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Pet Friendly Palm Springs
By Sheila Appleby Williams
Palm Springs was our recent pet friendly destination. Time to relax and recharge.
We checked in at the stylishly chic but casual, Hotel Zoso, located just one block from the heart of the city. Recently remodeled, Hotel Z features an "energized" Zen sensibility with glass walls and open dining areas in the central courtyard and poolside, which showcase the panoramic grandeur of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The lobby features a "living wall" of lush greenery and a "chill out" retro 60's sunken living room that invites incoming and resident guests to lounge (feet up on furniture is just fine here) while working on lap tops or relaxing. The lobby bar becomes a popular evening spot and Thursday through Saturday, the hotel lounge is a supper club with featured entertainment.
Guest comfort is the number one priority. Front desk staff will "dog sit" if a guest has plans for a few hours in the evening that do not include their pet. The upscale pet shop "Mankind Dog" is conveniently located in the lobby.
The outdoor dining areas are pet friendly and Hotel Zoso has few pet restrictions (all guest rooms are pet friendly).
We were reluctant to leave the comfort of our richly classic and stylishly appointed superior king suite which included a full bath, separate powder room and a spectacular view of the mountains from the large private balcony.
Phoebe gave Hotel Zoso her "exceeding expectations" 4 bones rating. This is truly a "dog-indulgent" hotel.
After a late checkout we felt the need for nourishment and selected the popular Spencer's Rest-aurant. The outdoor brick patio is delightful-shaded by mature banyan trees and adjacent to the Palm Springs Tennis Club and the Palm Springs Desert Museum. Our server brought a special water dish for Phoebe and a Doggie Etiquette Reminder - "no feeding from table, please." The tofu and fresh garden vegetable dish was excellent and tempted Phoebe to commit a doggie faux-paw.
A few blocks from the restaurant, but only 1 block from the main stores and restaurants, we found the Hotel Del Marcos, our second night's accommodations. At first sighting, the exterior was somewhat disappointing in comparison to the modern luxe chic of the Hotel Zoso. But, like a new friend, the more we discovered about this hotel, the greater our appreciation.
Internationally renowned architect, William F. Cody designed the hotel in 1947, which would become the "model" for the iconic 50's hotel/motels in the Desert and is currently being registered as a historic property. The integrity of the hotel design and the retro furniture make this well maintained property an authentic Palm Springs 50's experience.
If you're looking for great value with a B & B personality, the Del Marcos could be the perfect hotel for you and your pet. Complimentary bicycles are available for touring the neighborhood or exploring nearby bike trails.
Phoebe gave the Del Marcos a strong 3-bone rating. She was able to lounge poolside (and show off her bikini) but although there is a community kitchen, there is no on site restaurant or room service.
After the hotel's complimentary breakfast, we headed to the nearby Palm Springs Dog Park. This well maintained and popular off-leash park is located behind the City Hall on Civic Drive North. Of course, pups that play hard can get dirty- but not to worry! Should a quick bath or nail clipping be needed, a mobile pet grooming van makes a scheduled park stop every Wednesday from 4-8pm.
A "must see" before we started home, was a visit to the stone and tile doggie "water bowl" installed when The Plaza on Palm Canyon was built in 1936. Then and now, Palm Springs welcomes your pet with desert hospitality.
Hotel Zoso
150 North Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
www.hotelzoso.com
Del Marcos Hotel
225 W. Baristo Road
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
www.delmarcoshotel.com
Spencer's Restaurant
701 West Baristo Road
Palm springs, Ca 92262
www.spencersrestaurant.com
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