar from bait advertising. I suppose the reason hotels implement this practice to to lure guests by seemingly low rates, which are in fact higher with the surcharge.
I can not understand how anyone could not dig this place.
I am 34 and I have stayed at many hotels across the country and the Parker is probably one of the coolest hotels I've ever stayed in due to their beautiful grounds. There are dirt paths, flowers, fountains, 2 pools, super tall palm trees, cool little sitting areas throughout, fire pits, games and hammocks under palm trees. My favorite was their lemonade stand with misters. (check out my pics)
We arrived at The Parker on a Wed. afternoon and received many friendly greetings - before you leave your car and when you enter the hotel! The concierge helped us even before we arrived with directions and birthday surprises. Our room was beautiful!l We had our own patio and yard with a pool!. Our luggage was delivered promptly. We honestly had no complaints during our stay.
The PSYC spa was amazing...I felt so spoiled there! I got a massage and my bf and I both enjoyed the pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna.
If you can't stay here for some reason at least come to the hotel for a drink at the bar or chill out in the lobby lounge (it has a fire pit in the center) and walk around the grounds. That's how I originally got hooked.
If you are looking for a party...go on the weekends during peak season. If you want to chill and have the place to yourself...go more towards summer during midweek (you can get a good deal during this time!) Warning: Room service is really expensive.
Oh!..and the staff is so willing to help you in any way possible. They made my birthday special in many ways. If you are reading this..THANK YOU!
ENJOY and have fun....I'm jealous if you are going.
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This is one funky-ass place. Hotel very expensive, as is the restaurant. Pool is so-so. My suite was wonderful. I wanted not to leave and subjuct myself to the freak show in the lobby. The restaurant decor scared me. I took Xanax and wine, and was OK.
I am not saying I would not go back, but only to camp out in a nice suite.
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My new favorite hotel! As Jonathan Adler, the designer, would say, tres tres chic. I stayed here a few weekends ago with some friends and I had an amazing time! I have dined at Mr. Parkers before and was determined to stay at some point. So I came across the Spa Junkie deal- stay on a Sunday through a Thursday and certain rooms are $200 a night, and it comes with a $200 spa credit for each night that you stay. Sounds to good to be true huh? So my friend and I each got spa treatment and stayed in an amazing room!
The decor is amazing...feels like a funky old grandma that is more bad ass than anyone you know. Even the bathroom products are class all the way- Hermes bar soap? Really? OK!
You feel like a big kid here, roasting marshmallows with new friends in the firepits, you can swim in the pools all night if you want, you have full access to the spa each day (though they do tag it on to your room). We also played tennis on their clay courts and went bikeriding on the hotel's Townies. *Added bonus- they were filming an episode of The Bachelorette at the time so we were peeking at the hot boys.
I had so much fun on this trip that I got kind of depressed when I got home. That is how magical it is there.
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Pros: I loved the decor and the staff was fabulous. Everyone was genuinely sweet! The grounds were perfect as well. Couples looking for a relaxing getaway should love the Parker. Although the pool areas were a little busy on the weekend, it died down by Sunday and Monday. It was definitely not noisy and crowded!
Cons: My husband booked a slightly, more expensive room thinking we'd get about a mid-level room. I think we got one of the worst rooms on the resort, which wasn't horrible, but made me wish we just paid the cheaper rate. We faced the back area and the lattice did little to block out the property behind us. I like hanging out in my hotel room, so I was a bit disappointed in the size of the room and the location. If possible, ask to have a ground floor room facing the pool area. That would have been ideal for me. Oh and the pool by the north building needed to be cleaned. I was standing in about 3-4 feet of water and could not see my feet.
Other than that, I did love the resort. I highly recommend eating breakfast/brunch @ Norma's!
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The grounds were beautiful and the hotel has a fun seventies throw back kind of feel. The setting was fantastic too right in the heart of down town. What I didn't like was that the bathrooms were too small, the tv's were old and not that clear, the staff really wasn't that great and I paid 15 buck for a cup of coffee and 25 bucks for fish tacos for lunch. I've stayed at a lot of hotels and at a supposed four star hotel you expect to pay extra for food etc, but this was just sort of silly considering the quality. I give it three stars just to be nice.
