(Greater Palm Springs, CA) — June 21, 2017— Renowned for sunny days and moonlit nights, Southern California’s oasis, Greater Palm Springs, offers a “chill culture” second to none. Within its nine resort cities, visitors can choose from a wide array of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to trendy hotels and intimate boutique inns with amenities such as world-class spas, poolside dining, cool aquatic features and pet-friendly packages.

Natural mineral springs and abundant outdoor recreation options enhance Greater Palm Springs’ reputation as a mecca for health and wellness. Activities include golf and tennis, swimming and equestrian sports, as well as biking and hiking on more than 100 scenic trails. A flourishing culinary, arts and music scene invigorates the destination’s cultural landscape. Check out some of the latest developments.

HOTELS

Recently Opened

La Serena Villas- Opened April 2017
Originally built in 1933, this historic hotel sits on more than an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. The property has been redeveloped as a luxury hotel by award winning architect, May Sung, with all the modern amenities of a five-star hotel.   The property has 18 guest rooms, spa and roof-top lounge.  The secluded private villas each have a private patio, complete with a romantic claw foot tub, fire-pit, and built in benches.  Their new restaurant and bar, Azucar, will be open July 2017. www.laserenavillas.com

Holiday House Hotel- Opened May 2017
Holiday House is a 28-room boutique hotel located in downtown Palm Springs. Originally opened in 1951, the hotel was designed by noted architect Herbert W. Burns.  Today, it has been reimagined by interior designer Mark D. Sikes and the team behind Sparrows Lodge. www.holidayhouseps.com

Upcoming

Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs 
The six-story, 153-room Kimpton brand hotel is set to open in September 2017 as part of the Downtown Palm Springs Project. The hotel will feature the city’s first and only rooftop pool complete with six luxury cabanas, two restaurants and two bars, idyllic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and desert landscape, and more than 5,000 sq. ft. of indoor/outdoor space. www.kimptonhotels.com    

Hotel Paseo
Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, the Hotel Paseo is expected to open October 2017. The four-star, 150-room hotel is the first of its kind in the El Paseo Shopping District in Palm Desert. The property will feature a pool, spa, dining and a luxurious 26-foot 1950 Airstream Cruiser Suite for a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience.  http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ctdak-hotel-paseo-autograph-collection/

Ingleside Inn
The famed Old Hollywood hideaway has embarked on a phased, comprehensive revitalization to usher the celebrated establishment into the present day while gracefully preserving its historic integrity.   Leading the redesign are Kimberley Nunn and Dan Worden, founders of the Napa, Calif.-based interior design firm, Shopworks.  The elevated look is set to debut late October 2017. www.inglesideinn.com

Dream Hotel Palm Springs
With a target opening of December 2018, the five-story arc-shaped Dream Hotel will feature 171 guest rooms, 34 condo units and a raised-bed garden area and event space located next to the Palm Springs Convention Center. www.dreamhotels.com

Rancho Las Flores Hotel & Resort
The planned three-story Rancho Las Flores Hotel Resort will feature 130 rooms and 150 bungalow-style units arranged in clusters on 34 acres at the southeast corner of Avenue 48 and Van Buren Street in Coachella. 

Andaz Palm Springs
Slated to open in 2018, the 150-room, 13-suite luxury lifestyle property will be located in downtown Palm Springs, adjacent to the vibrant Uptown Design District and within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and galleries that line famed Palm Canyon Drive.  www.andazpalmsprings.com  

SilverRock Resort
Luxury hotel company, Montage International, will be the operator for the two planned SilverRock hotels in La Quinta.  Montage La Quinta will be a 140-room five-star luxury hotel and La Quinta Pendry will be a 200-room luxury hotel.  The project broke ground recently. www.silverrock.org 

Virgin Hotels Palm Springs
In downtown Palm Springs, the new Virgin Hotels Palm Springs will feature 150 rooms and suites, multiple dining and drinking outlets, including The Commons Club, meetings spaces and a rooftop terrace and pool overlooking the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. The new-build is being designed by local architect Chris Pardo and is expected to open in 2019.  www.virginhotels.com  

Vision Caliente – Spa Hotel
The property was once the home of Spa Hotel, closed for renovation in July 2014, and is anchored by the Agua Caliente tribe's culturally significant ancient Hot Mineral Spring. It has been estimated that the hotel will have up to 350 rooms on its Palm Springs property.  www.visionaguacaliente.com

Infusion Beach & Hotel 
In the spring of 2017, The Monroe Hotel launched a full-scale renovation of its pool and spa area.  The 62-room economy class hotel will soon be re-branded as the Infusion Beach & Hotel.  The Monroe Hotel was formerly an America’s Best Value Inn property, built in 1985.  www.themonroepalmsprings.com

750 Lofts Hotel
The 750 Lofts Hotel is planned for the Uptown Design District and will be developed as a four-story, 38-room hotel with eight two-story lofts along with retail and a restaurant on the ground floor.  www.soma.us/PALM-SPRINGS-HOTEl  

Orchid Tree Resort & Spa
The former Community Church of Palm Springs is on a path that could take it to a luxury 52-room boutique resort & spa.  The 3.1-acre site will become a five-story resort hotel and spa complex. Gwynne Pugh of Urban Studio in Santa Monica is the architect.

