THE WILLOWS HISTORIC PALM SPRINGS INN

One of Palm Springs’ most romantic and storied landmarks, The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is a luxurious and exclusive hideaway sited dramatically against the very base of rugged Mt. San Jacinto yet mere moments from the vibrant heart of downtown Palm Springs.

Built as the winter retreat of a visionary Los Angeles millionaire, The Willows has sheltered some of the world’s most famous and intriguing people from movie stars to empire builders; diplomats to scientific geniuses; political giants to royalty. Shirley Temple; Joseph P. Kennedy; Lord Beaverbrook; New York’s flamboyant Jazz Age Mayor James J. Walker; director Ernst Lubitsch; silent screen legend Marion Davies, Mary Pickford and, of course, Dr. Albert Einstein are among the greats who passed through the elegant gates of The Willows in its romantic heyday.  Today, the same charms that once enchanted these celebrated figures may still be enjoyed at The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn.

CONTACT
412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA  92262
T. 800.966.9597
E. stay@TheWillowsPalmSprings.com
www.TheWillowsPalmSprings.com

RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED

September through May  (closed June-August)

LOCATION

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is located on West Tahquitz Canyon Way just one block south of famous Palm Canyon Drive.  Within easy walking distance are a plethora of casual-to-elegant restaurants, shops and boutiques, wine bars, lively night spots and casino.

ARCHITECTURE and DESIGN

A classic and romantic Mediterranean villa built solidly into the bedrock of the great mountain rising majestically behind it, The Willows was designed by the talented and highly-regarded Los Angeles architect William J. Dodd of the venerable firm of Dodd & Richards. Completed in 1925, The Willows instantly became one of the village’s most notable landmarks; gracefully complimenting, rather than competing with the stark majesty of its foothill setting.  Dodd masterfully sited the villa to take full advantage of the enchanting vistas before it; ringing The Willows with expansive and inviting terraces where one could soak in both the sun and the views beyond. Inside, only the finest finishes were used including rich mahogany woodwork; colorful Spanish tiles, some several hundred years old; gracefully turned ironwork and hand chiseled limestone.  Today, The Willows remains a treasure house of irreplaceable craftsmanship of a bygone era.

GARDENS

One of the most impressive and unique features of The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn may be found in its famous hillside gardens, which meander their way for more than an acre above the desert hideaway. Here guests may retreat up the rustic pathways to discover and choose for themselves that special spot where they can loll away the time gazing out at the breathtaking and ever-changing panorama stretching out before them; a vista that encompasses the entire Coachella Valley and the dramatic mountain ranges ringing it.  They can even enjoy Dr. Einstein’s own favorite gazing spot, a covered bench atop a rocky outcropping where the great thinker found pleasant repose so many sunsets ago while listening to the soothing roar of the garden’s dramatic 50-foot waterfall.

ACCOMODATIONS

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is comprised of the Mead and Bishop mansions, originally built as a luxurious private homes and today still retain that exclusive ambiance in its elegant yet comfortable guest accommodations. There are but seventeen rooms in the entire Inn, each one wholly unique with their own personality.  In the guest rooms of The Willows, the past is blended artfully with the present and along with rich, hand-selected antiques reminiscent of more gracious era in which will be found such up-to-the-minute conveniences as high-speed Internet, individual climate control, smart televisions  refrigerators, fine linens, plush robes, Wedgewood china, sliver tea and coffee services.  Daily three course gourmet breakfast for two, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres and evening turn-down service included. No resort fees.

Nightly rates are $395-750 depending on room type and day of the week.

