Murray On Travel

Even if The Chase has gone to extensive lengths to preserve their midcentury architecture, it doesn't really matter.  Back in the 50's, just as today, travelers came to Palm Springs to enjoy the fun and sun.  They also, just as today, expect the a comfortable room, well kept property and a splendid pool.  The Chase delivers on all counts and adds a cool vibe.  With the additional benefit of a great location, just 1 block from downtown, it is hard to beat it.  Restaurants and shopping are just around the corner! 


NOTE...  I was given a room that had been recently renovated, room #105.  It is NOT representative of other rooms at the hotel.  I did take a peek into another room, it was very nice, decorated with more traditional hotel furniture.  It didn't have a sunken bath as you will see below.  Also many of the rooms at The Chase have kitchens making them great for extended stays.



A microwave, modern refrigerator and other electronics contrast the midcentury decor but it all works.  A nice selection of books, comfortable bed, an AM/FM clock radio, HDTV w/DVD.  Room lighting is adequate.  Security is weak, no lock on the large bathroom window, no peephole and no security chain/bar on the entrance door, no safe.  Other rooms appear to have peepholes.  Free WiFi: Ping 15mb, Down 5mbps, Up 1mbps, this sounds slow , but it felt pretty snappy. Only a few small drawers are provided, more storage in the bath.  Small closet has an iron and ironing board. No room service.


Bathroom is very hip/cool.  The shower/bath stall has a giant window that looks out onto your private patio.  This takes some getting used to, but I liked it.  It works well as a shower, but I estimate it would take an hour or so to fill it as a tub.  Basic amenities are provided.  A coffee maker is tucked into a cabinet.  No hair dryer provided.  Some additional drawer space is provided in the bathroom.  Towels are nice. 


The patio is unique to this single renovated room.   It has two small chairs and a little portable firepit.  Depending on the time of the year it gets some sun in the morning. 


This is a great pool.  Large, plenty of room for lounge chairs, tables, and what would a 50's hotel be without shuffleboard.  Some umbrellas are available.  No pool bar/service.


Lobby is comfortable. A computer is available for guests as is plenty of tourist information.  A straightforward self-serve breakfast is offered from 7-10 am.  Lobby staff is extremely helpful. 


The Chase is a fine hotel, no wonder regular guests book rooms here for weeks at a time during the winter season. 

Without question this is one of the best hotels of the "7 Hotels in 7 Days: Palm Springs" project.  But this is no surprise the Viceroy has been a fabulous hotel for years. UPDATE: Renamed as an Avalon Hotel Palm Springs.


The property has three areas.  The central portion is made up of a two story traditional hotel layout around a pool.  Ground floor rooms have super easy access to the adults only pool.  (Avoid rooms 207 & 208 a public walkway runs between your patio and pool. Building 300 & 400 rooms are excellent.  Pool view rooms on second floor would also be great in any of these buildings.)



On one side of the property are individual casitas around another beautiful sunny adult pool.  Another similar area has a family pool near another group of lovely individual casitas with tall palms and fruit trees. 


Basic rooms have a very fun and lively Black and White decor.  A large yellow chandelier is centered in the room above the coffee table.  Very cool.   Not a lot of storage space, but you don't need much at a place like the Viceroy.  If I was here for several days I would take over the liquor cabinet and use it for clothes.  The Viceroy offers guest midsized bottles of tequilla, whiskey, and vodka in addition to a small stocked minibar refrigerator.  Other room options can be seen at the hotel website for the renamed Avalon Hotel Palm Springs.


Room was quiet, and the bed was extremely comfortable.  A nice big Sony HDTV with a DVD player offers HDMI inputs for additional devices you might have.  A small FM only clock radio with iPod dock and an aux input is bedside.  Note: $250 cleaning fee if you smoke in your room.


Bathroom is a little dark, but offers everything you will need.  Large bottles of branded bath essentials are provided for your use but not to take home as in other hotels.  A large shelf is available behind the door with towels and an area for your personal items.  It is a little inconvenient located behind the door, but I got used to it.


The hotel has a lovely walled in area dedicated to special events.  Unlike other resorts, this venue is well separated from the public areas of the property.  As a guest I always feel out of place when I turn a corner and walk into a private event. 

Called the front desk and asked when checkout was, noon.  They didn't offer a late checkout, but when I asked they gave me an extra hour.  At one point I called hotel operator and did not get an answer.


The hotel offers free Internet, both WiFi and hardwired.  Speed was 9mbps up and 1mbps down.  But it my connection was not steady and it dropped several times.  I mentioned it to the front desk at checkout and they gave me a credit for part of the resort fee.  Viceroy offers in-room dining along with a small bar and restaurant with inside and poolside tables.  Food is excellent in a lovely environment.

The Viceroy is about three blocks from downtown Palm Springs dinning, shopping and entertainment. An easy walk.

Every room may be different, but all the rooms at Casa Cody are just steps from one of its two pools.  This Palm Springs classic boutique Bed and Breakfast property has a definite Spanish vibe.  Located just two blocks from Palm Canyon Drive it is a short walk to dozen excellent restaurants, shopping and other attractions.  This is a perfect location if you want to enjoy the downtown area of Palm Springs.


This place has a decidedly Mom and Pop feel.  They only take reservations over the phone, it has no online reservations system.  Here, it is old fashioned pencil to paper.  Maybe being a little stuck in the past is what has kept the Casa Cody a Palm Springs favorite for years.  Visit the Casa Cody website for more information.


Casa Cody's room #4 was not the cheapest, it is a small studio, but it was all that was available.  It straddles the properties two pools.  Double doors in the small kitchen open out to the "square" pool, while the room main entrance looks out over the "round" pool. 


The kitchen has a microwave, stove/oven, sink, coffee pot and a refrigerator.  Minimal glassware, plates and cooking utensils are provided.  But if you want to skip cooking you can visit one of the great restaurants located in downtown Palm Springs located just two blocks away.


A comfortable bed is centered in the large main room, with a small HD TV, desk, 2 soft armchairs and a working fireplace.  A wall air conditioner cools, while a wall mounted heater warms the unit on chilly desert nights.

Mexican floor tiles, furniture, fixtures, and art work all support a Southern California desert Spanish theme without being too dark. 


Closets and a few drawers are located in the unusually large bath.  Towels are basic, large red towels are provided for use around the pool.   Bath amenities are standard, nothing fancy.  So if you like a high end shampoo, better bring your own. 


It is a cool May evening and I haven't turned on my rooms AC.  Others rooms in the round pools courtyard appear to have done the same thing.  It is quiet and cool on that side of the property.  But around the square pool courtyard a AC unit is buzzing along. 

The light breeze blowing through the room is pleasant.  A ceiling fan helps mix circulate it around.  I'm temped to quietly slip into the pool.  Or maybe something with a few bubbles?  A hot tub is located in walled off corner of the property. 



These are not large pools, but plenty spacious enough to cool off and for kids to enjoy. 

A simple breakfast is provided poolside between 8-10am each morning. Bagels and cereal, no fruit.  The friendly lobby staff is on-duty 9am to 9pm, daily.  Check in is 2pm, check out 11am.  $15 per day extra charge for pets.  My room didn't have a clock or clock radio, but the HDTV had a sleep timer.  I asked for a late checkout, noon instead of 11am, and it was no problem on a Monday morning.