The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn

Circa 1924. This beautiful Italianate Mediterranean estate was once the abode of Marion Davies, mistress of William Randolf Hearst. Carole Lombard and Clark Gable stayed here as part of "the world's longest honeymoon," and Albert Einstein was also a guest. The building's architecture includes the construction of a second shell inside the exterior to provide a natural cooling effect with the air pocket created. Mahogany beams, hardwood floors, a grand piano and a carved fireplace accentuate the Great Hall. It's difficult to choose a room, but for your first trip you might try the Rock Room with a shower flowing onto a protruding piece of San Jacinto Mountain and a double tub built into a rock. The Marion Davies Room offers fine antiques, a balcony with view, and a fireplace. Its bath has a stone floor, silver chandelier, chaise lounge and double tub as well as a shower with a private garden view. The arches of the inn's veranda are set off with long drapes and there are frescoed ceilings and views out over the pool. Guests enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres in the evening, sometimes with live music, and in the morning, a full gourmet breakfast is served within view of a hillside waterfall. Cross the street to Le Vallauris, an excellent French restaurant, or walk to several historical sites.