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The Hyatt’s newly renovated outdoor pool area exudes a lounge-like atmosphere at night. // © Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs 2010 |
As a first-timer to Palm Springs, Calif., I didn’t really know what to expect. Driving out to the desert from Los Angeles on a stormy Friday in January, we encountered torrents of rain and agonizing traffic. As soon as we saw the sign for our hotel — the Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs — I breathed a huge sigh of relief, and hoped it would be worth the drive. And, thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.
The Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs recently celebrated its grand reopening this January following an extensive $15 million renovation. The 197-room, all-suite property is now a modern all-suite oasis located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. Prior to its recent renovation, the hotel, which was first built in 1980, was conventional and well, slightly dated. Now, however, the Hyatt is thoroughly modern, with sleek lines and contemporary accents set against a backdrop of sun-kissed desert hues.
Suite designs evoke an understated urban minimalism offset by sunbursts of citrus hues. But the best asset to be found in the new suite designs, I thought, was in their use of space. Each suite boasts a minimum of 606 square feet to accommodate up to four guests (pets included), and designers Looney Ricks and Kiss spared no effort in utilizing as much of the space available as possible. Notable design features included a plush ottoman that doubled as an impromptu room service dining table and a separate, three-mirrored vanity located in the bathroom.
Standard suite amenities include a marble bathroom; a separate living area with a sofa sleeper; a private, furnished balcony; two 42-inch LCD flat-screen televisions; a minibar; an iHome docking station; and wireless Internet access. Other room categories include Premier Suites, five two-bedroom VIP Suites, five 1,040-square-foot Executive Suites and nine 606-square-foot Cabana Suites that provide immediate access to the Hyatt’s completely remodeled pool area.
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A lively lobby bar invites guests to linger for a drink. // © Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs 2010 |
Although there was a wintry chill in the air during my visit, I noticed a handful of guests testing out the heated waters of the outdoor pool. In the daylight, the poolside ambience was colorful and playful, with oversize, rounded loungers and plenty of poolside seating. At night, the pool transformed into a sleek, club-like atmosphere surrounded by the glow of fire pits and a lively cocktail bar area.
Not far from the pool area, guests can access the hotel’s new state-of-the-art, 24-hour StayFit@Hyatt gym. Measuring some 1,200 square feet, it offers views of neighboring O’Donnell Golf Club, the pool and the San Jacinto mountains. Guests of the Hyatt also enjoy special privileges at the nine-hole O’Donnell golf course located next door.
Other nearby attractions to the Hyatt include the Palm Springs Art Museum, which is located within walking distance from the property, as well as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the “Palm Springs Follies” revue, a variety show that is a favorite with both locals and visitors.
Hungry guests can order breakfast, lunch and dinner at the new Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro, located in the center of the hotel lobby floor. Tall satin curtains envelop the dining area, and comfortable banquettes line the walls. At breakfast, guests have the option of a full breakfast buffet or a restaurant menu. Lunch and dinner items feature the California fusion cuisine of chef Maureen DeLapp.
And while the Hyatt’s location and amenities make it ideal for leisure travelers like myself, it also caters to business travelers who come to Palm Springs for meetings, conventions and events. The Hyatt alone has more than 12,000 square feet of event space and a total of eight meeting rooms.
Going forward with phase II of its renovations, the Hyatt will also open its own on-site spa. Currently, guests may book in-suite spa services such as massages.
So, whether for business or leisure, a game of golf or an indulgent spa treatment, the Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs will have your clients covered.
Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs
285 North Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, Calif., 92262
800-633-7313
www.palmsprings.hyatt.com
The Details
Commission: 10 percent
Suite rates begin at $99 per night from May through September 2010.
Packages and Promotions: Through May 2010, guests can book three nights for the price of two as part of the Sunshine on Sale promotion. From June to August 2010, the Sunshine on Sale promotion features two nights for the price of one.
With the Stay More Save More package, clients receive discounts on food and accommodations based on the length of stay — up to 25 percent on the room rate and up to $100 in food and beverage credits for up to five nights.
From May through September 2010, clients can book one night and receive the second night for 50 percent off.
Also, from May through September 2010, the hotel is offering Friday Getaways priced from $169 per night for a Friday night stay, including a breakfast buffet for two and a 50 percent parking discount.
