GIRLS WEEKEND AT THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS WITH MOMMY

It's funny because I would go back again... but after you read my thoughts and overall experience, you can be the judge on whether or not you would stay at Mr. Parker's for your getaway destination.

 Don't think you are staying in a middle class condo community when you pull in because if you look closer, you'll see the white "Parker Palm Springs" sign under the draped bougainvillaea over there on the right, or left (depending on which direction you're coning in from). Just don't blink, because you'll miss it.  

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A smiling variety of Mister Parkers dressed in coral colored pants greet you and you enter through large orange doors with beautiful brass hardware. Past the doors is everything you would expect from Jonathan Adler. Quirky and sometimes just plain weird, but that's a reason we flock, right? Miss Parkers in hot pink sweaters are tending to guests at the Mac Book Pro operated front desk and un-lucky for us, we got the Parkerette who wasn't as happy to be there as we were. Unfortunately this is the attitude that many of the staff seemed to have. Though there were a number of helpful and genuine staffs, I would feel comfortable saying that we were definitely treated as though we were "lucky to be staying there".

Our room wasn't ready and no, she did not have two maps of the grounds for us but we could change in the spa or scattered restrooms on the property into our swim suits while we waited for our room to be cleaned for our arrival. With map in hand we ventured past the lobby's momentous "DRUGS" sign and outside into the gardens. The grounds are lovely, quirky, and almost give you the feeling that you're strolling through Dr. Suess' or Alice in Wonderland's world; but at the same time are expecting a run in with icons like Twiggy or Grace Kelly. Structured mostly by well manicured gravel pathways, the grounds lead you here and there, into the comfort of private hammocks, an unexpected alcoholic lemonade stand with adorable circus style umbrellas and sometimes into other guests private villas. 

.Odd. 

The two pools are small yet bursting with character. Plush lounge chairs circle a small rectangular pool with more colorful circus style umbrellas. We ordered homemade corn chips and guacamole from a minimal selection of typical "pool food" and sipped on spiked, muddled lemonade. 

The guacamole and lemonades were delicious. 

At around 2pm our room was ready. We picked up our keys and were excited to see what Mr. Adler had done with it! As we were directed upstairs, we knew we weren't going to be one of the lucky few who scored garden/pool accessible rooms, but were excited nonetheless. Our red door was like all the rest that lined the hallway but to our dismay there were some items that we believe were left out once we were inside. 

No Morracan wedding blankets, patterned rugs or four posted beds *tear* 

Maybe the balcony or view would make up for the missing embellishments? No. We opened the large plantation style shutters and exited onto the balcony... only to be directly greeted by our male neighbors next door, one of which was standing at up at the toilet, stark naked.  

After our shocking run-in we found that our "view" was of the top of a building where Adler had set a number of tall potted trees to distract the mess from below.... Garbage cans (where homeless apparently dug for bottles in the wee hours of the night).

The bathroom was beautiful, thank goodness! 

Retro printed wallpaper and super high end toiletries! Hermes and La Occitane soap, Bvlgari lotion and substantially sized shampoo, conditioner and body wash among other fab goodies! 

Norma's outdoors cafe was cute, decorated in cheerful hues of orange and yellow. We would have a filling and pricey breakfast there that unfortunately didn't sit well on the ride home. 

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Overall, if you don't mind the SUPER pretentious, city slicker type crowd, can deal with the cold and downright uninterested, staff but just want to go because you love ultra unique design, sun and good drinks...I would definitely give it a go. 

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Though I had rough time there, and wasn't treated very well. I might still give it a second chance. Confirmation that I would not be assigned to room #38 North would make me feel better. 

Though, there are a number of boutique hotels in Palm Springs now and their down town is bustling. The Viceroy is next on my list, especially now that I am looking for a new spot in Palm Springs...