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I am a simple man at heart a man of leisure. I need a 24 hr pool and room service!! this place has both!!
1 all of the people who made my stay a real time. I would do the same for you!! I like the little touches hey its hot out there have some water!!!
who does that not even Ritz Carlton.
2 what can I say they killed me I didnt even sleep the whole time i was there
really!! get the late check out!! you will feel special for a couple days at least!!
3 room service was great I ate it all wile my lady friend went to the spa!!
Well Go now and tell them I sent you!!!
Beautiful grounds, kitschy art, luxurious bed, attentive and friendly staff.
My only complaint was the pool - that sucker was dirty, with dead bugs & pubic hair skimming the surface.
Other than that, the place rocks. I recommend staying in one of the suites (The 'Joey' was excellent) and taking a chilled bottle of champagne to the fire pit for a late-night view of the stars ...
Maybe worth a visit to check out the grounds and the design, but not worth going for a meal, let alone a stay.
Don't expect a reasonable response if you have any legitimate complaints about the quality of the service or food. Management is horrible!
No matter what time of year, this is one of our fave weekend getaways.
The Adler design is evident in every inch and the villas (if you can get your grubbies on one) are utterly divine. When we're lucky enough to land one (god bless the corporate comps), we only leave to venture out to the grounds for the pools (one of which is saltwater), the Lemonade Stand (this ain't your corner stand variety - you can pretty much park yourself here for the day or stroll with your drink to play a pissed game of Petanque or Baci) and the two fantastic restaurants - Norma's for brek and lunch and Mister Parker's in the eve. Both of which are worthy of 5 stars on their own.
PSYC (Palm Springs Yacht Club), aka the spa, is heaven as are all of the specialty services. If you're there in summertime, the Goldfinger is a must - they polish and bronze you - it's luscious. And don't forget your iPod - you're invited to enjoy whatever you like during your treatments. (But if you do forget, they have a menu of music choices that'll delight even the pickiest listener). Even the yoga classes every morning are worth sauntering over to, hangover and all.
This is one place we love to make an annual mecca to and one of the few hotel properties in the world I'd actually give a sixth star to if I could. Every element is impeccable and geared to the 30-45 crowd without being wanky.
All you need to pack is a swimsuit, light sweater and a couple of wrap dresses. Otherwise, you can sunbathe nude on your patio and lounge around half nekkie, and pretty much not leave the grounds all weekend. (That is, if you even want to make it out of the amazing beds). This is truly a little bit of heaven not to be missed.
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You gotta love the big orange doors and crazy decor. It was just a lovely resort and how can you not love their complimentary toiletries? I didn't know Hermes made bar soaps!
The only downside to the Parker is their cafe, Norma -- service there is ridiculously slow and the food is so-so.
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My parents like to stay at the Parker when they come to visit me. It is the funkiest high end hotel in the area. The rooms all have a wonderful seventies feel. I liked this hotel when it was Givenchy, but it is soooo much better now. I love the little suites with a patio. The grounds are my favorite part of the Parker. Paths amble through the native landscaping finding little nooks of seating here and there. I wish I could just move in forever!
If your grandmother actually had been The Parker's patron saint, Jacqueline Susann, and, one baking hot weekend you and a few of your friends partied it up at her luxury retirement condo community while all the retirees were away on a cruise or something . . . that'd be kind of like this.
We were there mid-week during the off-season, when it's still "lusciously dead," as Mara put it. And we enjoyed an overnight Glutton's Delight special, so I'll start with the food:
Dinner at Mr. Parker's was nice enough, but the appetizers, oysters and escargot, totally eclipsed the main course. The service was good and I thought the dimly lit swank and low ceilings were fun. Norma's - upscale diner breakfasts - was actually a little more rewarding, foodwise. We got up early enough to eat outside before the heat of the day. The doughnut holes restored my waning faith in the doughnut. The poolside turkey club (with avocado, of course) was even better.
