You’ve probably seen the photos. That crisp, Mediterranean-inspired architecture tucked against the rugged San Jacinto mountains. It’s iconic. But honestly, The Willows Palm Springs isn't just another luxury boutique hotel where you pay for the thread count and a fancy pool. It’s a time capsule.
I’ve spent years looking into historic properties, and there’s a specific vibe here that you just can’t manufacture with modern "mid-century modern" kitsch. It’s heavy. It’s quiet. When you walk through those gates, you’re basically stepping into a 1920s fever dream that somehow survived the neon-soaked evolution of the rest of the city. Originally built as a private winter estate in 1925, this place was the ultimate "if these walls could talk" destination before that phrase became a total cliché.
What Most People Get Wrong About The Willows
A lot of travelers lump The Willows in with the general "Palm Springs vibe," thinking it’s all about Coachella parties or retro-chic bar carts. It’s not. In fact, if you’re looking for a DJ by the pool, you’re in the wrong place.
The Willows Palm Springs is technically two historic villas: The Willows itself and the Mead House. Back in the day, it was owned by Samuel Untermyer—a high-powered New York lawyer—and his wife Minnie. They didn't want a "hotel." They wanted a sanctuary. This distinction matters because the layout still feels like a private home. You aren't "checking in" to a lobby; you're being welcomed into a residence.
People often confuse the property with the nearby O'Donnell House, which sits higher up the cliffside. While they share a similar DNA and the same management, The Willows is the ground-floor heart of the operation. It’s where Albert Einstein famously stayed. Yes, that Einstein. He wasn't there for a photo op. He was there because Untermyer was a close friend and a fellow advocate for various causes, and Einstein needed a place where the world couldn't find him.
✨ Don't miss: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
The garden is where the magic really happens. It was designed by the same guys who did Central Park—the Olmsted Brothers. Imagine that for a second. The desert is harsh. It’s brown and jagged. Yet, these guys managed to create a lush, tiered Mediterranean garden that feels like it belongs in Amalfi, not two hours from Los Angeles.
The Einstein Room and Other Obsessions
If you’re booking a stay, everyone wants the Einstein Room. It’s room number 12. It’s got this incredible Art Deco feel, a king-sized bed, and a private veranda. But here’s the thing: every room is wild.
Take the Library Room. It’s literally a library. You’re sleeping surrounded by antique books and heavy wood paneling. Then you have the Marion Davies room. For the uninitiated, Marion Davies was a massive silent film star and the mistress of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Her room features a decadent, oversized bathtub carved from a single piece of Carrara marble. It weighs a ton. Literally.
Most hotels would have replaced that tub decades ago to save on plumbing costs. The Willows kept it. That’s the difference.
🔗 Read more: Hotels Near University of Texas Arlington: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Waterfall: There’s a natural 50-foot waterfall on the property. In the desert. It flows during the winter and spring, creating a soundscape that wipes out any city noise.
- The Dining Room: Breakfast is served in a room with vaulted ceilings and hand-painted frescoes. You aren't getting a buffet. You're getting a multi-course, chef-prepared meal that usually involves something like lemon ricotta pancakes or a perfectly executed frittata.
- The Veranda: This is where you sit at sunset. The light hits the mountains and turns them purple. It’s called the "Alpenglow," and from The Willows’ vantage point, it’s arguably the best view in the Coachella Valley.
Why This Place Survived the Demolition Ball
Palm Springs has a checkered history with its historic buildings. In the 60s and 70s, people wanted "new." They wanted glass and steel. Many Mediterranean-style estates were leveled to make room for parking lots or shopping centers.
The Willows survived because of a few dedicated preservationists. In the 90s, Dr. Paul Rossetti and his wife, Carol Harmon, bought the dilapidated property. It was a mess. We're talking peeling paint, dead gardens, and a serious lack of love. They spent years meticulously restoring it to its 1920s glory. They didn't try to make it "modern." They leaned into the history.
They sourced period-correct furniture. They fixed the intricate wrought iron. They brought the gardens back to life. Because of that effort, the property is now a Class 1 Historic Site.
Exploring Beyond the Gates
While you could easily spend 48 hours without leaving the grounds, the location is weirdly convenient. You’re in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. You can walk to Palm Canyon Drive in about five minutes.
💡 You might also like: 10 day forecast myrtle beach south carolina: Why Winter Beach Trips Hit Different
If you want to lean into the history, walk over to the Palm Springs Art Museum. It’s right there. Or, if you’re feeling athletic, the Museum Trail starts literally steps away from the hotel. It’s a steep climb. It’ll kick your butt. But the view of the valley from the top—looking down at the red-tiled roofs of The Willows—is worth the sweat.
For dinner, you’ve got to hit Le Vallauris. It’s right across the street. It’s located in another historic landmark and serves high-end French cuisine. It fits the vibe perfectly. It’s expensive, yes. But if you’re staying at The Willows, you’re already committed to the "Treat Yourself" lifestyle.
A Few Insider Tips
Don't just show up and expect a party. The Willows has a strict "no children" and "no pets" policy. It’s about silence. It’s about the rustle of the palm fronds and the sound of the water.
- Book early. There are only 17 rooms between the two houses. During the high season (January to April), it’s almost impossible to get a weekend spot last minute.
- Talk to the staff. Many of them have been there for years. They know the lore. They can tell you which celebrities used to hide out in which corners.
- Check the weather. Palm Springs gets hot. Like, 115 degrees hot. The Willows is best enjoyed in the "shoulder" seasons—late October through December, or March through May.
The Reality of Luxury Heritage
Is it perfect? Nothing is. The WiFi can be spotty because the walls are thick stone and plaster. The stairs can be a bit much if you have mobility issues—it is built into a hillside, after all. And yeah, it’s pricey. You’re paying for a piece of history, not just a bed.
But there’s something about sitting in the same spot where Jimmy Walker (the former mayor of NYC) or Joseph Kennedy once sat. You feel the weight of time. In a world of cookie-cutter Airbnbs and corporate hotel chains, The Willows feels like an anomaly. It’s authentic. It’s a little bit eccentric.
It’s exactly what Palm Springs used to be before it became a brand.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Verify Availability: Check the official website directly for "The Willows Historic Inn." Third-party booking sites often don't show the full inventory for boutique spots like this.
- Dinner Reservations: If you plan on dining at Le Vallauris or Spencer's (both walkable), book those at the same time you book your room. They fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Pack for the "Desert Swing": Even if it's 80 degrees during the day, the desert drops 30 degrees at night. Bring a real jacket for the evening wine reception on the veranda.
- Architecture Tour: If you're a fan of the style, look into the "Modernism Week" events if you're visiting in February. While The Willows is Mediterranean, it's a staple on the historic tours of the area.