It all started when I made plans to visit Palm Springs without noticing the date.
As the trip approached, a realization settled in.
August 8, 2015. That date marks my 7th wedding anniversary. In the most innocent (or clueless) way, I discovered I have been planning my anniversary weekend for about three months.
In retrospective, I can say we went back to our beginnings. We visited Palm Springs for the first time shortly after getting married.
But, this time, everything was different. We wanted to experience the city we have visited many times in a different way.
That is why we stayed at the Hyatt Palm Springs.
We wanted ample space to rest and relax. We wanted a place where somebody cleans your room, makes your bed, cooks a fabulous dinner and, on top of that, brings you a cookie in the afternoon in case you were craving something sweet.
We got exactly that and much more.
Table of Contents
Hyatt Palm Springs – Rebranding
The history of the hotel goes back to 1990. Formerly known as Hyatt Regency Suites, the hotel completed a rebranding (to Hyatt Palm Springs) last year.
Changes included a refreshening of public areas, including the pool area with new splashes of color, additional fire-pits and unique heat lamps to heighten the contemporary lounge-like atmosphere. Other changes were related to the addition of amenities, food options and experienced personnel.
Guests have the opportunity to stay in a fresh, fashionable hotel while taking advantage of the staff’s years of experience in the service industry.
Location
I loved the hotel’s location in Downtown Palm Springs. There was no effort involved walking to restaurants, businesses, and retail shops along Palm Canyon Drive. As a matter of fact, we walked to town from the hotel two times each day of our stay.
In addition, the Hyatt Palm Springs is located a short drive from the city’s most popular attractions such as the Aerial Tramway, Indian Canyons, Tahquitz Canyon, Museum of Art, Air Museum and others.
Check-In
Check-In was easier than eating a piece of pie (and I think it took less time too).
We arrived, took out our luggage, left the car with the valet attendant, entered the lobby, greeted the guys in the front desk, received our keys and took the elevator to our room. It was that easy.
I didn’t have to look for a parking lot while checking in, wait in line or answer tons of questions before receiving the key.
Accommodations
The Hyatt Palm Springs’ 197 rooms were renovated and completely revamped during last year’s rebranding period. And, get this: this is the only all-suite hotel in Palm Springs.
We stayed in a two room suite with views of a golf camp and the mountains. The living room and office area faced the door while the bedroom was located next to the balcony. The ample bathroom (marble with excellent lighting) was situated between the two rooms.
The suite was equipped with two flat screens TVs, cell/device charging ports, fridge, iron, coffer maker, hair dryer, safe, wireless Internet and the softest bed you can imagine (Hyatt Plush Grand Bed).
If you want to take things to the next level, the hotel has available 5 Executive Suites and 4 VIP Suites with more than 1,000 square feet of contemporary elegance that includes two bedrooms, two marble bathrooms, three furnished balconies, and living room.
Pool and Other Areas
The large outdoor, beautifully appointed pool located alongside the hotel is open dawn to dusk; fire pits and unique heat lamps heighten the cozy, contemporary lounge-like atmosphere. Specialty poolside cabana suites offer guests a unique pool/patio experience. Suites along the pool are equipped with their own cabana that doubles as a covered patio.
Other common areas include a fitness center, business center and lounge.
Full concierge services are available (you can even tweet them if you need help).
Hyatt Palm Springs – Breakfast
The first meal of the day was served at the Shade Restaurant.
In here, I experienced some of the best service in the hotel.
Each morning we had the option to have a custom made omelets paired with our choice of fresh fruit, cheese, yogurt, cereal, potatoes, bacon, sausage, bread, pastries, coffee or orange juice. The omelet preparer, Jose, was really funny and positive. We already miss him.
Dinner
Dinner is also served at the Shade Restaurant.
Chef James Wallace, a native of Oregon, trained at Horst Meger Culinary Institute inPortland, under retired European Master Chefs, is the head of the kitchen. He has used his two decades of culinary experience to develop a menu full of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
As the name of the restaurant implies, the menu is designed to create a cozy, fun and entertaining atmosphere while sharing several dishes.
My husband and I took the sharing theme seriously and ended up tasting 5 plates. To start, we ordered the soup of the day (chicken noodle) and a pecan, blue cheese, tomato and ham wedge salad.
For the entrée, I ordered the Pistachio Crusted Pacific Salmon, which features toasted pistachios, warm spinach salad, red onion jam and herb aioli. All I could say was “wow.” This dish was creamy, crunchy, salty, sweet, tart and fresh at the same time. The fish was perfectly cooked.
