Discover the Ultimate Boutique Hotel for an Unforgettable Stay in Palm Springs
The Velvet Rope is a boutique hotel in Palm Springs. It’s my last find in Coachella Valley, which I visit yearly. Sunbathing, reading, twisting and turning on a bed by the pool, carefree in the company of my favorite person: my husband. It’s all I need to recover from the hustle and bustle of work and life’s responsibilities.
The Velvet Rope: A Brief Background
The U-shaped hotel structure preserves its original desert modernist style as designed by architect Herbert W. Burns, one of the visionary artists involved in the architectural Renaissance of Palm Springs. Completed in 1951, it was originally called The Desert Mirage and conceived as a retreat for Hollywood stars. It reopened in 2023 after a renovation by designer and owner David Rios, who infused the building with his distinctive modern, mid-century, and unique minimalistic styles.
David Rios: the Energy, the Artist, the Dreamer
You may meet David. He is a busy man wearing different hats such as that of a home designer, real estate agent, politician, ambassador, and advocate for many associations and causes in Palm Springs and beyond. He has a successful career spanning more than 25 years. For David, it’s not being busy per se, it’s about using time for creating lasting beauty and goodwill. The Velvet Rope is his latest big effort. Still, he has been the primary force behind several other hotel and home restructurings in Palm Springs, including The Trixie Motel and The Rendezvous. Even in the political scene, he is one of the most prominent figures, with contributions to the economic growth, environmental and artistic preservation, and community safety and prosperity of Palm Springs.
The Velvet Rope: Lulu
We arrived at The Velvet Rope and conveniently parked the car right in front of the hotel. Lulu greeted us. She has lively eyes, a welcoming smile, and simple manners that make you feel you are walking into her home. I quickly learned that Lulu is one of the keys to the successful operation of the property in its entirety. She ensures you have everything you need and will take the time to answer any of your questions, even those you were thinking about and hadn’t yet asked. Lulu accompanied us to our room, and since a lot of the other rooms were unoccupied and left open for housekeeping, I was able to peek into a few.
The Nine Rooms at The Velvet Rope
The nine rooms at The Velvet Rope are a tribute to the golden age of cinema, and each has its glamorous theme, a narrative retold and brought back to life with elegant and classy decor. The Honeymoon Suite is a homage to Elvis Presley, a blend of Memphis and Palm Springs, yellow and black tiles that recall vinyl discs, and a refrigerator shaped like a jukebox. The Presidential Suite honors Marylin Monroe, who owned a home nearby. Many claim that she had slept in that very room as a guest of a palpitant lover. Elizabeth Taylor inspired the Lavender Suite, which has a dry bar and makeup vanity, and blends pink and purple colors. The Playmate Suite has red and black furnishing, and sexy vibes. But why prolong the list when you can go on The Velvet Rope’s website and check all nine rooms for yourself, book one of them, and even return later some other time to experience another one?
The Valerie Lounge
Bar Valerie, The Velvet Rope’s eclectic premiere lounge, is the coming together of different styles. It features elements ranging from glamorous Old Hollywood pieces to contemporary portraits of Amy Winehouse, one of David’s favorite artists whose song “Valerie” the bar is named after.
Kevin, Lulu’s son, and Nick, the general manager, are the bartenders at the lounge when special events are held there. The bar was open when we stayed at The Velvet Rope that Saturday. My husband asked for a Cosmopolitan. Wow, wow! Even him, so used to “easy does it,” had to adapt to the classy - but not stuffy - atmosphere and step up the game. Kevin replied in his impeccable white jacket with golden buttons, “I will make you a Cosmopolitan but with Valerie Lounge’s twist. Ok?”
While the duo band played, people began gathering in the room. I even spotted famous people in the crowd. I did not have to make a scene; frankly, I am immune to celebrities after living thirteen years in New York. But I could not help but notice the Canadian lady next to me texting a friend that such and such person was among the guests. We stretched out the night past our regular bedtime, and there were still people chatting and having a great time when we left.
The Pool
The large sparkling pool is the centerpiece of the hotel, surrounded by striped draped cabanas and lodgers. What can one say about the spectacular mountain view? The ritual at the pool is set as follows: absorb the sun (breath in, breath out), sip (if you enjoy drinking, you can bring your own liquor in a plastic container), splash, play with the pool toys, do a little swim (but don’t strain yourself), and then repeat. For my husband, there’s an additional step: take pictures. He has fun doing it, and I cannot say I don’t enjoy posing for him.
The Surroundings
Bikes are available for cruising the local neighborhoods. A few minutes away from the hotel is the honeymoon home of Elvis Presley, the only celebrity home you can visit in the city. Elvis rented the home between 1966 and 1967, and it has been preserved ever since. It is open for tours, which one must set up in advance. The neighborhood around the hotel is also one of the most pristine and well-maintained in Palm Springs. It offers many examples of stylish homes, efficiently integrated with desert landscaping. Another must-visit attraction is the Palm Springs Art Museum, where you are welcomed at the entrance by a 26-foot-tall statue of Marylyn Monroe, and where you can visit ever-changing exhibitions and programs. You can walk the streets of Downtown to get a glimpse of the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which honors over 400 accomplished and cherished celebrities, including those who have a special room dedicated to them at The Velvet Rope Hotel.
Book Your Room at The Velvet Rope Boutique Hotel
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time for a vacation, and what better than The Velvet Rope Hotel in Palm Springs in one of its glamorous, comfortable, and relaxing rooms, and pool with a mountain view? Seriously, it does not get any better than this! See you there, at The Velvet Rope, of course!
~ Written by:
Samuele Bagnai & Viktoria Rusnakova authors of Tuscan Who Sold His Fiat to the Pope & Enthusiastic All the Way, respectively.
