Destination: Parker Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs, CA, has become one of my favorite winter time destinations. Dry desert air, fun retro surroundings, and warm weather make Palm Springs a fantastic place to get away. I think the nostalgia is what sets it apart from other desert oasis's. I think of Elizabeth Taylor lounging near the pool, Mad Men driving with their tops down, and Bobe Hope hitting the links. 

My favorite place to stay is the Jonathan Adler designed, Parker Meridien Palm Springs. 

Obviously, the hotel has some seriously amazing design. Mr. Adler really put his cheeky-modern touch in the entire place. The room I stayed in had these fantastic black and white 1960s photos of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Nicks, that I still dream of owning. 

The reason that I love staying here is that it feels really intimate. It is not a big place and you can really enjoy every inch of it. I wish I could have found some more photos of the spa, because it is adorably nautical and preppy. 

The entire resort used to be Gene Autry's estate, so it has a ton of history. You instantly feel like you are the Hollywood siren getting away from it all when you are here. The martinis are cold and the food is delicious. 

If you don't mind the heat, you can get a great deal in the summer. But, the best time to go is in the fall, spring, and late winter. If you feel like venturing out, it is located close to town with plenty of bars and restaurants. Hiking and golf are blocks away. 

This place has given me a lot of inspiration. Look for a follow up post tomorrow. 

xo

Erin 

Stocking the Guest Room

When guests come to visit it is always hard to know exactly what makes someone feel at ease and comfortable. No matter what, you want them to have fun, enjoy their space, and get a good night's rest. I have people stay quite often and know that a few bottles of water on the nightstand and a couple of good books on the shelf go a long way. I also love the idea of mints on pillow at night, just like at a hotel. And although I do not go to the lengths of actually doing that, I keep a big jar of peppermint lifesavers on the side table. I found a few great things to make your guest's next experience a thoughtful one inspired by my guest room. In addition, I would stock the bathroom with essentials, keep a bucket or vase filled with bottles of water, add some sort of flowers to the room, and make sure there are plenty of hangers in the closet. Nice ones.

1. A fluffy unisex robe from Overstock
2. An eye mask is functional and can be a great gift
3. Fun colored and great smelling soaps from Lush
4. A cheeky candy jar to fill with Lemonheads or gumballs from Jonathan Adler
5. An English pear and freesia scented candle from Jo Malone
6. Bedside water carafe from Crate & Barrel
7. Bright orange tray for them to stash their stuff from Z Gallerie

xo
Erin