During my first quarter at design school, one of my teachers assigned us an interior designer to report on. I was assigned the talented Kelly Wearstler. A fixture on the west coast interior design scene, Wearstler specializes in high-end residential and hospitality design and was chosen to be a judge Bravo’s design centric show, Top Design. After reviewing several of her past projects, the project I was most smitten with was her 2001 redesign of the iconic Viceroy Palm Springs. Paying homage to the hotel’s history of famous guests like Clark Gable and Bing Crosby, Wearstler blanketed the grounds in glamourous Hollywood Regency style. To celebrate our second wedding anniversary, my husband took me for a quick mid-week getaway to the hotel. What a treat!
In celebration of the glamour of the 1930′s, Wearstler chose a sophisticated black, white and yellow color palette. The only deviation from this scheme are the bold orange doors decorated with polished nickel hardware. The grounds are pristinely manicured with box hedge lined walkways and potted olive trees.
The rooms exude a playful romantic vibe with drapery lined walls and crisp white linens. The plaster medallion hung above the bed echo those applied to the exterior chimneys. The rooms are bright and airy with cheery canary yellow accent chairs, glitzy crystal sconces and white walls and tile.
The desert mountains create a perfect backdrop for the resort. The hotel has three pools, of which two are adult-only pools. As a fair skinned anti-sun worshipper, I appreciated the amount of shaded lounge chairs at each location. The main pool also has a patio area furnished with sleek iron seating and cocktail tables situated underneath an intimate olive tree canopy hung with lanterns.
I thoroughly enjoyed my quick stay at the Viceroy. The staff was accommodating, the drinks cool and refreshing, and the landscaping was lush despite the 110°+ days while we were there. My only criticism would be that the bathroom in our room did not have enough natural light or prep space. I’m sure the amount of available light varies depending on each room’s location but our bathroom only had two tiny windows. Adding some clerestory windows in the bathroom and shower could really brighten up the space. And though I love pedestal sinks, additional task surfaces are needed for us girls when getting ready. Other than that, I have to say that the hotel exceeded my expectations and as usual, Wearstler’s posh design aesthetic did not disappoint.
Sarah
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I have wanted to go to this hotel forever!!! The pictures are so pretty! Did you take them?? I love those yellow chairs, so cute.
xx April
Yes I did, thank you
The hotel is fabulous, you should go!
Sarah, you took out of this world professional level photography. They look SO good and although I haven’t been there, you captured the place so beautifully – it makes me feel like sitting in the terrace or that yellow chair.
p.s. had to put that terrace on my pinterest~
Thank you, what a nice compliment! It was an easy place to photograph!
When I think of Palm Springs, this is what pops into my head! Amazing photos! Franz and I have been talking about taking a brief trip out that way. I’m thinking this might be the place to stay!! Thanks for sharing!!
You have to stay there, you two would love it. It’s nice and small and was pretty quiet when we went, but then again it was the middle of the week.
LOVE The Viceroy and your photos make me want to go back. We typically stay at The Parker but The Viceroy has such a small, intimate feel that I love. Great post
(from a fellow San Diegan and BYW class member!)
We were debating whether to stay one night at Viceroy and one night at The Parker but decided to spend both nights in the same place to make things easier. I look forward to staying at The Parker next time! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, it looks lovely! I sure wouldn’t mind taking a vacation there.