• Library Room – This grand-sized book-filled haven features a spectacular coffered ceiling, hand-carved fireplace crafted from dark cherry wood, elegant vintage tiled bath with walk-in shower, and a secluded garden patio. Of special note is a magnificent Florentine-style desk, one of the exquisite antique pieces to be found in this restful retreat. 
• Marion Davies Room – Named for its famed resident, this room captures the Art Deco elegance of 1930’s Hollywood with its creamy color palette, grand fireplace, private Juliet balcony overlooking the sparkling pool and mountain vistas beyond; and a bathroom fit for a movie star featuring a two-person claw-foot tub and separate marble-floor shower.
• Einstein’s Garden Room – One of the most iconic figures of the 20^th Century, Dr. Albert Einstein loved coming to The Willows during the 1930’s for much needed rest and relaxation. Decorated in soft, soothing tones complimenting the rich woods of the fine antique pieces, this charming space features a king-sized bed and elegant tiled bathroom with claw foot tub and walk-in shower. A pair of French doors opens out to the room’s own private sun terrace.
• The Rock Room – A magnificent boulder protruding up from the corner of the oversized shower gives name to this large private oasis. A one of a kind space in an already unique setting, the Rock Room features its own elegantly furnished separate sitting area and private bedroom alcove with king-sized bed, all within a few short steps to the Willows pool.
• Waterfall Room – With its breathtaking view of the 50-foot waterfall, private staircase entrance and inviting queen-size sleigh bed, this room embodies the Golden Age of travel. Vaulted ceilings, a pair of cozy chairs positioned near the fireplace, and hand-made Spanish tiles adorning the bathroom are just some of the wondrous amenities found beyond the threshold.
• Loft Room – One of the Inn’s best kept secrets, a winding staircase leads to this delightful hidden chamber featuring Italian burled walnut furniture, a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and stunning views of the mountains.  The bathroom features limestone wainscoting, a two-person claw foot tub and the added ambiance of the Inn’s waterfall splashing down the hillside just outside the window.
• Palm Room – Built for romance, this secluded sanctuary with its own private, poolside entrance has a separate sitting room leading into a gracious bedroom alcove, which features an antique cast iron bed and the uniquely charming ambiance of a two-person claw foot tub, meant for soaking and sharing with that special someone.
• Acanthus Room – A jewel box of charm, this hideaway features cream-colored walls and fabrics with wooden floors salvaged from an early 20^th-century church.  Located on the pool level, the room is bathed in natural light and illuminated in the evening from the glow of a 1925 alabaster chandelier.  A private bathroom features hand-laid tiles and an ample-size bathtub.
• Rose Room – Rose Douras, Marion Davies’ sister lived at the Bishop house when Marion was living next door at the Mead House. This spacious master bedroom features gorgeous mountain views and a luxurious over-sized bathroom with freestanding tub and separate shower. Hardwood floors, king-sized bed and antique furnishings outfit this charming room with windows on all sides.
• Cielito Room – Tucked up in the loft of the Bishop House this romantic room features an incredible view of Mt. San Jacinto from the room and Tahquitz Canyon itself from the bathroom, which features a free-standing tub and fabulously over-sized shower. Appointed with antique furnishings, king-sized bed, and delicate crystal chandeliers, this room is the ultimate in romance and privacy.
• Fountain Room – Boasts an original tile bathroom and private patio adjacent to the Gladding McBean fountain nestled up against the massive boulders of the mountainside. King-sized bed, hardwood floors, antique furnishings grace this spacious room.
• San Jacinto Room – Featuring a private garden patio with view of the mountain above and Tahquitz Canyon beyond, this room has original hardwood floors, and an original bathroom. A separate outside entrance afford privacy and repose. Appointed with period antiques, hardwood floors and plush upholstered pieces, this is truly a garden retreat.
• Orchid Tree Room – This cozy room features high ceilings, hardwood floors, king-sized bed and antique furnishings and is accessed off the garden terrace of the Bishop House and is sheltered by a flowering orchid tree offering privacy and repose. 
• Terrace Room – Spilling out onto the garden terrace of the Bishop House, the Terrace Room features an expansive bedroom with king-sized bed, and sitting area with luxuriously upholstered antique furnishings, Large bathroom and free-standing tub. Views of the mountains and gardens.
• Garden Room – Featuring a private garden patio with views of the mountains, this spacious room is steps of the palm grove and separate from the main house. 
• Tahquitz Room – A romantic hideaway, above it all, separate from the main house, this room features stunning mountain views and supreme privacy.  Ideal for honeymooners, a separate stairway climbs the mountainside to enter this private room with majestic views.
• Palo Verde Room – Surrounded with windows, this secluded rooms looks out to spectacular mountain and garden views. Featuring a King bed and bath with freestanding soaking tub, and separate shower, the Palo Verde room is private and secluded.

