Orbit In

This much-hyped renovation of a classic 1950s motel gets our vote as the grooviest digs in town. With its cocktails-by-the-pool Rat Pack aesthetic, it has exceeded everyone's expectations, with an almost scholarly appreciation of the architects and designers responsible for Palm Springs's reign as a mecca of vintage modernism. Serious connoisseurs of interior design will find a museum's worth of furnishings in these rooms, each of which adheres to a theme (Martini Room, Atomic Paradise, and so on) down to customized lounge-music CDs. Contemporary comforts abound, from cushy double pillow-top mattresses to poolside misters that create an oasis of cool even during midsummer scorchers. Kitchenettes all boast charming restored fixtures, as do the candy-pink-tiled original bathrooms, which have only stall showers but make up for the lack of tubs by being surprisingly spacious -- and naturally sunlit. Guests gather at the poolside "boomerang" bar, or in the Albert Frey Lounge (homage to the late, great architect whose unique home sits midway up the mountain backdrop); a central "movies, books, and games" closet encourages old-fashioned camaraderie. Nearby, the eight-unit Hideaway is a quieter, more secluded lodging with a large saltwater pool; no Jacuzzi but access to the Orbit amenities is available.

Facilities:
Poolside bar; outdoor heated saltwater pool; Jacuzzi; spa facilities; bikes available for rental; private patios

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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