My husband ordered the Griddled Day Boat Scallops with pan charred Swiss chard and California orange nag. I think we had never tried scallops so thick (they were about one inch wide). Well, I am glad we ordered this dish because I love scallops. These were melt-in-your mouth sweet.
To end the evening, our waitress Ashley suggested the Chocolate Ganache Cake. I loved this desert because the sweet balance was right. The bitter sweet cake paired well with the chocolate, cherry and pineapple syrups.
Do you understand why the restaurant was my favorite part of the hotel?
Hyatt Palm Springs – Outdoor Lounge
The Hoodoo Lounge is the only outdoor café with live entertainment in Downtown Palm Springs. The popular outdoor lounge features outdoor fire pits in winter and cooling water sprays in summer.
Highlights from HooDoo’s new menu include a selection of tender and juicy skewers such as the Hibachi Chicken Satay and the Herb Marinated Scallops. Sharables include the Duck Confit Quesadillas, the Salmon Seacuterie and the Stone Ale-Battered Fish Nuggets. Favorites such as Angus beef burgers, lobster sandwiches and red Anjou pear salads are also available.
The nice thing about this lounge is that you do not have to be a guest to enjoy it. You can relax in the comfy sofas, order a dish or drink and enjoy the live music.
Going the Extra Mile
I have given a lot of details about why I enjoyed my stay at the Hyatt Palm Springs. To be honest, a lot of hotels can offer similar amenities.
However, it is the little details that take the entire experience to the next level. To me, the hotel excels on imprinting a human touch to the stay. I say that because I was greeted and asked about my stay many times.
Employees were always smiling and eager to help. Waiters discussed their favorite dishes from the menu. The customer services manager distributes complimentary cookies, water and soda in the afternoon. I even engaged in a conversation with the concierge through Twitter. It is hard to beat that authentic interest in the guests well being.
Overall Impression
This has probably been our best anniversary celebration. I was more than satisfied with all the attentions I received. I felt a little sad when it was time to leave. The positive? The hotel is located only two hours from the house. We can return as many times as we want.
Hyatt Palm Springs – Details
- Hotel Website: http://palmsprings.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
- Summer Offers: http://palmsprings.hyatt.com/en/hotel/offers.html
More of the Coachella Valley
Tahquitz Canyon: A Waterfall in the Desert
Palm Canyon: An Oasis in the Desert
What hotel has provided you a memorable experience?
Anna says
It’s a lovely hotel and it’s friendly and helpful staff is always a plus! I don’t think I that any hotel made an exceptional impression to me. Maybe the hotel where I stayed after my wedding last year in Herakleion, Crete. Surely we stayed at the suite, but all rooms have great view over the old harbor, breakfast is amazing as are the communal areas of the hotel! I regret for not taking many photos for the blog as my mind was totally elsewhere!!
Ruth says
Well, you visited that hotel for your honeymoon. Of course, your mind was somewhere else. At least, you enjoyed your stay.
Ariel says
Great detailed review! Nice to know there is a good option in Palm Springs where you are not car-bound to your resort!
Ruth says
Ariel, this is definitely a great place to stay. We didn’t have to worry about driving during our stay because everything was within walking distance. I really recommend staying here.
Zita says
Looks like a gorgeous place to stay! I certainly agree and think the customer service can make or break your stay. I stayed at a hotel recently that was good value for money, great location but I would probably never stay there again because of the service I received when I checked in and when I had to ask for assistance from the front desk.. so disappointing!
Ruth says
Zita, what you say is true. I have stayed at some places that are disappointing from the beginning. The line to check in is super long and they ask all sort of questions. One time I was told all the people staying in the room had to be present during check in. That was kind on non-sense.
image-in-ing says
You always have such interesting and informative posts!
Hope to see you at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/08/say-yes-to-neigh.html
Ruth says
Thanks a lot! I try to share information I would like to know before visiting a place.
Lyndall says
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to you and your husband Ruth! Looks like you had a lovely celebration. That omelette looks sensational, and so does the chocolate ganache cake – now I’m hungry! It’s lovely to know they go the extra mile too.
Ruth says
Thanks Lyndall! I was going to order another dessert but the waitress suggested the chocolate ganache cake. It was so good! I am glad she intervened.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
I love the look of that outdoor lounge with the summer sprinklers, I can imagine myself enjoying drinks and nibbles here!
Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust this week.
Ruth says
The lounge area is great. The first night we spent there about two hours. To be honest, I could have spent way more time there.
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren says
Happy Anniversary! Looks and sounds like a fabulous weekend. Thanks for sharing, Ruth.
Happy travels 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks Lauren! Have you been to Palm Springs? I know you are always trying to discover new places.
Natalie says
Congratulations on your anniversary! It’s so lovely to be able to spoil yourselves and relax in a classy hotel. We stayed at the Langham Hotel here in Melbourne for our 10th wedding anniversary a couple of years ago. Im not usually one for laying by a pool and I find it hard to do nothing, but that weekend was probably the most relaxing I have had in a long time. So worth it.
Ruth says
Natalie, same thing here. I am the one who is always on the move. But, this time, I was able to relax and enjoy the room, food, drinks and shops (that is very rare for me).
Lyn aka TheTravellingLindfields says
You make it sound lovely.
Ruth says
Well, it was not easy to describe the experience (because it was so awesome). I tried my best ;0)
Karren Haller says
First Happy Anniversary, what a great review, looks like a great place to stay, seemed so clean and sounds so organized with great staff.
Thanks for stopping by OMHGWW this week!!
Have a beautiful day!
Karren
Ruth says
Have a beautiful day too! The staff was definitely the highlight of my stay.
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
This looks just the ticket for a relaxing getaway to celebrate your anniversary. Sometime all you need from a destination is a place to recharge.
Ruth says
That is totally true. I am paying less and less attention to planning. I am trying to learn to enjoy the moment.
budget jan says
Well the highlight of the trip for me would have been the food. Breakfast sounded delightful and the salmon Wow! Love the look of the scallops too!
Ruth says
Jan, I am with you. The food was an enormous part of why we loved this hotel so much. In addition, we had the opportunity to try a thing here and there outside the hotel. Everything was delicious.
Lydia C. Lee says
Congratulations – and glad it was fab!
Ruth says
Thanks Lydia. It was great!
Packing my Suitcase says
What a stunning hotel! That pool and the breakfast are simply awesome. Great place to celebrate your wedding anniversary! Congratulations to you both 😀
Happy to have you on #MondayEscapes
Ruth says
You cannot imagine the views we had form the hotel. Every morning and evening we were able to see the mountains surrounding the Coachella Valley. The colors were incredible.
Tonya says
Sounds like a great way to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Sometimes we need to pamper ourselves and it’s so worth it! The property looks gorgeous and your food sounds yummy. That Chocolate Ganache Cake looks too good to eat. Almost. 🙂
Ruth says
You are right about the dessert. You kind of feel sorry to break the precious decoration and patterns. But, it was so good that I forgot about the appearance fast.
Muza-chan says
Beautiful place…
Ruth says
Thanks!
Kelly says
Today is the very last day of my summer vacation, so all this relaxation-y goodness has got me wishing I could rewind time by 3 months! And that food? YUM! I think after this I am going to head out for brunch!
Ruth says
Sometimes I need a vacation after a vacation. It was different in here because I was able to relax and recharge. After this, I felt that my work week passed by at lighting speed.
RobRob@TravelLatte(.net) says
Okay, first – Happy Anniversary! Looks like you had a great one! Second, that chocolate ganache looks awesome. Thanks for the tip on where to stay in Palm Springs – good to get some advice from a local.
Ruth says
Thanks Rob! I almost missed the opportunity to try that chocolate cake. I am glad I followed the waitress recommendations.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
Happy Anniversary! Looks like a fantastic place to celebrate. I’ve never been to Palm Springs, but it’s always seemed like a great little escape in California. Traveling with kids, we always prefer staying in a suite instead of having to split up into different rooms. I really like that custom omelette at breakfast and the delicious chocolate cake for dessert, too. I’ll have to keep this place in mind if we ever make our way to Palm Springs.
Ruth says
I have been to Palm Springs several times but there are still many places I want to visit (or revisit). Because of my stay at this hotel,I am starting to see the city and area as a destination for all seasons.
Ruth says
It was the pictures of the food that got me! Looks like a great place to spend some time.
Ruth says
Ja, ja! So, many comments about the food. I am noticing that great food equals great business. We all want to eat well on a short getaway or long trip.
Anda says
Hi Ruth, first of Happy Anniversary! Wow, 7 years is quite a number! The last time I visited Palm Springs was about 20 years ago and I can’t remember seeing the Hyatt there. It is newer? At any rate, you seemed to have had a great experience there, so I’ll probably check it out next time I’ll go to Palm Springs.
