15 minutes after our arrival my wife and I knew this would be our "forever hotel" on future trips to Palm Springs. From the help I received from Lisa on the phone with my reservation and then the amazing greeting and friendliness of Shanti upon our arrival, the staff was marvelous at every turn. Shanti didn't stop working his entire shift, providing additional towels, cleaning up loose ends around the pool area and offering advice on area restaurants. We were fortunate to meet the manager Laura the second night of our stay and she added even more great info about the hotel and their immediate plans for continuous improvements of the hotel. Every single staff member was friendly and made us feel as if we were a guest in their home (including the housekeeper). They were never intrusive but always available.
For us the location is perfect, less than 1 block from the "main drag" of central Palm Springs. We walked everywhere we went for meals and it was a short 1 mile drive to the art galleries (temps were over 100 so we didn't want to take that long of a walk). The hotel is located on a quiet side street and easy access. The hotel sits at the absolute foot of the mountains so an early sunset helps cool the area earlier than other parts of the valley. Parking is easy and safe (and free).
There are 17 unique rooms and other than having a suite for even more space our room of choice will always be the Julius Shulman deluxe. It has a front and back door and huge sliding glass doors that open onto a balcony overlooking the pool. As others have mentioned, this room has a full kitchenette and given the choice we could have cooked our own meals. Extra nice touch to find two cold water bottles in our refrigerator upon our arrival (again, no fee). This mid-century modern hotel built by William Cody has all the right touches which just enough true "modern" snuck in to give us our 21st century creature comforts (i.e cable TV, IPOD dock, and FREE strong wifi). The bathroom and kitchen has newly installed terrazzo tile and the new glass shower enclosure is beautiful. Full black out curtains let you feel secluded if that is your choice and the air conditioning worked perfectly to keep us cool.
The grounds are immaculate and they offer free bikes, shuffleboard, a bbq area and outdoor cabanas and TV's for those so inclined. The constant hum of Frank Sinatra keeps you mellow and in the mood for the property. The pool is a wonderful salt water pool that cools you as often as you like and ample pool accessories and towels are available for use. (Laura advised me that they would be shutting down for August and making major upgrades to the pool deck and courtyard).
The continental breakfast is "old school" - no waffle makers, eggs in steamers and piles of bacon. It's what it should be - cereal, breads, muffins, coffin, OJ, granola, yogurt. Just the essentials - again free - no hidden charges.
It's been mentioned in several other reviews but the atmosphere and the mood is what sets this hotel apart. There's no hidden fees, there's no children screaming and doing cannonballs in the pool - this is an adult only hotel. If you want more than straight, simple, relaxation, in a welcoming comfortable environment, this is not your hotel. I researched other "modern" hotels as I planned this trip on the spur of the moment. Those hotels have resort fees, parking fees, wifi fees, PPV movies and when you added all those fees up, the Del Marcos was a bargain with exactly what we were looking for. To be sure, we felt like we were visiting friends - not staying at some innkeepers moneymaker.
I will add this disclaimer - but in my opinion is not a negative - but I read too many TripAdvisor reviews from OVERLY PICKY travelers. If you book at Del Marcos, know what you are getting - a 70 year old award winning historic property. The staff and owner are constantly maintaining, improving and upgrading. The important things (bathroom, bedding, kitchen, etc) were impeccably clean. Laura mentioned a floor threshold had not been installed with the new flooring in our room - I told her I saw that - but frankly I didn't care and it certainly wouldn't affect my review. The furniture is magnificent and fits the style and design - but it's also 50-70 years old, it's going to be less than "cookie cutter" perfect. Those types of little blemishes can be found if you want to look for something to complain about. But we were too busy worrying about NOTHING and enjoying the property, atmosphere and environment.
You can see by the length of this review that I could go on and on about this property. I'm already planning my wife and I's 30th anniversary for next June - I'll book more than 24 hours in advance this time ; ).
Thank you Del Marcos!