From the moment I walked through the doors at the Parker Meridian Palm Springs I felt as if I had stepped back in time. Jonathan Adler, the designer behind the fabulous decor at the Parker PS, has created a chill vibe mixing fads of a decades past with rich textiles and colorful details. The property radiates with this “ultra-groovy” atmosphere inviting you to hang, enjoy a cocktail (or two) and chat it up with your friends.

The Parker Lowdown:
Opening Date: October 1, 2004

Property: Formerly Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch and Merv Griffin’s Givenchy Resort and Spa, the Parker Palm Springs is situated on thirteen acres of landscaped gardens surrounded by the desert and mountains.

Rooms: 144 rooms, categories include standard, garden, deluxe, pool view, lanai rooms and junior suites.

Gene Autry House: A two-bedroom home, includes a living room, dining room, full kitchen, two-bathrooms, extensive closet space, and an outdoor lawn area. Perfect for a small intimate wedding.

Villas: 12 very private, one-bedroom villas (favorite room: lanai rooms w/private patios right off the pool).

Norma’s: A five-star diner that serves breakfast all day long, both indoors and on the outdoor terrace. I would eat here everyday if I could, it is that GOOD.

mister parker’s: Dark and seductive, open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday with a 65-person capacity in a cozy atmosphere. The freshest ingredients and years of experience inspire the chef’s French Bistro style menu.

Bar: Fully stocked lobby jewel box bar. Try one of the homemade infused vodka’s…yum.

Lemonade Stand: Exudes 60′s country club and is home to the famous “slinky dog”

Tennis: Four European red clay tennis courts.

Golf: 18-hole executive course. (This is the same course where President Eisenhower hit his only hole in one!)

Spa: “P.S.Y.C” – Palm Springs Yacht Club. Rated a world-class spa by Conde Nast Traveler, offers a full range of massage and body treatments. Private men’s and women’s: Indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis, steam and sauna rooms, as well as a 24-hour exercise facility.



Pools: Four pools. Two outdoor heated pools surrounded by beautiful gardens, chaise lounges, and plenty of staff to cater to your every whim. Two indoor, see P.S.Y.C. Note to Jonathan Adler: Please spare us from watching guests blow-up neon green rafts, we beg you to design a chic float suitable for the Parker pools.

Gardens: A variety of gardens can be found surrounding the property. Each garden provides a different feeling and function. An array of plants and flowers, along with hammocks, Croquet lawns and Petanque courts are all part of the experience.

Famous Photo Shoot: W Magazine featuring Angelina Jolie & Brad Pit (that pretty much proved the Mr. & Mrs. Smith relationship was not so innocent, after all)

While there is no sign of Welcome to the Parkers Season II in sight, there is something to be said about the aura surrounding the new found reality-show stardom the staff has experienced. It will die down, as gossip always does but honestly, it was business as usual at the Parker aiming to please, serve and take the best care of you.