Inside the Happiest Hotel in Palm Springs

Holiday House Palm Springs, a newly reimagined historical property in the heart of Palm Springs, will reopen in May following a makeover by interior designer Mark D. Sikes. Richard Crisman and Jeff Brock, in partnership with PRG Hospitality Group (the same owners of the nearby Sparrows Lodge) purchased the mid-century gem last June. The property was originally built by architect Herbert Burns in 1951.

The interiors of the 28-room boutique hotel have been decorated in Sikes’s signature cobalt blue and white palette. “We wanted to create something that felt like a fresh take on mid-century modern design,” says Sikes. “It’s very comfortable, relaxed, and not overly designed. It just feels approachable, very attainable, and like a place that people would want to relax and spend time.”

The hotel features works by artists like David Hockney, Alex Katz, and David Sultan scattered throughout the spaces. “I drew inspiration from Gio Ponti and Josef Frank and definitely looked to the past, especially to that mid-century Italian era,” says Sikes.

Design elements like Quadrille wallpapers, Gio Ponti tiles, travertine and blue terrazzo floors, lacquer, mid-century mahogany wood pieces, and brass fixtures complete the space. The signature fabric used throughout is Exotic Butterfly, which is part of the Schumacher Signature collection.

Sikes wanted to update the design point of view while still honoring the authentic mid-century feel. “What was alluring to me was the authenticity of the architecture and the opportunity to create something that maintained the bones of the architecture while still feeling fresh and relevant for today,” he explains. The name of the hotel is Holiday House, but throughout the whole process Sikes referred to it as the “Happy House.” Hopefully the guests agree.

Rooms from $199/night; holidayhouseps.com

Holiday House guest rooms are appointed in a blue and white palette, and wood grain wallpaper in select spaces provides a neutral, earth tone element. “The bedrooms are a combination of graphic wallpapers and wood headboards or a Cowtan & Tout wood wallpaper with a graphic fabric as a headboard,” says Sikes.

Rooms are equipped with a

featuring an upholstered banquette for space-saving comfort. “We wanted to make the rooms feel very livable,” says Sikes. “This meant having an updated kitchen and a bathroom that was a proper size, functional and comfortable for the modern day.”

Custom wallpaper and Smeg appliances create a fun color story in the kitchenette.

King-size guest rooms with custom wallpaper are decorated in the designer’s signature blue and white palette. “I was naturally drawn to this playful blue and white approach that would be both upbeat and relaxing for hotel guests,” says Sikes.

Select rooms offer spacious outdoor seating so guests can take advantage of the desert views and weather, night or day, in the privacy of their room.

Custom bar carts feature a mix of cocktail essentials and favorites.

Read more:

• Get the Look: The Suitest Room at the Parker Palm Springs• Palm Springs Hidden Gem• 11 Things We Learned From This Palm Springs Mid-century Modern

Published on April 17, 2017