Ruth says
This particular property opened in 1990 but changed names recently (and not sure if it has changed names several times). Anyway, I am sure you will not recognize today’s Palm Springs. It has changed a lot since my first visit, so, I cannot imagine how much it has changed in 20 years.
Paula McInerney says
That was funny reading that you forgot your wedding anniversary. We always do but a friend who got married on the same date, always sends us a msg to remind us. Sounds like you had a really lovely time and the hotel looks excellent.
Ruth says
Paula, with all the craziness at work, I didn’t notice the date was approaching. What is more funny is that we have a friend whose birthday is the same day as our anniversary. He likes to post about his birthday in Facebook several days before the actual day. So, we cannot forget because of him.
Vlad says
What a lovely hotel! The room looks very cozy, I bet that bed was comfortable and impossible to get up from, it surely looks that way. All those delicious food shots have made me hungry. 😀 It seems like a perfect place to spend an anniversary.
Ruth says
Vlad, you are absolutely right. The bed was delicious. My husband even said good bye to the bed minutes before we checked out. We slept like rocks.
beatravelling says
I rarely stay at hotels in this end of the scale, unless someone else is paying 🙂 But have promised myself I will splurge in the near future!
#wkendtravelinspiration
Ruth says
We like to splurge a bit on special occasions. In this case, we tried many restaurants “to celebrate” our anniversary.
Amanda & Brian - Eat_Work_Travel says
This looks like such a lovely stay! My mouth is watering from the salmon and scollop dishes from the dinner. Completely agree that the staff can really elevate hotel impressions! It’s great to be shown general interest in guests experience! Glad you had such a memorable Anniversary trip!
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Looks like a wonderful place to stay! I’ve never been to Palm Springs, but would love to go. Happy Anniversary!
Eileen says
Hello Ruth, Happy Anniversary. What a great review. This hotel sounds like a wonderful place to stay, nice that is in walking distance to the attractions. The food looks delicious! I would be happy to stay there too, thanks for sharing! Have a happy new week!
Ruth says
Thanks Eileen! The hotel was definitely great. We didn’t have to worry about driving around of finding parting (which is not easy to find during the weekends).
Bumble Bee Mum says
Thank you for linking up on Travel Tuesday. I love the hotel pool! And all those lovely food. *yumz* Palm Springs is not a place where people from my part of the world would typically visit if we go to California. Flying halfway across the globe, we would just go to LA and zip across to Las Vegas unfortunately. Hoho….
Ruth says
I understand what you are saying. Palm Springs seems to be a playground for people who want to escape the cold weather during winter. During those months, there are people from al over the States and Canada. Of course, it get sit share of visitors from Los Angeles.
Nancie says
Happy Anniversary! What a perfect place to celebrate. I’d be going back for seconds on the cake.
Ruth says
Thanks Nancie! I think I would have eaten another plate of dessert!
Indah Susanti says
Happy (belated) Anniversary Ruth! What a great review and complete! I love such services provided in a hotel, sometimes we do need to get spoiled during our vacation..
Oh, about the link, may I add as well? Do you have it on weekly basis?
Indah Susanti says
Happy (belated) Anniversary Ruth! What a great review and complete! I love such services provided in a hotel, sometimes we do need to get spoiled during our vacation..
Oh, about the link, may I add as well? Do you have it on weekly basis?
Ruth says
I know. Sometimes we need to relax and take it easy. You can enter the link party every week. We will be more than happy to have you join.
eileen g says
this is great to know about. some of the small quirky hotels in palm springs are not ideal with kids. Hyatt is fairly reliable.
Ruth says
There were tons of families in the hotel and I see why it is a family favorite. The rooms are spacious; there is a pool, lounge and communal area to sit. Plus, you can walk around town easily.
Jill says
Happy Belated Anniversary! I have never been to Palm Springs but it’s been at the top of my list for awhile – I love mid-century modern. The Hyatt definitely looks like a cool place to stay.
Ruth says
Thanks Jill! I still have a lot of things to check out in Palm Springs. I have always wanted to do an architectural tour.
Jen says
What a great place! I think I could enjoy spending a lovely extended weekend there 😉
Thank you so much for sharing it with us for Photo Friday!
Ruth says
Oh yeah! A weekend in the hotel is awesome. I wanted to stay the entire week but had to go back to work ;0(