G L A M O U R O U S – Livin’ the Life in Palm Springs at The Velvet Rope

There is a new oasis pocketed in the heart of Palm Springs that is bringing back vintage-style glamour and sensuality and adding a dash of modern living to provide a hotel stay to remember. Not even a year old, The Velvet Rope, making its home in the Old Las Palmas area, is a luxury, private experience that is to be seen to be believed. Originally designed in the 1950s by Herbert W. Burns, the location was always intended to be a first-class experience, catering to the celebrity and elite vacation goers. Limited to only nine themed suites that range from Liberace to Lucille Ball, the Rat Pack to Playboy, and more, the property is a stand-out in a city full of novelty hotels. This is no novelty; this is the real thing.

The hotel had fallen into disarray but was brought back to life by entrepreneur and property magician, David Rios. After two years and a few million dollars, his mission is to bring old-school charm with modern-day luxury back to the historical property. David has over 25 years of real estate experience in Southern California. He is a magician who can flip, renovate, and create spaces, all with his signature style.

As if the luxury suites were not enough, the property boasts a large pool and jacuzzi area with cabanas, artwork, and an unrivaled view of the Palm Springs mountain range. The pool area is completely secluded, and it is easy to forget you are footsteps away from the city’s hustle and bustle. And yes, there is even some of Lucy and Desi’s original patio furniture from their Palm Springs home. The space is perfect for rest or partying with your bestie, your partner, or your side piece. The fantasy is yours for the taking to make what you want of it. The outside bar area opens up into Bar Valerie, a VIP-themed speakeasy of sorts, with elegant seating, gold-laden fixtures, a grand piano, and an intimate stage. It is like walking back in time. There is no need to go anywhere else, this is your private world.

Your experience starts at the small, gated entrance to the property. Like a box office from movie palaces of the past, the check-in area sets the tone for your stay, dripping with luxury. There’s even a dish of high-end chocolates to get your taste buds going. Once you are checked in with your old-fashioned, actual turning key, you walk into the pool area and take a breath as all of your senses are aroused as you see the scope of the property. Even the amazing photography work they’ve done for the hotel doesn’t do it justice. Depending on when you check-in, you may be even greeted by a local drag celebrity, in vintage clothing and old-fashioned sass. There is focus even on the tiniest detail. There are vintage bicycles to borrow to galivant around town, if you can even tear yourself away from the property. The staff is friendly but never intrusive. They will be as attentive as you want or leave you to your privacy. The property is meticulously manicured, from the landscape to the suites, it is clean, sleek, and fresh. Day passes, starting at $25, are available for pool visits with food and beverage services available. Seating starts with individual seating, to king size day beds, to private cabanas with curtains.

The Velvet Rope Palm Springs

The Velvet Rope Palm Springs

The Velvet Rope Palm Springs

The Velvet Rope Palm Springs

My particular stay took place in the I Love Lucy suite, named the Ricardo on the website. The colors, the textures, and the period of the furniture instantly transported us into what being a guest at Lucy’s Hollywood mansion must have been like. The furniture, despite being completely useable and comfortable, is a class act all on its own. This is not your typical hotel-grade fare. The kitchenette had appliances, fixtures, and mealware that stepped right out of the 50s, but, again, completely functional for today’s modern needs. We have even used the original, old-fashioned mini-ironing board that popped out of its wall cabinet. The bathroom is totally modern, with colorful tiles and fixtures that make going to the restroom an Instagrammer’s delight. Make sure your selfie game is on point. Throughout the suite, there are high-glamour portraits of Lucille Ball on her own, and her with Desi. She is quite at home here, displayed as a high-end model that we rarely saw on her show. Before she and Desi started the TV show, she was a model first. Fun touches like a his and her robe set in the closet add little surprises to your stay, that reveal themselves little by little as you go exploring. The room features a modern, large, flat-screen TV with every kind of input you might need. We were so taken with the relaxing nature of the property, that we didn’t even turn the TV on once.

OK, we need to talk about the bed. Covered in satin and decorative pillows, the bed is almost too pretty to sleep in. Almost. Once you get comfy and surround yourself with the gossamer of bedding opulence, you realize how amazing the mattress is. It is like sleeping on a cloud. Even with the proximity of the other suites, the entire experience was private, you are given the solitude you desire.

There is a light breakfast that is served in the mornings, knowing the guests want to sleep in those beds, they keep it going till 11:30 am. There is no better way to wake up and enjoy your coffee than lounging by the pool watching the sun heat up the mountains. Again, Instagram heaven. The hotel is surrounded by shops and restaurants, so there is no need to travel far to enjoy the city.

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The rooms are not cheap. But, given the experience The Velvet Rope provides, it is worth every penny. For a vacation, a staycation, or a personal sabbatical, this is the way to do it. Palm Springs’ history is full of glamour, Hollywood, art, and luxury experiences, The Velvet Rope puts it all together in one place while avoiding being kitschy or second-rate. We can’t wait to go back.

[Photos courtesy The Velvet Rope]