AMENITIES

Each stay includes these complimentary offerings,

• Heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi
• Refreshing iced tea served poolside
• Plush poolside towels
• Concierge Service
• Free parking
• 24-Hour staffing
• Seasonal treats such as dates and nuts presented at check-in
• Delicious full three-course gourmet breakfast served on fine china and silver
• A variety of fresh fruit available daily
• Evening wine and hors d’oeuvres reception
• Wi-Fi throughout
• Evening turn-down service

DINING

Guests enjoy a three-course gourmet breakfast served each morning in the dining room or private patio. A selection of fresh fruit, seasonal treats, and evening wine and hors d’oeuvres are also included in the nightly rate.  The Willows is also within walking distance to a wide range of casual to elegant restaurants.

ROOM SERVICE

Le Vallauris, the critically-acclaimed French restaurant located across from The Willows, provides guests with room service from 11:30am-@2:30pm for lunch and 5-10:30pm for dinner.

NOTABLE GUESTS

From the time of its completion in the Roaring Twenties all the way through today, The Willows has and continues to draw persons of note from virtually every field of endeavor.  A small sampling includes such famed figures as:

Dr. and Mrs. Albert Einstein
Former President Gerald R. Ford
Diane Keaton
Jessica Simpson
Juliana Margulies
Cameron Diaz
Lynn Redgrave
Princess Conchita Pignatelli
Maya Rudolph
Quentin Tarantino
Robert DeNiro
The Viscount Castlecrosse
Mayor Frank Bogert
Anna Nicole Smith
Senator William Gibbs McAdoo
Governor Herbert H. Lehman
Dina Merrill
The Piccard Brothers
Alex Kingston
Allison Janney
Anthony Kiedis
Christina Applegate
Garry Marshall
Gus Van Sant
Hal Holbrook
Harry Hamlin
Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg
Shirley Temple
Billie Burke
Joseph P. Kennedy
Arianna Huffington
Michael Huffington
Sydney Pollock
Governor Jeb Bush
Senator James D. Phelan
Michael Stipe (REM)
Ann Jeffries
Ernst Lubitsch
Mayor James J. Walker
Liberace
Lynn Redgrave
Jared Leto
Laura Linney
Albert Brooks
Vincent Price
Suzanne Somers
Lord Beaverbrook
Sienna Miller
Courtney Thorne-Smith
Josie Bishop
Baron Max Von Romberg
Lisa Rinna
Sam Eliot
Laurence Fishburn

WEDDINGS AND CELEBRATIONS

The Thomas O’Donnell House,  built in 1925 and located on the mountainside just above The Willows, offers a breathtaking and historic backdrop for weddings and receptions as well as corporate retreats, fundraising galas and special events. The rich history and architectural detail and unrivaled panoramic view from the terrace of the O’Donnell ensure the most memorable of occasions.   The O’Donnell House can accommodate up to 125 guests for weddings, receptions and events.   

 NEARBY AREA ATTRACTIONS

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway – 2 miles
• The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens – 15 miles
• Palm Springs Walk of Stars – 1 block
• Palm Springs Art Museum – 1/2 block
• Palm Springs Air Museum – 3 miles
• Sunnylands – The Annenberg Retreat – 11 miles
• Empire Polo Club – 15 miles
• Palm Springs Follies – 2 blocks
• Joshua Tree National Park – 40 miles
• Smoke Tree Stables – 2 miles
• VillageFest – Every Thursday evening – 1 block
• Desert Premium Outlets – 10 miles

 ANNUAL EVENTS

• Palm Springs International Film Festival – January
• Modernism Week – February
• Palm Springs Fine Art Fair – February
• Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance – February
• McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction – February
• BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament – March
• Fashion Week El Paseo – March
• La Quinta Arts Festival – March
• Coachella Valley Music Festival – April
• Palm Springs Restaurant Week – June
• Palm Springs International Film Festival Shortfest – June
• McCormick’s Palm Springs Collector Car Auction – February
• Palm Springs Pride – November
• Palm Springs Aerial Tram Tree Lighting – December
• Palm Springs Festival of Lights – December

MEDIA CONTACT:
Elizabeth Borsting
T. 562.856.9292
E. elizabeth@BorstingPR.com
www.BorstingPR.com