Inn at Palm Springs, California is an Oasis in Coachella Valley

Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted)

Like most everyone this year, I am sick of staring at the same walls at home. And the wanderlust was still negging me daily with all my travel plans that have been cancelled, rescheduled or just hanging in the air because we have no clue when this Covid nonsense will end in good ol ‘Merica.

So I planned a trip to the West Coast to escape the sizzling summer heat, do some photoshoots and swim in the Pacific Ocean. And right before I left, I was connected with the Inn at Palm Springs and we planned a media visit for on my way back to Arizona at the end of the trip. The crazy California wildfires cancelled the last leg of my West Coast tour but the owners were more than happy to move my reservation up and connected me with some local Palm Springs, California gems as well. I was so exhausted upon arrival mixed with the relentless heat that followed me, it was nap time immediately upon checkin which gave me life again for dinner that night.

The new owners of the Inn at Palm Springs, Paul Kurdian and Samantha McDermott, completely renovated this colorful space in the Spring right before Covid hit and are now back at half occupancy to keep their guests safe and socially distanced.

A king room at the Inn at Palm Springs. Submitted photo.

A queen room at the Inn at Palm Springs that looked much like my king room in bright and cheery yellow. Submitted photo.

All the 18 rooms in this boutique hotel have been renovated with tile or hardwood floors, individual air conditioning units and open up into fresh air in the courtyard.

The hotel has a gated community with key code for your safety so no security worries at the Inn at Palm Springs.

The exterior of the Inn at Palm Springs. Submitted photo.

There are two parking lots, one in the front next to the office (seen here) and the other is around the corner across from the convenient 7-Eleven. Submitted photo.

Located right off Highway 111 and nestled between the prestigious Little Tuscany area, the Uptown Design District, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Inn offers comfortable lodging for couples, small families, hikers and explorers looking for a quick trip to Joshua Tree National Park, the Agua Caliente Casino and the Cabazon Outlets.

The breezeway offers coffee, water and juice 24 hours a day. Submitted photo.

You can also shut out the outside world and spend a day playing in the pool open 24 hours a day at the Inn at Palm Springs like model Cassie Hepler.

Or spend the day snuggling with your dog like the puppy I made friends with Gloria at this dog friendly hotel!

Mountain views right before the sun sets, this glorious view is available all the time right behind Palm Springs, California.

Palm Springs is ripe with boutique, antique and mid-century modern shopping trips! The hotel is a short walk to Gypsyland and across from Racquet Club Center, home to numerous mid-mod shops. If hiking is your speed, lace up your shoes and head right behind the hotel, where guests find spectacular views of the entire Coachella Valley just up the street. For your furry friends, go across the street to 4Paws, for a gourmet coffee or tea and a “pup cup” for your canine companion.

With Palm Springs and California ordinance of wearing your mask in businesses, mask up at check in and you will be greeted by a friendly staff member who will take you on a brief tour and show you to your room. During non-pandemic times, the Inn offers a business center with computer and printer available and a small gym with weights and elliptical machine. Cruiser bikes are currently available to explore the neighborhood including Hollywood homes built by world-class architects. Pool towels are available to guests who want to take a dip in the pool or lounge under an umbrella to soak in the desert sun. But back to the business of dinner!

After a long, hot and sweaty travel day, it was time to cool off on the misty patio at Trio Restaurant in Palm Springs, CA.

There is no dine in allowed in California so patio life it is and I’m all about that anyway!

I think we can all relate to this at Trio Restaurant.

Started off with the potent P.H.A.T. (pretty, hot and tempting) with Sombra mezcal, campari, orgeat, jalapeno infused tequila, watermelon liquor, lemon juice and tajin.

The outstanding, fresh seafood ceviche with white fish and shrimp at Trio Restaurant.

When in Coachella Valley, the dates are a must wrapped in bacon and so creamy, dreamy and heavenly in flavor at Trio Restaurant.

The Maine lobster arancini balls at Trio Restaurant were so crispy on the outside and smooth on the inside.

Our server was encouraging this meaty delight of fall off the bone Coca Cola braised short rib at Trio Restaurant and we gobbled half down immediately!

We tried the Fiesta Fiesta with tequila, amaro and espresso liquor to go with dessert at Trio Restaurant and the coffee base worked well.

When they say a donut is on the menu, this is not the size we expected at Trio Restaurant! The strawberry syrup really makes those flavors blend well.

And homemade mango sorbet, you kind of have to try it at Trio Restaurant!

For those who appreciate fine dining, Palm Springs has a lot of options. Some that are less than 10 yards away from the hotel! Trio Restaurant was located on the normally busy Main Street area which would be a nice walk on a cool night.

That evening, I rested up so I could explore the area, swim and enjoy the 3 wifi logins so you are never without internet on the property! The room was nice and cool and I watched some silly movie and got a good night’s sleep. Submitted photo.

After sleeping in and getting some work done, it was off to Rick’s Restaurant for a late brunch that goes until 2 p.m.

The Inn at Palm Springs decided to work with Rick’s Restaurant so they could offer a better breakfast experience to guests.

Just like most places that are pivoting right now, Rick’s Restaurant expanded their patio.

With a breakfast voucher from Inn at Palm Springs, Rick’s Restaurant offers guests this breakfast of eggs, hash browns or potatoes, fresh made bread and coffee or tea. You can also order off the menu and get $5 off your meal.

They also sent me along with this souvenir hat at Rick’s Restaurant which supports the LGBTQ community that is very popular in Palm Springs. Thanks gang!

Soon it was thrifting time and fortunately a few were open on Mondays including Revivals Stores. What a great, clean and organized store doing great things for the community! I also popped by Angel View thrift store and next door boutique and found a pair of new hot pink sneakers there.

Since owner Paul and I had become creative content killers, I rocked these ruby slippers from Revivals Stores for a mini photoshoot on the roof of the hotel. They were $3!!!

The next day I worked from hotel (the new WFH but better) at the Inn at Palm Springs and got a lot done! My room was on the first floor to the left. Submitted photo.

It’s always nice to look forward to delicious Mexican food after a hard day’s work and I headed over to Loco Charlie’s, about a 5 minute drive from the hotel.

Because I had too many margaritas with a San Diego, California friend the night before, I opted for the delicious nectar of aqua fresca in cantaloupe flavor with my fresh made salsa and chips. We hear the bloody Charlie is good though!

I ordered the campechana like on the home page of the website but think I got the Mexican shrimp cocktail at Loco Charlie’s. Regardless it was outstanding and I slurped it down immediately!

The steak, chicken and shrimp fajitas hit the spot at Loco Charlie’s and the meat was so moist.

The side of beans and rice that comes with the fajitas at Loco Charlie’s.

Probably not the Loco Charlie you had in mind, but here is the owner flanked by his well known statues.

And then Loco Charlie sent this medley of all the desserts at once! Bunuelos (deep fried flour tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon sugar) and churros to die for.

The next morning we were up and at ’em and ready for Sam and Paul’s photoshoot around the property! Submitted photo.

The pool got some updated polka dots at the Inn at Palm Springs.

This couple will forever touch your heart at Inn at Palm Springs.

Wishing them all the success and best wishes! We vibed so well they offered me another night however I had to work the next day but now I have to return for more fun in the sun.

With flexible bookings, mask wearing in common area measures as well as forehead thermometer check upon arrival, this boutique space is a no brainer when in Palm Springs. It’s got the class and upgrades of a high end hotel but the feel of family and we high recommend it. Tell ’em Cassie send you and Paul just might climb on the roof for your pics too! Learn more about this oasis on their website.