Oh, if these boxsprings could talk.
While Greater Palm Springs is known as a second home to many Hollywood stars dating back to the 1920s, there were many more who checked into rooms that are still available. Here are seven hotels that boast a room once occupied by someone who had more than their fair share of 15-minutes of fame.
Room 15 at The Monkey Tree Hotel
Marilyn Monroe and President John F. Kennedy met for a secret weekend rendezvous in this room, according to present owner Kathy Friedle. Friedle said she found an article on the Internet which said JFK and Marilyn were both in Palm Springs on March 24, 1962. In addition, Friedle said a hotel vendor, whose brother worked for the CIA, confirmed that JFK stopped at the hotel in March 1962.
The Monkey Tree Hotel, 2388 E Racquet Club Rd, Palm Springs, 760-322-6059, www.themonkeytreehotel.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WILLOWS
Albert Einstein was a frequent guest of Samuel Untermyer in the 1930s at what is now The Willows.
Einstein’s Garden Room at The Willows
Although Einstein probably did not come up with the equation, E=mc2 in this room, he certainly would appreciate its genius. There is Art Deco mahogany furniture in front of a king-sized bed overlooking a private garden patio beside a waterfall where guests enjoy a lovely breakfast or relax in the warm sun. The father of the general theory of relativity and the photoelectric effect can be seen in several posted photos at the resort enjoying the grounds of the property.
The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, 412 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, 760-320-0771, www.thewillowspalmsprings.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ANDALUSIAN COURT
The Andalusian Court’s Old World charm lured Hollywood elite to its doorstep.
Villa 4 at The Andalusian Court
Owner Tony Rodriguez learned the patio of Villa 4 is where little Desi Arnaz Jr. took his first steps as a delighted Lucy and Desi looked on. Actors Vic Morrow (1960s TV series Combat!) and Victor Mature (One Million B.C. , My Darling Clementine), also regularly stayed in this villa and enjoyed the hotel’s old world charms.
The Andalusian Court, 458 W. Arenas Road, Palm Springs, 760-323-9980, www.theandalusiancourt.com
The Moroccan Villa and its Artist Studio at Korakia
According to Korakia’s website, the Moroccan Villa is the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts, who developed it as an artist’s hideaway for visitors such as Rudolph Valentino and Errol Flynn. Rumors abound that Winston Churchill also painted in the studio.
Korakia Pensione, 257 S. Patencio Road, Palm Springs, 760-864-6411, www.korakia.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF KORAKIA PENSIONE
This Moroccan Villa has been a source of inspiration and celebrity stays for years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF INGLESIDE INN
Elizabeth Taylor found her privacy at Villa 2.
Villa 2 at the Ingleside Inn
The Ingleside Inn is known for hiding many celebrities, but one of the more famous was Elizabeth Taylor, who enjoyed Villa 2 and strolled near the pool on the lush greenery while she recuperated from surgery. Even with the passing of former owner Mel Haber, the inn still maintains its old Palm Springs vibe.
Ingleside Inn, 200 W Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, 760-325-0046, www.inglesideinn.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF CASA CODY
A 1910 Adobe House attracted Charlie Chaplain to spin his cane.
The Adobe House at Casa Cody
Charlie Chaplin used this quaint, Spanish hideaway as one of his playgrounds away from the city lights of Hollywood, according to the hotel’s website. His friend, Metropolitan opera star Lawrence Tibbett, would perform for Charlie and his guests on a makeshift stage.
Casa Cody, 175 S. Cahuilla Rd, Palm Springs, 760-320-9346, www.casacody.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF LA QUINTA RESORT AND CLUB
If you have recently viewed It’s a Wonderful Life on TV, the guy who wrote it stayed here.
Frank Capra Suite at La Quinta Resort and Club
Capra wrote, It Happened One Night, in this suite. He returned many times. It’s believed that the room also inspired the writing of It’s A Wonderful Life, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Lost Horizon, You Can’t Take It With You and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
La Quinta Resort & Club, 49499 Eisenhower Drive, La Quinta, 760-564-4111, www.laquintaresort.com
Follow Karen Graninger on Twitter: @gloriousallianc