Desert Delights - Palm Springs - Page 5

• Century Palm Springs, an Alexander apartment house, has been turned into an inn. (598 Grenfall Road,760-323-9966)
• The Del Marcos, Bill Cody's first commission in town, set the tone for post-war modern motels. The motel also has a wonderful Alexander home available for rent. (225 W. Baristo Road, 1-800-676-1214)
• The Movie Colony Hotel, designed by Albert Frey. (726 N. Indian Canyon Drive, 1-888-953-5700
• The Orbit In, perhaps the highest end of the retro resorts. You can see Albert Frey's house from the Frey Room's outdoor shower. (562 W. Arenas Road, 1-877-996-7248) The architect was Herbert Bruns, who also designed the Desert Riviera (610 E. Palm Canyon Dr.)
• The Lautner Compound in Desert Hot Springs. The Lautner Compound is especially unique, four units of angular steel that develop a very special relationship with the desert. Tony Merchell is manager. (760-288-2280).
• Miracle Manor is a 1948 motel remodeled by architect Michael Rotondi. (12589 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, 877-329-6641).

Touring and Events:

• PS Modern Tours. 760-318-6118 [email protected]. Three-hour van tours. Custom tours can also be arranged.
• The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation runs an annual tour, often of modern attractions. 760-837-7117
• The Palm Springs Modern Committee holds an annual open house tour in October.
• The Elvis Honeymoon Hotel opens for concerts and other events.
• The annual Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale: February 17-19.

Photographs by John Eng and Adriene Biondo (except as noted)