New Boutique Resort Spearheads Downtown Palm Springs Renaissance

Another example of Palm Springs’ renaissance and development is open for business, returning to life a vital part of the desert resort’s storied past.

The Springs of Palm Springs Hotel & Spa is a boutique resort property featuring 25 artistically designed rooms with courtyard and mountain views. Similar in style to its sister property, Andalusian Court, the Springs’ architecture and design is Spanish/Moorish with a more communal, social flair. All of the hotel’s custom-made furnishings, from the bureaus and desks to the bed and nightstands, complement the 1930’s Spanish Revival period.

In the coming months, the resort will serve as home to a new 3,000-square- foot spa and state-of-the-art fitness center called Rituals. Beginning in May, The Springs of Palm Springs will offer special Fitness Packages and a “Grand Opening Summer Special”. Guests that mention the special and stay a minimum of two nights at the regular rate may add a third night free.

Dave and Trudy Johnston began renovating the former Holiday Lodge in late 2002. Like much of downtown Palm Springs, the hotel underwent a complete overhaul, both in structure and concept.

The building’s origin dates back to 1935, when it opened as The Royal Palms Hotel. A celebrity haunt that was considered one of the finest downtown courtyard hotels of its time, the Royal Palms went through several renovations and architectural changes throughout the 40’s and 50’s.

In 1965, the hotel was renamed the Holiday Lodge. Because of poor maintenance and business operations, it closed in 2001. Considered uninhabitable and close to demolition, it sat empty for almost two years before the Johnstons began an extensive 18-month, $2.5 million renovation to restore it to the grandeur of its legendary past.

Each suite is unique in layout and size, ranging from approximately 400 to 700 square feet. Every guest room is equipped with working illusion fireplaces, steam showers, marble counters and vanities, hospitality bars complete with microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers, 27″ televisions, DVD players and cordless telephones with data ports.

Several suites also feature two-person spa tubs with separate showers. In the courtyard, guests will enjoy a shaded relaxation deck with outdoor fireplace and lounge chairs, a large swimming pool with a built-in Jacuzzi and Palapa bar serving freshly blended smoothies and healthy snacks.

A Johnston Hospitality property, The Springs of Palm Springs Hotel & Spa is located at 227 North Indian Canyon Drive in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Room rates start at $154 per night and include complimentary parking and continental breakfast. Internet users may visit the hotel online at http://www.thespringsresortandspa.com/. To make reservations, please call (888) 947-6667.

For more information, please contact Aaron Heier, +1-619-297-0009, or Michele Joyce, +1-619-283-1700, both for The Springs of Palm Springs Hotel & Spa.