Villa Royale

Built in 1947, the Villa Royale Inn was originally the private residence of Olympic figure skater-turned-Tinseltown celebrity, Sonja Henie. The hotel has remained true to the original architecture with aging, but stately, reminders of the past. The crumbling facade and weather-worn fountains could use some touch-ups, but there's a ton of character here under the lush palms and draping bougainvillea. The lobby doesn't seem to have changed much since the '40s, with antique furnishings and the kinds of Asian accent pieces that were so in vogue during the era, arranged around an old brick and plaster fireplace. The decor, though atmospheric, is a bit dated and might not suit all tastes.

Villa Royale Inn is situated on a side street in a quiet neighborhood that's under a 10-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs' shopping, galleries, restaurants, and bars. There's not too much within walking distance (other than a number of other hotels), but attractions are easily accessible by car, including regional destinations like Joshua Tree National park (45 minutes away) and Coachella (35 minutes away). It's a nine-minute drive to the Palm Springs International Airport and a two-hour drive to Los Angeles.

The Villa Royale Inn's 31 rooms and larger villas are all individually decorated and furnished with antiques. Inspired by the 1940s decor of the original estate, a pair of Hollywood set designers recreated the look throughout the property, and though no two rooms are quite alike, all feature authentic period lamps and furniture accompanied by accent pieces that have an Asian flair -- from ornate vases, to lacquered artwork inlaid with mother of pearl. Some of the bathrooms are in need of renovation, with a mix of old walk-in showers and tiled shower/tub combos. The standard European Rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, while Royale Rooms also have fireplaces or patios. Larger Villas add kitchenettes and private patios, including one that was once Henie’s own abode, with striking red and gold decor and a fireplace.

Cobblestone walkways weave through the garden grounds revealing hidden benches and quiet alcoves with tables under overgrown shade trees. The two outdoor pools and hot tub are all in separate areas, each set in a cobbled sun deck with loungers and umbrellas. For more serious relaxation, a small spa has all the basic treatments, but is limited due to its size (in-room massages are also available).

The main pool is accompanied by a covered patio bar and lounge where coffee is served in the morning from an old wooden bar made in 1917 that was brought over from Paris. In the afternoons, free fresh-baked cookies and refreshments are also available. AAA, Wine Spectator, Zagat, and TripAdvisor have all heaped praise on the hotel's restaurant and bar, Europa. Stuffed pheasants, gilded chandeliers, and walls of French doors make it feel like a manor in Southern Europe with double crown rack of lamb and pork shank osso buco on the menu. A free breakfast is included in the room rate, with hot cooked-to-order choices from a set daily menu.