Alcazar Palm Springs Affirms Small is Beautiful
by Linda Stewart
Boutique hotels are trending all over the country and after staying at the Alcazar Hotel in Palm Springs I can attest to their appeal. Located in the fashionable Palm Springs Uptown Design District, the 34-room Alcazar Hotel is a member of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, whose membership consists of owners and managers of hotels with less than fifty rooms. And, the charming Alcazar is clearly one of their boutique gems. My first impression of this intimate inn was one of warm hospitality from all the staff and service personnel. General Manager Robert Hunt sets a gracious and welcoming tone. As a board member of the Marketing Committee for the Convention Center and Bureau of Tourism, plus the Palm Springs Resorts, Robert is fully invested in and supportive of the Palm Springs community. His attention to detail and personable approach provide the ultimate guest experience in a charming, tranquil environment.
On the way to my room (Mountain King with View), my senses are greeted with a lovely floral fragrance, and I notice star jasmine generously sprinkled amidst the lush landscape. Opening the planter shutters in my room reveals a framed picturesque scene of the San Jacinto Mountains, which is also seen from the terrace area outside my door. The hotel’s secluded grounds include a salt water purified pool and Jacuzzi. The lovely garden courtyard with illuminated waterfall features makes it hard to believe that the bustling uptown district is just steps away.
The Spanish styled hotel was refurbished and updated in 2011 by the new owner, Tara Lazar of F10 Creative. The rooms are charmingly decorated in a sleek modern chic, with white washed walls and floors that had me also channeling the era of F. Scott Fitzgerald. With the addition of imported Italian linens and amazingly comfy pillows, one experiences all the pleasures of old world charm, mid century modernism, and touches of The Great Gatsby. A walk-in shower, mini fridge, flat screen television, and ceiling fan complete the surroundings. The Alcazar offers a variety of rooms to suit your pleasure. Poolside queen and king classic rooms are available along with Deluxe Queen and King rooms with Jacuzzis, or Deluxe King with patio and fireplace. There are two One Bedroom King Suites (700 sq. ft.). Each one has a living room and full refrigerator, microwave, and sink. With an adjoining door these two rooms would be perfect for friend or family travelers. And, if you want to travel with your furry buddy, pets are allowed for an additional fee.
Onsite parking, wireless Internet, a business center with pc and printer, and access to Townie bicycles are included in an amenity charge. Morning pastries, coffee and espresso, tea, and juice are offered in an area off the front office. Two restaurants also within the F10 Creative network, Cheeky’s and Birba, are conveniently adjacent to the hotel. Cheeky’s is open for breakfast and lunch. Along with a bold, spicy Bloody Mary, my favorite offering on the menu is the bacon flight, which while I was there, consisted of Beeler apple cinnamon, quajillo, lemon thyme, and Nodines smoked. Dine alfresco at Birba’s and choose your dinner from a creative menu of pizza and pasta dishes. Cocktails reign innovative at Birba’s – indulge in a fig infused bourbon, take a sensory trip to Italy with a version of a Greyhound made with Aperol, or experience an Asian twist on a Gimlet made with ginger syrup.
The Alcazar is the perfect hotel of choice any time of the year you visit Palm Springs, but the summer months provide exceptional value for the savvy traveler. Yes, it is quite warm in the summer desert, but fortunately we live in an age of air conditioning, and there is almost nothing quite as refreshing on a warm desert evening as a late night dip in the pool. Go to the Alcazar website and click on “Deals” to take advantage of some great offers.
622 N Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-318-9850
Photo to right courtesy of Alcazar Hotel. All other photos by Linda Stewart.