This week will be a special one...

Last Sunday I celebrated my 30th birthday in style. My husband took me to The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California.

It was an amazing gift! Being the Jonathan Adler fan that I am, I have wanted to visit this hotel for a while and finally I got the chance.

I took so many pictures and indulged in most of what the Parker has to offer, I can't wait to share. On Friday I will conclude with a very special photo tour.

First a little history on the hotel; Redesigned by Jonathan Adler in 2004, it was formerly Gene Autry's Melody Ranch, then a Merv Griffin Givenchy Resort and Spa. It has 13 acres, 131 rooms, 12 one bedroom villas and the original Gene Autry house. It has four pools (although I only saw three), a red clay tennis court, ping pong, a giant chess set, a phenomenal spa and is located right next to a golf course where President Eisenhower shot his only hole in one ever.

Palm Springs became a playground for the rich in famous in 20's with stars like Rudolf Valentino and Al Jolson coming to bask in the sun. Then the likes of Mary Pickford, Gene Autry, Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra...the list goes on and on.

I'm curious as to what people came out there for? The heat? It was 93 when we were there and yes it was hot but it's so dry you're more concerned for your dry skin and need for water than how hot it really is.


Without further ado, the first pictures I will share are those of our room.

The hallways in our building reminded me a lot of the movie The Shining. Very 70's, textured wallpaper and carpet pattern that hypnotizes your eyes. We were told by man y staff members that we were probably one of the few guests here. Our stay was from Sunday night until Tuesday morning and in that time I only saw 10 other guests at the most.

The rug was unbelievably soft!

The bed was so soft and comfortable, if I didn't already love my mattress I would love this one.

My husband fell in love with that ottoman, until I told him what they usually sell for, he quickly fell out of love!

I was really surprised that they didn't have flat screen tv. Although I can't imagine a lot of tv watching goes on here.

The pictures on the walls in every room vary. These were of Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors and the top one was Jackie O. The books were great 70's art books and novels like Scruples.

The bathroom was not as done up as the rest of the hotels, it did have Jonathan Adler bath accessories in it but other than that not much design to it. However I wanted the mirror, I tried to convince my husband to pack it in our suitcase but he wouldn't buege.

This was our Patio. Complete with Jonathan Adler's line of patio chairs that are no longer in production.

Here is our view!

You can view the whole set of photos of the room here.

Check in tomorrow for Norma's restaurant.