Tova Hotel and Beach Club 
The former Garden Vista Hotel in downtown Palm Springs will become the Tova Hotel and Beach Club, complete with a new 200-seat restaurant, fitness club and spa. All 124 guest rooms will be gutted and renovated, and new construction will include a new 3,700-square-foot building to house the fitness room, restrooms and storage. Another 15,200-square-foot building will house the restaurant.

RESTAURANTS

Recently Opened

The Pantry- Opened May 2017
Located in the Holiday House Palm Springs Hotel, The Pantry offers an upscale take on poolside fare.  The Pantry just launched a Sunday brunch and, this fall, plans to start twice-weekly family-style dinners. www.holidayhouseps.com/dine

Truss & Twine- Opened April 2017
Truss & Twine is a new hot spot by Workshop Kitchen owner, Michael Beckman, in the historic El Paseo Building in the Uptown Design District.  Truss & Twine is serving “small plates,” with a focus on the foods from this region.  www.trussandtwine.com

Mod Café- Opened April 2017
The owners of the health-conscious Palm Greens Cafe opened a new organic, vegan and gluten-free eatery in uptown Palm Springs.  www.mymodcafe.com

Haus of Poké- Opened April 2017
Local boxing champion, Timothy Ray Tim Bradley Jr., opened his own fast casual concept in Rancho Mirage, the Haus of Poké, which features Hawaiian poke sushi. www.hausofpoke.com

Justin – Food & Drink- Opened March 2016
Justin is a fresh, new, chef-driven concept in the heart of Cathedral City. Discover delicious food, great wine and craft beers.  www.justineatdrink.com 

The Gray Café- Opened March 2016
The Gray Cafe is a holistic café and health food store in Desert Hot Springs. The company is CBD-friendly and making strides to illuminate the community and visitors of various health benefits of all plant foods. www.thegraycafe.com

Fox and Fiddle- Opened February 2017  
Fox and Fiddle, a signature Canadian establishment focused on mixing the social experience of a British style pub with upscale cuisine, recently opened its first California location at The River in Rancho Mirage. www.foxandfiddlecalifornia.com   

Counter Reformation- Opened February 2017
Hidden down a secret pathway, behind the main building, this charming new wine bar at The Parker opened recently and offers a unique European flavor to The Parker’s eccentric, eclectic ambiance.  www.theparkerpalmsprings.com

Bernie's Lounge and Supper Club- Opened January 2017
After relocating from Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage, Bernie's Lounge and Supper Club offers an old-school supper club approach to the dining experience.  Stop in for martinis, supper or a swinging lounge act.  www.bernies.club

Moxie Palm Springs- Opened January 2017
Moxie Palm Springs, located in the middle of downtown Palm Springs, is a rooftop bar and lounge.  The owners also run the popular Broken Yolk Cafe in La Quinta and Palm Springs. www.moxiepalmsprings.com  

Draughtsman Restaurant- Opened December 2016
The Draughtsman, a gastropub, at the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Stevens Road opened late last year.   Part of the ARRIVE Hotel complex, the 144-seat restaurant and bar has roll up garage doors leading to an outdoor patio opening the space for an easy indoor-outdoor flow. www.draughtsmanpalmsprings.com  

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar- Opened December 2016
The Seattle-based restaurant just opened its newest location in Rancho Mirage the end of last year.  They offer a wide selection of fresh seafood, steak, prime rib, chicken, burgers, ribs, dinner specials and a great happy hour.  www.thefishermansrestaurant.com 

Upcoming

Acqua California Bistro
In June 2017, the owners of Lulu’s American Bistro are launching their newest restaurant venture, Acqua California Bistro at the River in Rancho Mirage.  

Azucar Restaurant and Bar 
Azucar Restaurant and Bar in the new La Serena Villas is slated to open July 2017.

