Murray On Travel

There's no doubt about it: the easier it becomes to travel, the harder it is to be a traveler.
John Julius Norwich
A Taste For Travel, 1985

The pool at The Inn at Furnace Creek is an oasis in the vast desert of Death Valley National Park California.  The pool is warmed by a natural hot springs and in the evening large fireplaces warm hotel guests.

The buildings that make up the Colony Palms Hotel have been here for years under a variety of names.  First built by mobster Al Wertheimer, this was the spot for Hollywood types in the 30's and 40's when studio contract actors had to be within 2 hours of reporting for work.  This old property has all the classic Palm Springs charm wrapped up in a recent Moroccan-inspired renovation. 


The Colony's 56 guest rooms are comfortable and beautifully styled.  Here, as at most Palm Springs hotels, the center of activity is around the large pool.  It might be better stated as "inactivity" around the pool.  This is a particularly relaxing property with private spots for lounging hidden amongst the landscaping around the pool.


Muted colors and a variety of textures make the room feel very custom and unique.  In keeping with most hotel rooms in the Springs you will not find much storage space.  A couple of drawers share a cabinet with the minibar refrigerator.  The frig does have room for your own items.  A variety of premium liquor are available in your room, but unlike other resorts they provide a variety of glassware and mixing accessories.  A variety of snacks as well as a "Luxury Intimacy Kit".  Hotel website has additional information.

Bed liniens were comfortable but the bed was not.  Bed wasn't very firm and had "dents" from previous use.  The closet has an iron & ironing board, along with a full length mirror mounted on the back wall behind your hanging clothes...??? The room also has lots of electrical outlets, and iPod dock clock radio but no coffee maker. Coffee is available each morning at the pool. No smoking in guest rooms, $150 cleaning fee.


The bath is unusually spacious with tall vanity and a large shower, but no tub.  Terry-cloth robes are provided.  In addition to the main mirror, a makeup/closeup mirror on an articulated arm is provided. 


This second floor room has a narrow balcony with a small table that could make for a pleasant morning breakfast spot.  Room 33 looks out on a small residential area that runs along the back of the property with lots of greenery.  Other second floor rooms along the back of the property have similar balconies.  First floor rooms have small walled in patios and do not look as nice. 


This maybe the only hotel in the Downtown Palm Springs area that offers turn down service.  But with this level of service I can not understand why they couldn't do something about the air conditioning!  When the AC turns on it is like a little wind tunnel.  During my 7 Hotels In 7 Days: Palm Springs outing every hotel has offered excellent environmental controls.  But here the thermostat controls are locked, you can not get to the fan speed controls.  Only a temperature up and down control is offered.  I called the front desk, and within minutes, a maintenance man arrived only to tell say he could not change the fan speed.  In additional to the roar of the fan motor, the cool wind blows right on the bed.  I adjusted the louvers on the two air outlets, but it did not help much.


WiFi is included as part of the required Resort Fee.  But SpeedTest.net showed extremely poor speeds, 1mbps UP and 1mbps DOWN.  Skype can work at this speed but streaming movies won't.


An excellent restaurant is located poolside, The Purple Palm, which can be delivered to your room.  In enjoyed my meal, but a foodie I am not. Yelp Link.  Service was excellent , and the poolside venue was beautiful.