Where History, Luxury and Romance Linger…
Mere moments from the excitement of downtown Palms Springs yet worlds away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, maybe found one of the desert’s most unique hidden treasures – the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. Originally a millionaire’s private luxury hideaway, the Willows is a dream of peace and serenity brought to life by skilled craftsmen who nearly a century ago magically transformed a rugged and barren hillside in Palm Springs into a veritable oasis of rare beauty and ineffable charms.
For decades this secluded paradise delighted some of the world’s most famous figures who found healing repose within its sheltering embrace; lingering amongst its lush terraced gardens and gazing with wonder at the breathtaking panoramas stretching out before them.
Today, the Willows has been reborn as a small luxury hotel and the same enchantments that beguiled the likes of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, Joseph P. Kennedy, Marion Davies, Shirley Temple, and Dr. Albert Einstein may be yours to enjoy as well. You simply have to call or make a reservation online. Tranquility awaits at the Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn.
The Willows consists of two stunning Italianate style mansions, the Mead and Bishop Houses. Designed by Los Angeles architect William Dodd (using the same blueprint) for best friends, William Mead and Roland Bishop, the homes are fraternal rather than identical twins. Dodd was a prominent Los Angeles architect who designed many projects including the Hearst Examiner Building with Julia Morgan. Accordingly, the Mead and Bishop houses are architecturally significant and are richly appointed with fine details which conjure up a more gracious time.
A stay at The Willows is like a visit to a wealthy friend’s country estate.
William Mead was a prominent Los Angeles citizen, banker, and businessman, who served on the board that hired William Mulholland to bring water in the 1920s to Los Angeles from the Owens Valley. His philanthropy was legendary and continues to this day providing support for low and middle-income housing throughout California.
Mead’s best friend was Roland Bishop. Bishop was the purveyor of the largest candy and cracker concern in Los Angeles. His company had offices in 22 countries and 850 employees. Bishop sold to what would become Nabisco in 1930.
The two friends and their wives had fabulous Los Angeles mansions and stayed in neighboring bungalows at the Beverly Hills Hotel. In their many travels, the became enchanted with Palm Springs and commissioned William Dodd to build them adjacent houses so they could be next-door neighbors.
Decades after being separated, the two mansions have been reunited as The Willows, continuing the gracious congeniality that attracted the Meads and the Bishops so many years ago.
Guests today experience the elegance and repose of a century ago but with all the modern and luxury conveniences. All rooms feature luxurious private bathrooms, Egyptian cotton towels, and plush bathrobes, individual room climate control, smart TVs, high-speed wireless internet, and period antique furnishings creating a delightful confection of a time past. Rates include a sumptuous daily breakfast for two, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres and evening turn-down service. The property is open only to registered guests ensuring the ultimate in understated elegance, privacy, and quietude.
This is the experience Albert Einstein had at The Willows in Palm Springs, and you can too! View guest rooms or check availability.
