Del Marcos Hotel

A huge part of the Del Marcos' appeal is its throwback look, which is entirely authentic as it was designed by architect William F. Cody and was finished in 1947. As one of his earliest works, It is now considered a historic landmark. The hotel was completely renovated in 2016, but thankfully it maintained its mid-century modern trappings throughout. The “bold-angled roof and walls, stone face, glass-enclosed lobby and open breezeway,” as noted on a plaque outside the two-story building, are in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. The lobby is airy and straightforward, but with a firmly retro feel: Terrazzo floors, wide-set wood chairs with '70s print cushions and tapered legs, a squat hardwood hutch, and avocado green accents all enhance the vibe. The building sits in a U-shape around an outdoor pool, where guests frequently lounge. Vacationing couples are regular guests at this adults-only property, and with a daily free happy hour, people tend to get out of their rooms and mingle. Be aware, there’s often a two to three night minimum for stays. 

Del Marcos Hotel is situated in the so-called Tennis Club neighborhood, a block from Palm Canyon Drive, the main downtown area filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. Boutiques selling mid-century trinkets and antiques are especially popular. The Palm Springs Art Museum is just an eight-minute walk from the hotel. In driving distance guests will find the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway (nine-minute drive) and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (15-minute drive). Palm Springs International Airport is an eight-minute drive. On site parking and bike rentals are free. 

Del Marcos' individually decorated guest rooms can vary significantly, but all feature attractive mid-century modern style visible in Eames chairs, Danish-style tables, and squat wood furniture. A color palette of retro orange and green on fresh white also leans toward a Jetsons-esque look. Floors may be of terrazzo, cork, or carpet tiling. Most bathrooms feature walk-in showers, which can be quite stylish with beautiful mosaic tiling in pixilated patterns. Suites add on patios, kitchens, and living areas, while Deluxe Rooms include kitchenettes.

All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea service, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. In upgraded rooms, coffeemakers could be Keurigs, and mini-fridges become stylish SMEG-branded ones. Rooms also have free individual Lather toiletries, electric safes, irons and ironing boards, and bathrobes. Upstairs pool-facing rooms open onto a breezeway.

One of Del Marcos' biggest draws is its outdoor space. The saltwater pool, cupped in the courtyard, is simple but stylish with a concrete deck, orange lounge chairs, and white umbrellas. A partially covered nook near the pool offers cushioned patio furniture and firepits. Another draw is the freebies (well, ostensibly free -- there is a daily resort fee covering these). Guests love the free continental breakfast (cereal, pastries, fruit) and free nightly happy hour (cocktails, beer, wine, apps) both to get edible goodies and also to get out of their rooms to socialize a bit. Wi-Fi, parking, and bike rentals are also all free, and there are some games and books in the lobby for guests' use. 

Despite all these winning freebies, the hotel has no full-service restaurant or bar and no gym. (There is, though, a restaurant and spa at a sister property next door.) The front desk is open limited hours, so guests planning on arriving late should contact the hotel ahead of time. A concierge can arrange golf tee times or in-room spa services. The hotel is pet-friendly: Up to two dogs are allowed in designated rooms and cost a per-stay fee. However, it's not kid-friendly: There are no kids allowed and all guests must be 21 or older.