#319 - Villa Royale Palm Springs

Hidden Oasis in Palm Springs
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Villa Royale is one of many small, retro hotels, nestled in the heart of South Palm Springs... hidden behind hedges... in quiet neighborhoods.  

Don and I spent one night, last January. We didn't just stumble across the place while traveling. And we didn't discover it on the internet. It was a postcard, that  inspired our stay.

This Lured Us 

This is the postcard that arrived in our mailbox, in April 2023. Our son and daughter-in-law sent it. They know how much we love a vintage motel!

They raved about their stay and shared photos, with colorful bougainvilleas and luxurious patios. Their images definitely looked more boutique hotel, than motel!

Greetings From Liz

It took us less than a year, to work a Palm Springs visit into a road trip! We arrived on a gorgeous sunny day in January.

We turned down South Indian Trail and parked along the hotel's decorated wall. Liz Taylor gazed off thoughtfully as we passed.

​Entrance

We stepped through the open doors, into a courtyard with a bubbling fountain.

Two formal lions greeted.

A carved bench invited us to sit a spell.

No thanks! We headed for the office.

Lovely Lobby

The cozy lobby felt welcoming. There were doors open at both ends, allowing the spring-like air to flow through.

There were wood ceiling beams above and brick floors beneath... 

...and colorful walls, furniture and art, in between! ​

The photographic art was impressive. Don't forget to put on the glove, before you flip through the gigantic book of photographs!

Pleasant Staff

I half expected a snooty staff. After all, we were at an Adults Only Resort in Southern California! But we were checked in by a cheery young woman who offered us welcome drinks.

We decided against tequila shots and both chose a glass of Cava. Spanish sparkling wine, seemed to fit the hotel's Spanish Revival Style. We left the lobby's cozy fireplace and headed out with drinks.  70 degrees in January! 

Villa Royale, Since 1947

We exited the lobby office, to this dreamy area. I spotted the pool we'd seen in the postcard. Sadly, there's no longer a diving board. I was unable to recreate the glam diving board pose!

It was fun to imagine this small hotel when it first welcomed guests. VR opened during a period of development in the Palm Springs area, following WWII. 

​California Ranch Style Structures
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Evelyn Pell built this little retreat, back when there were mostly larger guest ranches in the area. Supposedly the name "Villa Royale" was chosen to  match the first letters of Ms. Pell's kids. Valorie & Richard.

We passed the homey looking units with porches, overlooking the pool. We headed towards the second courtyard area.

The Second Courtyard

The pathway took us to a courtyard, surrounded by more guest rooms, looking out towards a fountain. There was a generous collection of Electra Bikes, which guests could use for free.

This section of Villa Royale, was originally a separate motel, built in 1950. (Indian Trail Villa.. I believe). Villa Royale incorporated the motel, in 1986.

JFK and Others

We noticed quite a few celebrity faces looking out from the walls, as we wandered the grounds. Numerous artists have contributed incredible works of art to the Villa. Many feature some well-known faces, from the '50s and '60s.

I'm sure JFK wasn't one of the famous folks who stayed at VR, during the mid-century years. But other Hollywood celebs often visited Villa Royale and nearby lodges.

2-Hour Rule

We found Audrey Hepburn in one of the lounge areas. (or at least her image) There's no record of her being a guest here, but Mickey Rooney stayed frequently. I know. Not quite as impressive.

Villa Royale's location lured many celebs, back in the day. Hollywood directors, screenwriters and actors, enjoyed getaways to Palm Springs, because of the studios' strict 2-Hour Rule. Screen stars who were under contract with film studios, were required to stay within a 2-hour range of Hollywood.  

​The Third Courtyard

After walking past the bikes and fountain, Don and I stepped into the coziest of all the VR courtyards. My opinion!  

In the late '50s, this cluster of units belonged to a separate motel. So the Villa Royale Resort is actually made up of a few unique vintage lodges. The "Capri Rooms" surrounding this small pool, seemed the most private. They also were the cheapest!

This was the pool view from our room.

Cheers to Capri Room!

We were not dressed for the pool when we reached our room, but we wanted to sit with our Cava, before grabbing our bags.

There are 38 rooms/suites at Villa Royale. Ours was not the grandest, but I loved our location at the end of a u-shaped arrangement of units. We lounged a bit before heading in.
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Room 39

We couldn't have been more pleased. We'd expected a hip, but tiny room, with a queen bed. The website recommended Capri Rooms, for single travelers or guests staying a short while. That description sounded like a warning! No worries for us. We just wanted a room under $200.

But the room felt very comfortable! We had a king, not a queen! Were we upgraded? The mattress, linens and pillows were absolutely heavenly, 

Art

Some of the more luxurious rooms had large pieces of art, featuring the faces of celebrities, like Clark Gable and David Niven. 

No stars in our room, but we had a curious, black & white geometric image on one wall. Above our bed was an image of a graceful, floating-figure.

​Cocktail Parlor

I was impressed with the classy cabinet, filled with interesting liquor and snack selections.

We didn't make use of the honor bar, but we enjoyed cups of Nespresso and we used the cut glassware, later. Actually it was plastic! Great for the pool deck!  

Small But Open

Our corner room allowed us to enjoy a nice flow of fresh air. The raised ceiling with white painted beams, made the room feel much larger.

For a while the open doors offered up some lovely jazz music, from speakers near the pool. We had another music option, with the "Toshiba Bluetooth Box", on the table. It looked like a radio we might have seen in our room, if we'd visited 70 years earlier!

Once again, being the last room was a bonus! It gave us a little private area just outside the double doors. 

Bathroom

The small bathroom was a reminder of our hotel's mid-century roots.

