The results are in. Here are this month’s winners for Best of the Best as voted by Palm Springs Life readers.
Boutique Hotel:
Avalon Hotel Originally known as the Estrella Inn — where Joan Crawford and Clark Gable slept in the 1930s — the Avalon still charms you. Eighty Hollywood Regency-designed guestrooms and villas set on 4 acres of manicured gardens overlooked by the rugged San Jacinto Mountains offer peace and privacy. Dine on Chi Chi’s zesty Latin fare, pool-hop among three options, get pampered at the Estrella Spa. 415 S. Belardo Road, Palm Springs. 844-328-2566; www.avalonpalmsprings.com
photo courtesy of the aids assistance program
Fundraising Event winner Evening Under the Stars.
Fundraising Event: Evening Under the Stars
In support of the AIDS Assistance Program, which provides nutrition for local people living with HIV/AIDS, the always-boffo musical/dance program is enhanced by a cocktail hour, dinner, awards ceremony, and fireworks. This year’s gala, on April 30, boasts the unparalleled fun and fancy of the Village People. O’Donnell Golf Club, 301 N. Belardo Road, Palm Springs. 760-325-8481; www.aidsassistance.org
Home Rental Agency: ACME House Co.
Ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as among the top 10 trusted vacation rental companies, Acme helps guests feel like locals and manages properties throughout historic Greater Palm Springs neighborhoods. Optional concierge services include free arrival grocery stocking, in-home catering, private chefs, daily maid service, poolside massages and yoga, and even tarot card reading.
1733 N. Palm Canyon Drive,Suite D, Palm Springs. 760-650-0150; www.acmehouseco.com
photo by kevin steele
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is where to take your visiting friends.
Place to Take Visiting Friends: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Temperatures are about 30 degrees cooler atop Mount San Jacinto, it’s no wonder the State Park is where perspiring crowds gather during the desert summer. In winter, snow seekers flock here like Canada geese. But most people like the journey as much — or more — than the destination. A 10-minute ride aboard the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s rotating car ferries you to the summit ( 8,516 feet). From here you can watch the world below, hike 50 miles of wooded trails, and dine at Peaks Restaurant. One Tram Way, Palm Springs. 760-325-1391; www.pstramway.com
Power Lunch: Spencer’s Restaurant
Like real estate, business lunch is all about location, location, location, so locate yourself at Spencer’s. It fits like an Armani suit: elegant and comfortable, replete with a patio decorated (sort of) by the San Jacinto Mountains. The menu is generous and varied, and the Wine Spectator award–winning wine list is extensive. 701 W. Baristo Road, Palm Springs. 760-327-3446; www.spencersrestaurant.com
photo courtesy of wonderama
Wonderama takes Vintage Clothing Store honors.
Vintage Clothing Store: Wonderama
Mod dresses and Hawaiian shirts are evergreen fashions in Palm Springs. Wonderama is where you shop to dress for retro success with its robust racks of 1950s and 1960s cocktail dresses, hats, jewelry, ties, and men’s suits. It’s as if Don the Beachcomber were reincarnated to establish central casting for his erstwhile restaurant’s clientele.
The results are in. Here are this month’s winners for Best of the Best as voted by Palm Springs Life readers.
464 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. 760-864-8600; www.etsy.com/shop/pswonderama