Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Escape the Paparazzi in Palm Springs

As a celebrity in LA, you have an at times enviable routine. From walking the red carpets to partying on Sunset and shopping on Rodeo Drive, you’ve become accustomed to the finer things in life. You never wait in line to get into a club, you work out with your personal trainer and then do it all again the next day.

In between it all, you also have to dodge paparazzi, sign autographs for fans, argue with your agent, and deal with LA traffic. Los Angeles is fabulous, but sometimes you just want to get away from it all. But, where? The answer is simple: escape an easy 120 miles east to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

For more than 50 years Hollywood’s A-list have used this desert oasis as a place to relax and recharge.  From Frank Sinatra and the rat pack to Angelina and Brad – they have all been here. The resort cities that lie in the Coachella Valley offer a wide range of hotels – from eco-chic to ultra-luxury resorts. So where should you stay, what should you do?

Well friends, that depends on your celebrity status.

The Social Rebel

If you made your name in independent films or you are the a bad ass rocker who just wants to hang with the band, make your way to the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, the hotel with the biggest buzz in California at the moment. Around a super-sized pool sit several buildings of a 1960s style motel. The complex has just been completely renovated, but maintains an ultra cool, vintage feel. Many communal areas like the pool areas or fireplaces call for getting to know your neighbors and impromptu jam sessions. No wonder the New York Times called it “the country’s most original new hotel”.

The Sun-Seeking VIP

After your first 100 million dollar movie it’s time to treat your significant other to a weekend getaway complete with extensive spa treatments, champagne in bed and upscale dining. For the perfect thank you retreat it has to be the glamorous Riviera Resort & Spa. Another recently renovated Palm Springs gem, this hotel has everything you expect as a pampered celebrity, including amenities like poolside cabanas with WiFi and flat screen TVs.

The Privacy-Obsessed Icon

Oscar winning celebs can be found lounging at the Viceroy Palm Springs, a small boutique resort and spa. Hotel rooms and private villas surround three courtyards with pools and gardens to create an intimate setting. Due to several extensive renovations the property has not lost any of its glamour from the Golden Hollywood years when celebrities like Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and President Delano Roosevelt stayed here.

Best of all Palm Springs does not require a celebrity size checkbook, it’s within reach for D-listers and entourage alike, especially within the summer season.  Many hotels are participating in the “Palm Springs half off” campaign, which offers great deals throughout the season in many of the area’s top resorts including the three resorts mentioned above.

Grab your sun screen, over sized black sunglasses and camera because you never know who you may end up sharing a cabana with when you escape to Palm Springs.

Now that you have heard from us, we want to hear from you. Share your best Palm Springs tips or your favorite places to escape below.

Photo Credit: D. L. Thompson & Jon Johnson