Wilma & Frieda
Wilma & Frieda will be adding a second location to their popular Palm Desert café in downtown Palm Springs summer 2017.  The restaurant plans to remodel the former Falls Restaurant on South Palm Canyon Drive.  www.wilmafrieda.com

AC3 Restaurant + Bar
Award- winning Chef Andrew Copley and Juliana Manion Copley of Copley's on Palm Canyon and TRIO Restaurant owner, Tony Marchese, are teaming up to pair the distinctive style of TRIO’s, hip local vibe with Chef Andrew’s vibrant progressive cooking. The new American restaurant will be located in the new Hotel El Paseo, slated to open in October 2017.  www.ac3palmdesert.com

Melvyn’s Restaurant 
Design plans include restoring the restaurant’s bar and bathroom tile to their originals, reupholstering furniture, and the addition of striped awnings and an updated patio for a seamless integration into the property. The refreshed look is set to debut late October 2017.  www.inglesideinn.com

Solstice
A new desert-inspired modern American restaurant at the V Hotel Palm Springs will serve delectable farm-to-table reinterpretations. Their seasonal menu will reflect their passionate commitment to the freshest, organic and locally-produced fare and ingredients. The restaurant is set to open late 2017.  www.vpalmsprings.com

Graftons Steakhouse 
Graftons Steakhouse is a new state-of-the-art $6 million steakhouse that will be opening in 2018 on El Paseo in Palm Desert. The newly constructed two-story, 9,000-square-foot steakhouse and lounge will feature two large bars, spiral staircase, glass elevator and roof deck.

Sandfish Whiskey and Sushi Bar 
Part of the ARRIVE Hotel complex, Sandfish Whiskey and Sushi Bar will be a 49-seat upscale sushi and whiskey lounge.  Located across from the ARRIVE, it is set to open in 2018.

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Take a behind-the-scenes tour at The Living Desert
From June through September 2017, The Living Desert is offering one-of-a-kind behind-the-scenes tours with its Summer Chill Tour Package. Guests are able to book a private behind-the-scenes tour of camel, jaguar, cheetah, giraffe or leopard exhibits, and, as a bonus, receive a special behind-the-scenes exhibit tour of warthog, badger or peccary. www.livingdesert.org

New Indoor Certified Farmers’ Market 
Westfield Palm Desert, the largest indoor shopping destination located in the Coachella Valley, has launched a new summer event series featuring the opening of the Indoor Certified Farmers’ Market and myriad other events perfect for families.  www.westfield.com/palmdesert

Free Summer Thursdays at the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum has lined up a summer of fun with a variety of family-friendly programs and free admission every Thursday from Noon to 8 p.m.  In collaboration with Palm Springs International Film Society, the museum’s Annenberg Theater presents free films on the third Thursday of the month as part of their Hot is Cool: Sizzling Summer Film Series. The Palm Springs Art Museum’s newest installation, Making It Modern, is on view until December 23, 2017. www.psmuseum.org

New A+D Center Architectural Icons Walking Tour
In partnership with the Palm Springs Historical Society, view the midcentury architectural icons built for fashion and finance along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs. Hear about the early history of Palm Springs and the movers and shakers who were instrumental in shaping its future as a desert resort oasis. www.psmuseum.org/architecture-design-center/tours

Laser Oasis
The largest laser tag arena in Southern California has just opened in La Quinta for family fun entertainment. The only indoor venue of its kind in Greater Palm Springs, Laser Oasis features a 17,000 square foot facility, including a 6,000 square foot multi-level laser tag arena, indoor ropes course, and arcade. The venue also is home to a full-service restaurant with two bars serving beer and wine. www.laseroasis.com

New Palm Springs Mod Squad Tour with Sunny Cycle – Pedal into the Past!
Celebrate the swinging 1960s with a new pedal tour by the Palm Springs Mod Squad.  See the works of William Cody, Albert Frey, Hugh Kaptur, William Krisel, E. Stewart Williams and Donald Wexler along with others who have been influenced by their version of Southern California Modernism.  This is a tour of the exteriors of the architecture and is followed by a martini toast.  www.psmodsquad.com

Free Guided Nature Walks at Mt. San Jacinto State Park  
Available every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, these walks feature a choice of two easy trails–the Desert View Trail, a 1½-mile walk beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the Long Valley Nature Trail, a ¾-mile loop beginning at 1:30 p.m. www.msjnha.org/events-overview

New Paint and Sip Studio at Pinot’s Palette
Unleash your creativity with talented local artists who guide you step-by-step through a featured painting and take home a masterpiece.  Pinot’s Palette offers personalized private painting events as well as public events, such as Project Pet, Date Night, Painting It Forward and Black Light Paintings.  They also offer a wide array of corporate event options to spark collaboration and inspiration.  www.pinotspalette.com/palmsprings

Upcoming

LA/LA: A Celebration Beyond Borders Exhibition
From September 2017 – January 2018, The Palm Springs Art Museum and The Annenberg Estate at Sunnylands will showcase Latin American artists as part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA.  Led by the Getty, Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA is the latest collaborative effort from arts institutions across Southern California. www.pacificstandardtime.org

Book a new 'Escape Room' Adventure
Escape Room Palm Springs offers guests a fun and unique opportunity to solve puzzles, figure out clues, find hidden objects and discover the way out in 60 minutes. In October 2017, new rooms will be available to challenge players in a newly expanded space near the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.  www.escapeps.com  

Stargaze at Greater Palm Springs' First Observatory 
The Rancho Mirage Observatory will be a research level facility that will allow visitors of all ages to explore the universe.  Professors in the field of astronomy and novice stargazers alike are sure to be amazed at the level of exploration that will be available.  Completion of the Rancho Mirage Observatory is expected in early 2018.

