November 18

ESCAPE LONDON VISIT AMERICA – “BEAT THE COVID BLUES” – Don’t confine, Go Recline at Dr. Elstein’s divine “Willows Inn”

Posted by Editor on November 18, 2020 in 5 Star Rating, America, Escape London & Visit America, Free Breakfast, Heart London Magazine, Hotels, Los Angeles, Luxury Living, Travel, Uncategorized, Visit America | Leave a comment

Just like the Nat King Cole song softly crooning in the background, this place is “Unforgettable”.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn is the most beautifully converted, early-20th-century sumptuous, Italian-inspired mansion. It is a home away from home, if you are doing very well on the stock market.

Entrance to the Millionaire’s Mansion now known as
“The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn”

The modestly named “Inn”, is more of an elegant manor house which throws you back in time to the nostalgic “roaring twenties”; with original 100 year old bathrooms, crystal chandeliers, antique, Italian, intricately carved furniture, beautifully woven rugs complimenting the spacious rooms’ decor and the quaint touches such as the antique rotary style telephone.

Just like a grand mansion, guests have access to all areas of the millionaire’s “home” (pet and children free).

We all want to feel Covid-19 safe when we travel away from home. So knowing that the hotel is open to registered guests only and its gates leading to the property are locked at all times, it is reassuring to know there are limited people at the hotel. Also The Willows has the perfect spacious layout with rooms spread out over the complex. My room door actually opened into the fresh air, so I felt very safe during these Covid-19 times. The hotel supplied a mask and sanitizing lotion in the rooms with also sanitizing stations and open air locations. Following all state mandated guidelines, there were signs up reminding guests to wear a mask and the guests were sensible and generous of spirit in complying.

Another feature I liked was that there were large French windows open constantly, for a good flow of air in many of the rooms and the common areas : living room, dining room, balconies and reading areas.

The Living Room : read a book by the roaring fire or
tinkle a tune on the grand piano.

The comfy living room, or as we would say in the UK, the lounge, with its grand piano, the roaring fireplace, crystal candelabra, the pretty, purple bougainvillea covered verandas, the Italian stone walkways to the neighboring mansion are just a few of the features to enjoy.

Last but not least, the beautiful, open air breakfast room. The 3 course, Chef-driven breakfast was divine; eggs hollandaise, fresh berries, soft and warm home made muffins and juices. The breakfast was definitely the piece de la resistance indeed , with its stunning and unique backdrop of a 50-ft waterfall.

The waterfall was originally designed, not only as a breathtaking backdrop, but also engineered as a Victorian air conditioning system for the house, with vented, louvered doors to cool the rooms.

These interesting historical facts really put a unique touch to the visit.
Dipping into the 24/7 heated pool and jacuzzi is a must. Both are gorgeous, private sun traps surrounded by vibrant flowers and well maintained foliage.

The service was the best I’ve encountered; friendly yet subtle, attentive but not intrusive. Even the maintenance staff seemed invisible and magically cleaned everything without you knowing.

Located perfectly, you get the best of both worlds; while walking distance to the Palm Springs main street, the Willows is in a very tranquil, secluded area which avoids the hustle and bustle of the strip.

One last, interesting fact to mention of this historic landmark is that Dr. Albert Einstein was a frequent guest! So perhaps the bed that you sleep in could be the one that Dr. Einstein dreamt in!