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Holly and Heather insisted that I see the Parker Hotel for it's fabulousness and the fact that it was designed by (breathe) Jonathan Adler! He really did such an incredible job of mixing vintage finds with his own vintage-inspired original pieces. To see so much of his work up close and personal like that was truly inspiring. His style is so funky and eclectic and just everything all three of us love, rolled into one. Holly got to stay there (!!!) with her husband for their anniversary recently and she called the hotel "Her Happy Place". I can totally see that. ; )
It's just a dream.
It's not stuffy like so many high-end boutique hotels out there, which I loved. The gardens are just glorious with so many lovely, shady and cozy spots. His designs are seen throughout the grounds so you're reminded of his style everywhere. I told Ethan about it and he said we should splurge and stay there for our 15 year Wedding Anniversary - which is in a couple years (wow). (it's pricey, but worth it! We're not ones to splurge on accomodations, but this is worth the splurge.)
Be sure to browse around their website and check out the rooms. Can you imagine being surrounded by all of those amazing vintage and Adler pieces right in your own bedroom? swoon.
Of course we took our dolls with us and had fun setting them up around the grounds. There are so many private areas around that it's easy to sort of hide while you're doing your MacGyver Blythe photos shoots. ; )
I loved this snippet I found here about how Adler views the Parker, as a sort of character in itself:
It is, in fact, a character, says the hotel's designer, New York ceramist Jonathan Adler. The hotel opened in 2004, and at the time, Adler told me he envisioned the Parker as "your great aunt's estate. She's an Auntie Mame type who traveled the world and had innate panache." You either love her or hate her, and the resort too.
Mrs. Parker, as Adler calls her, likes the irregular, geometric shapes of '60s décor and mixes them with Peruvian wall hangings, statuary of exotic animals and sequins on her couch pillows. She revels in bright colors -- vivid orange on the front doors, lipstick red on the room chairs and her signature hot pink everywhere in between.
She puts featherbeds over the mattress, sheepskins beside your bed at night and caviar on her breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. She keeps a spotless house and pool.
She has tucked butterfly needlepoint pillows on guest room beds and shopped Middle Eastern bazaars for leather ottomans, bright baskets and giant round wicker chairs. She adores Adler's ceramics (he's known for his pottery, not his hotel design) and gives them prominent display on her midcentury modern furniture.
Oh my your photo's are FABULOUS (as always!). That hotel is just amazing and I love the doll shots!! I am still here reading away, just don't seem to have much time to comment with my sweetie at my side all day every day... :)
I still need to get in touch with you about the hat drive and i will.... once it slows down a bit for ALL of us!!
Posted by: chinamommy | July 19, 2011 at 07:40 AM
I love the pics from your other, Caliente Hotel, post and this one! Such a great time! The Blythes are adorable as ever....so unlike kids when you want to take a pic of them! Wonderful vintage look to this place (and the other), truly great eye candy!!
Posted by: Jenette | July 19, 2011 at 07:58 AM
i'm totally enjoying your palm springs photos! thanks for sharing.
Posted by: D R E W | July 19, 2011 at 08:09 AM
wishing we were there right now! with a drink from the lemonade stand!
Posted by: heather | July 19, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Wow! That place is a gem. I liked Palm Springs already, but these photos-plus the ones from teh Caliente Hotel-make me want a cocktail and dip in the pool.
Posted by: alli | July 19, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Omg! I'm in love with these hotels!!! I'm going to Palm Springs in few weeks, now I know where to stay :) Lovely post! Loved it!!
XO
Lauren
Posted by: Lauren | July 20, 2011 at 11:12 AM