But the sleek geometric tile, plush towels and Lather bath products, felt fresh and updated. The robes (not pictured) were fabulous! The fabric with a fun black & white design, was comfy and light! How I hate feeling weighted down by 30 pounds of terrycloth.  

Exploring Before Dinner 

After checking out the room, there wasn't much time before our dinner reservations. 

I dashed off to explore!  

Here and There

​There were cozy cabanas, near the main pool.

Lots of skinny palms, towering above the tile roofs.

And views of the San Jacinto Mountains!

​Staying Warm

The temps were cooling, but there were cozy nooks with fireplaces and heaters!

I recognized the framed image above the table! The postcard again! 

There were other warm and decorated places to sit.

I found a flickering fire pit, surrounded by a desert garden. The mountain view was pretty... but no place to sit and enjoy it. 

Rooftop

I was excited to find a metal staircase next to the lobby building.

Directly above, was a rooftop lounge with seating that allowed guests to relax with a mountain view.

Or, a view of the main pool, umbrellas and red tile!

Full Moon

​After dinner the pool scene was more dramatic!

I wish my camera had captured this better. The round moon, looks like a triangle!

 
​Quiet on the Pool Deck

This little circular sitting area was my favorite spot. It was occupied when we first arrived.

Before long all the umbrellas were down and the chairs were empty.

I was curious about the pathway, heading back behind the chairs.

Del Rey Restaurant

​I did some snooping and found the entrance to the restaurant. The patio was being prepped for the evening's monthly paella feast!

The colorful tablecloths and hanging flags were festive. The gigantic paella pan was empty, but not for long.

Further Back

I wandered further back and found more lush landscape.

A sign said "Hummingbird Garden". I followed the winding path that led to a patio with a Jacuzzi.

Every corner of the property seemed peaceful and calm. I knew it was a Thursday in January, but I didn't expect an "Adults Only" resort to be so zen! Perfect!

Almost 5!

It was nearly 5:00 by the time I  headed back to our little oasis.

You can see Don sitting out near our room. We had it to ourselves.

45 minutes later, the lighting and colors changed. The palms were just silhouettes.

We had just enough time for a Margarita, before dinner.

"Noche De Paella"

It was dark by the time we headed to the Del Rey's, Night of Paella celebration.  

The patio was filled with guests, drinking champagne and nibbling hors d'oeuvres. Guess we didn't get the memo! Evidently there were a lot of locals and regular guests, who knew to arrive early for pre-dinner mingling.

​Welcoming Speech

Before being seated, we were given a welcoming talk. By some snappy dressers, I might add. 

This was Del Rey's 10th Paella Night. Our host laughed about some of their past issues. The very first paella night, involved a stolen paella pan problem.  Another time, the paella pan caught on fire. 

Seating

Soon guests were guided to their assigned seats. Don and I followed our hostess past the cozy patio tables, lit by Moroccan light fixtures... and heaters.

We headed in the side door and followed the young woman into the dimly lit restaurant.

Quite a swanky bar, with wood ceiling and retro, buttoned-bucket stools!

Suddenly we were seated at a romantic table for 2, just steps from the bar. 

We had a nice view of the fireplace... a safe distance from the golden lion peering down from the wall.

The colorful tigers looked less friendly, in the Gucci tiger leaf print wallpaper, behind Don. 

Our spot really was perfect. Don could watch the busy bartenders. I could keep an eye out another door, where the paella was being prepared for serving. The fire glowed nearby and the classy art, (on the tan velvet wall) totally delighted me.
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5 Courses

While we waited for the first course to begin, we nibbled on a bowl of crunchy corn-nuts. Then a miniature cutting board arrived, with 2 lucious dates! (with queso, bacon and almonds!)

Next, an amazing salad with pears, pecans, apples and blue cheese. Then chicken empanadas! At the end we barely had room for churros and chocolate sauce!

Paella de Mariscos!

For our main course, we were invited outside to have our plates filled with Chef Alex Lopez's, Paella de Mariscos!

I wish I'd seen the whole dish, before any was served!

Our colorful plates displayed the food well!

Saffron Stock, Chorizo, Shrimp,Mussels, Clams, Snap Peas, Haricot Verts!

Night at the Villa

​I was glad to have a shawl as we wandered the grounds after dinner. The air was chilly by 9.

We passed the main pool and then arrived at ours. 

All was quiet, on a full moon night!

Morning

​Don and I had a long drive on Friday, so we were up before 7.

The sun was warming the San Jacinto Mountains. Umbrellas were up! We hated to leave.

​We got the car packed up and headed for the breakfast buffet, that opened at 8.

I spotted more open umbrellas inviting us! How could we leave without one jump in the pool?

​Inviting Set Up

We arrived with plans to grab coffee and food, to take in the car. 

The little set-up was so classy, there were no easy to-go options!

China and cloth napkins! How do we do this? Luckily I had some baggies.

Don made a bagel sandwich with salmon and cream cheese. I grabbed skewers with sausage and cheese. 

It wasn't easy turning down the Mimosa Cart!  We were able to get some coffee to-go in paper cups! We waved good-bye to Liz Taylor as we drove off!

What's Notable?

We have to thank Scott and Chali for inspiring our stay, with a postcard! It was even better than we hoped for. We got to thank them in person when we arrived in Sacramento after a day's drive!

I loved our perfect little Room 39! It brought back memories of mid-century motels I recall from childhood days, in Florida. There was a nostalgic feel to the simple pools, surrounded by lounge chairs and palms. I will never forget the snazzy feel of  the interior spaces and the artsy-glam, open-air sitting areas! The staff (as well the few guests we greeted) seemed relaxed and welcoming. I hope it's always like this, because Don and I both agree we want to return. 

Reminder to Self: Next time stay more than one night. Make sure to pack a flowered swim cap!
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