Ingleside Inn Maintains Hollywood Mystique, Pristine Setting

Rooms offer distinct design and amenities

Karen Graninger Hotels & Resorts

 

The picturesque, famed 30 room Ingleside Inn has hosted the rich and famous for decades.

From less than humble beginnings in the 1920s as the Humphrey Birge estate, whose family owned Pierce Arrow Motor Car Co., Ruth Hardy, Palm Springs' first female councilwoman, turned it into an inn and private club that hosted celebrities and captains of industry from across the nation.

 

Nearly 40 years ago, Mel Haber took over the Ingleside Inn.

 

After her death, the once famous Inn fell into disrepair until 1975, when now legendary hotelier Mel Haber took the helm. From catering to the Golden Age of Hollywood to becoming one of the hottest Coachella Music Festival party venues, Haber continues to maintain the Ingleside Inn in a pristine setting nestled just South of Palm Canyon Drive.

"There is a magic at the Ingleside Inn which was created long before me," says Haber. "I'm merely lucky enough to keep it going."

Past guests have included Frank Sinatra, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Howard Hughes, Norman Vincent Peale, Spencer Tracy, Salvador Dali, among many others. Famed opera diva Lily Pons came for one night and stayed 13 years. "They want a little fun and privacy, they come here," says Haber.

 

Actress Elizabeth Taylor once stayed in the rich, earth tones of Villa 2.

 

Enter the gates and you're suddenly amid lush greenery, palms and bouganvillea. The welcoming front porch includes a porch swing to the left and outdoor tables to the right. Inside, the lobby beckons with its star lamps, textured fabric furniture, black and white historic photos and stone fireplace, overlooking a sun dappled courtyard and fountain.

Each of the 20 accommodations is distinct in design. Whether in a standard room, deluxe room, mini-suite, or a suite, you can be sure with names like The Peacock Room, The Rose Room, and the Royal Suite, there will be plenty of amenities, some with fireplaces, and all with plenty of history. If the walls could talk…

 

The historic lobby is both quaint and a tribute to its legacy.

 

To the right of the lobby is the famed Melvyn's Restaurant. Dine inside or outside on a twinkle-lighted patio. Everything from Escargots in Puff Pastry to Oysters Rockefeller to Filet Mignon to Sole De Piccata. Have them with one of the many well-curated California wines on the list. Or is Dom Perignon or Cristal more your fancy?

The grounds feature a lovely, restful pool and floats.The Ingleside Inn also features wine dinners, The Author Series, live entertainment, dancing and other events.

 

Melvyn's Restaurant only adds to the property's rich history, including Frank Sinatra's corner.

 

5 Hotel Essentials:

– A drink on the porch swing just to the left of the lobby

– A brunch at Melvyn's Restaurant

– Check out owner Mel Haber's two books, Bedtime Stories of the Legendary Ingleside Inn and Palm Springs: A La Carte

– The suites include a plush living space, wet bar, fireplace, and private patio.

– Frank Sinatra's Corner inside Melvyn's Restaurant. The place has Frank's footprints all over it.

The Ingleside Inn and Melvyn's Restaurant, 200 W. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, 760-325-0046; www.inglesideinn.com

 

Follow Karen on Twitter: @gloriousallianc

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