Casa Cody, a 1900s Hotel in Palm Springs by Casetta Group and Electric Bowery.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Casa Cody has quite a history. Not only has it hosted legends like Charlie Chaplin, American opera singer Lawrence Tibbett and French-born novelist Anaïs Nin, but, as the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, its spirit has remained stupendously intact. Established by Harriet and Harold Bryant Cody (the former, a cousin of the famous William “Buffalo Bill” Cody) in the early 1900s, it became quite the hotspot amongst members of the arts community in its early years.

Cut to today, and the hotel’s Spanish Revival architecture has undergone a contemporary metamorphosis, thanks to a comprehensive restoration exercise by Casetta Group (which specialises in the revival of small boutique hotels and unique buildings). “We fell in love with the remarkable history and timeless soul of Casa Cody. We are proud to continue its legacy through the preservation of its essence and character while elevating the guest experience through unmatched service, design and amenities,” says Carolyn Schneider, co-founder and president of Casetta Group.

Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler.

The corner of LA’s 11th and Broadway is a glittering pastiche of fashion boutiques, sports complexes and Deco architecture. So the fact that the Downtown LA Proper Hotel still manages to take pride of place here, is a bit of a minor miracle...

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Lance Gerber.

Photo by Josh Cho.

Photo by Josh Cho.

Photo by Josh Cho.

Serene and secluded, yet a stone’s throw from Palm Springs’s scintillating centre point, the hotel is an urban hideaway hidden in plain sight. And yet, once you’re inside, there’s no mistaking its calm. Backdropped by the San Jacinto Mountains, the property—which is designated as a Class 1 historic site by the Palm Springs City Council—has meandering pathways with wild bougainvillea, native plants and fruit trees, and a placid air that could easily have been passed down from the 1900s. There are 30 accommodations—many with kitchenettes or full kitchens, private patios and fireplaces—two swimming pools, new onsite F&B offerings for guests, an edible garden, outdoor tubs and showers, and sweeping lawns. But really, it’s the four freestanding casas that steal the spotlight: The one-bedroom Olympic Cottage, which housed athletes during the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics; Harriet’s Cottage, a warm and cosy one-bedroom dwelling; Winter’s House, an original 1930s California ranch-style bungalow; and the 1900s Adobe House, one of the few remaining adobes in Palm Springs.

For the interior design, the group tapped LA-based design firm Electric Bowery, who took inspiration from the exotic charm and opulence of Palm Springs, along with the bright colours of coastal Spain, to magic up a luxurious palette that nods to the hotel’s heritage.

“With warm coral velvet, textured blue-green accents and otomi-patterned pillows, the rooms are imbued with depth to enliven the existing plaster interior,” say Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew, Electric Bowery’s founders, designers, and architects. “Each room features richly coloured zellige tile, and with deep blue millwork in the bathrooms and bar areas, Mediterranean influences are reflected in modern design. We custom-designed upholstered elements and cabinetry in the space for an inviting, residential feel. The dark wood tones balance the rich pops of colour, creating a classic yet modern aesthetic that is unlike any other in Palm Springs.”

Jim Jennings' Own Desert Retreat in Palm Springs.

Set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains in Palm Springs is an unassuming weekend retreat for San Francisco architect Jim Jennings and his wife and architectural writer Terese Bissell.

Photo by Josh Cho.

Photo by Josh Cho.

Casa Cody Suites and Studios. Photo by Josh Cho.

Casa Cody Suites and Studios. Photo by Josh Cho.

Casa Cody in all its glory. Photo by Kim and Nash Finley.

Photo by Kim and Nash Finley.

Photo by Kim and Nash Finley.

The hotel is a treat for the environment as much as it is for the senses. Its eco-conscious ethos includes such things as Parachute bedding and bath linens, certified organic bath products by MoonCloth Designs, and custom-designed Finery bathrobes. Other sustainable amenities include Ocean Bottle reusable water bottles, made in part from ocean-bound recycled materials, and Roen x Casetta 001 candles created with an exclusive blend of coconut wax.

If you thought that the tranquil aura meant a drab atmosphere, you’d be seriously mistaken. Whether you want to kick back and temporarily disappear, or head out for nature walks for the better part of the day, there’s enough and more around here to keep you engaged. Shop for homegrown produce and other tchotchkes at the cutesy market (that masquerades as the reception), browse through a micro-library of cookbooks in your very own kitchen, or enjoy freshly prepped starters by the poolside. Better still, with multiple courtyards and sprawling lawns, you could go ahead and walk down the aisle and invite up to 200 guests for the after-party.

Whatever your calling, when it comes to booking a stay here, it’s guaranteed that there are more reasons than one to say “I do”.

Alsace LA Boutique Hotel by Home Studios.

With an emphasis on the unexpected, Home Studios have designed a luxe, retro-inspired boutique hotel in the historic and artistic LA neighbourhood of West Adams.

[Images courtesy of Electric Bowery. Photography by Lance Gerber, Josh Cho & Kim and Nash Finley.]