Jetsettersblog

The Colony Palms Hotel, a historic property in Palm Springs, Calif., will reopen Jan. 12 after a $15 million renovation. The newly refurbished hotel will include completely redesigned guestrooms, casitas and suites, as well as a new poolside restaurant and intimate spa facility. Located within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs and on the border of the Movie Colony, the hotel was originally constructed in 1936 by Purple Gang mobster Al Wertheimer. Operating as the Colonial House, the hotel quickly became the town’s most popular locale, primarily as a speakeasy, brothel and gambling house.

The property was then sold to Robert Howard, son of the owner of champion thoroughbred Sea Biscuit, in the late 1940s, who renamed the property Howard Manor. “This hotel’s rich history reaches back to the glory days of Palm Springs,” said Steven Ohren, owner of the Colony Palms Hotel. “With this renovation, we are reviving the essence of the period of the hotel, while including a taste of the exotic.” The Spanish-style hotel will feature interiors decorated by renowned Los Angeles-based designer, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. The décor harkens back to 1940s glamour with an exotic slant, incorporating worldwide influences such as Uzbekistani suzanis with rich woods, French tiling and vintage black-and-white photography. Each of the 56 rooms, 10 casitas and three suites with private entrances will offer views of the mountains, Wi-Fi high-speed Internet, a mini bar and a plasma flat-screen TV.

The new restaurant, The Purple Palm, will showcase Chef Jim Shiebler’s Mediterranean-inspired menu and an extensive wine list. The Purple Palm, named in tribute to the hotel’s original owner, will provide guests and local residents an upscale and welcoming dining experience.

The property’s focal point will be the poolside courtyard and its comfortable lounges, garden fountains and fire pits

For more information, visit http://www.colonypalmshotel.com/