We also got scrubs at the spa. I had the salt scrub, administered, in companionable silence, by the firm and capable hands of Alex, who paid special attention to feet and elbows. My companion for the weekend had the sugar scrub, which she felt was gentle yet rewarding. Worth paying for.
I think my favorite thing about this place, and the thing that felt most indulgent to me were the lush, beautiful plants. All that water! All that green! In the middle of the desert! How very sinful! The hammocks at night were nice and during the day the place was full of birds and hummingbirds - serene and surreal at the same time.
The mildly saline pools are also incredibly relaxing, and, after you've gotten just enough sun at the outdoor pool (which has nice views of the surrounding mountains) you can move inside to the spa pools.
I used the gym a fair amount and this was kind of a low point; the facilities barely met the level of a good business hotel. Machines faced blank walls, television screens didn't work . . . and it would have been nice if there'd been a convenient shower to use between the gym and an evening dip in the pool, after the spa was closed for the night. But products in the spa locker room were delightfully luxe and fragrant, like using your granny's best things.
Also noted: there was some peeling wallpaper, there was this dangerously sharp edge where the bench in the steam room was damaged, and, according to my friend (who is something of a regular) the products in the rooms had gone downhill. If you're feeling forgiving and imaginative, it just sort of adds to the ever-so-slightly-gone-to-seed charm of the place.
OMG, this place so soooooo awesome, but pricey. My boyfriend and I stayed there last month for the weekend as a Christmas present to ourselves (and to attend his work's X-mas party). At first I wasn't too thrilled with the decor of the lobby, not because it was 70's decor, but because it looked run of down and kind of seedy. Some of the furniture and decor looked dingy and worn out. Some of the guest were very questionable. I saw a lot of older peeps with over the top botox and plastic surgeries, and hoochie outfits. My boyfriend likes to jokingly call these ladies cougars. I think that the guys look greasy and slimy.
Anyways, it was a really rainy weekend, but the minute I got out of the car, there was 3 guys with umbrellas to escort me inside. They didn't freaking lug our suitcases to our villa. We had lug them ourselves thru the rain in the muddy gardens. I ruined my new leather boots! Hence minus one star. Other than that, the room service was great and service was wonderful. It was very pricey. $15 for a fruit plate?! We played habachi (I don't know how to spell that Italian ball game) and ordered lunch at the lemonade stand. They found us even though we wandered around and got our food promptly. Their club sandwiches had real slices of roasted tender turkey breast with pachutto, avocado, all kinds of veggies and other meats. So delish! Awesome fries too.
Everyone there was very friendly and helpful. The room was super spacious and swanky and there was a kinky swing hanging from the ceiling in the living room. Wink, wink...And we had a fridge stocked with goodies and alcohol. They laid out a spread of French bread with salami, pastrami, pruchetta, and goat cheese. Yummy! We had a private backyard with cool lounge chairs and a huge bathroom. The hotel isn't too big so you don't get lost, but small enough so that it feels homey. The concierge with the pink blazer was so nice and remembered us whenever we walked by him.
We had brunch in the restaurant inside the hotel and we sat at table next to *******WILL FERREL!****** How cool is that?! He is just as fat and hairy as he is on TV. He wore his boxers, tennis shoes, and an old tee. People were nonchalant about it and pretty much left him alone to eat with his female and male companions. Brunch was pricey. $20 for berry pancakes and there was an omelet that cost $1000 (because of cavier). It better come with diamonds and gold!
There was a wedding that weekend so the hotel was pretty crowded. Even so, we got a lot of personal attention from the staff. I felt bad for the bride because it was so darn cold and super windy and rainy. The wedding was in the muddy gardens. Poor thing!
Overall, except for lugging my own luggage, I felt like pampered princess. It was cool to hang out at the lounge by the fire pit in the evenings, watching funny characters in their 40's and 50's hit up on cougars. It was dim and romantic and very cozy so we spent 2 nights there hanging out and drinking. The alcoholic drinks were excellent and the service was wonderful. I love the food and they made me feel at home. Oh, and I love the fur rugs in the bedroom. I need to buy some! And I must confess, I also did steal some L'Occitane soaps that a main left "unattended' o her cart. They smell heavenly!
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