TRANSPORTATION

Tesloop Launches New Service from LAX to Greater Palms Springs
To make traveling easier to Greater Palm Springs, Tesloop is now offering a new service from LAX.  Advanced reservations are highly recommended.  

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Splash House – June & August, 2017- New addition
Splash House, the multi-venue pool party produced by Goldenvoice, will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2017.  As a new addition, due to increasing demand, the Renaissance Palm Springs has been added as a third hotel venue joining the Saguaro Palm Springs and the Riviera Palm Springs. 
www.splashhouse.com

Native Alien CONTACT – June 30-July 3, 2017- New Event
CONTACT is a new immersive music experience at Miracle Springs Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs aimed at uniting people with a common affinity for electronic dance music and culture.  Attendees will have access to yoga, daytime pool parties, and an indoor ballroom main stage at night. www.nativealien.com/contact

Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines – August 11-13, 2017- New addition
The Idyllwild Arts Foundation proudly presents the 24th annual Jazz in the Pines Festival featuring over two dozen bands. The new Patrons VIP Package ticket includes admission to the Friday evening dinner and dance party, Preferred Parking, Preferred Seating in the Main Amphitheater, admission to both days of the festival and a VIP concert on Saturday night in their brand new state-of-the art concert hall.  www.jazzinthepines.com

ComicCon Palm Springs – August 25-27, 2017- New addition
Comic Con Palm Springs will offer pop culture fans the opportunity to meet the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter.  This will be her first Comic Con appearance and her 90- minute talk, “The Other Side of Trouble” will inspire attendees.

Modernism Fall Preview – October 19-22, 2017- New addition
Modernism Week Fall Preview will expand to four days and feature a selection of the most popular events from the February festival, including the Modernism Show & Sale, architectural walking tours, cocktail parties, home tours, lectures, the not-to-be-missed Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, and tours of Sunnylands. New to the event this year are Palm Desert walking tours, an Indian Wells modern home tour, a tour of the Kirk Douglas house (newly open to the public), and more.  www.modernismweek.com

VintageVibe Festival – October 19-22, 2017- New Event
VintageVibe Festival is a new celebration of American culture in the heyday and twilight of the 20th century. The 60k-square-foot indoor marketplace will include vendors representing the era, while the intimate concert hall will host several renowned headliners and tribute acts throughout the three-day festival weekend. www.vintagevibefest.com

RECENT AWARDS & ACCOLADES

National Geographic 19 Places to Indulge Yourself
2017     Palm Springs, California #19

SmarterTravel Names Palm Springs as a Top LGBTQ Destination
2017     Palm Springs, California #4

Lonely Planet’s 10 Top Places in the US to Travel in 2017
2017     California’s Low Desert

Top 25 Small Hotels in the US, Travelers’ Choice Awards by TripAdvisor
2017     La Maison Hotel, #5 | Little Paradise Hotel, #11

Top 25 Best Service Hotels in the US, Travelers’ Choice Awards by TripAdvisor
2017     Hotel California, #1 | Desert Riviera Hotel, # 3

Top 25 Hotels for Romance in the US, Traveler’s Choice Awards by TripAdvisor
2017     La Maison Hotel, #2 | Desert Riviera Hotel #5

Top 25 Hotels for Romance in the World, Traveler’s Choice Awards by TripAdvisor
2017      La Maison Hotel, #20

Top 25 Best Service Hotels in the World, Travelers’ Choice Awards by TripAdvisor
2017      Hotel California, #12

Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US for 2017
2017     TKB Bakery & Deli, #5 | Shabu Zen and Sake Bar, #78

 

For images, visit www.Barberstock.com/GreaterPalmSprings and search “What’s New”

 

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About Greater Palm Springs, California
Greater Palm Springs is Southern California’s premier resort, special event and golf destination. Discover a place of many experiences and surprises in nine distinctive cities: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella.  As a respite for mind, body and spirit, Greater Palm Springs is ready to provide you with an unparalleled sense of escape, adventure, recreation, relaxation and your own unique way to play--anytime of the year. For more information on Greater Palm Springs, visit www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.

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The information contained on this information sheet is accurate as of the date listed at the top.