A Look Inside Palm Springs’ Newest Boutique Hotel

The Villa Royale arrives with a heady dose of design and a major side of swagger.

Palm Springs’ upward trajectory seems no signs of abating. Last year saw the opening of Kimpton’s The Rowan, smack dab in the middle of downtown and the first purpose-built hotel in the city in years. And now Provenance hotels, the Pacific Northwest boutique-chain behind such much-loved spots like the Heathman and Lucia in Portland and the Hotel Max in Seattle have thrown their hat in the game with Villa Royale.Here’s how they’re describing it:Set at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Royale is a 3.5-acre free-spirited, adults-only hideaway amidst the desert palms of the Coachella Valley. A secluded stomping ground reimagined where Spanish influence and architectural nuances of the Post-War period stand side-by-side with modern design appeal for which Palm Springs is known today. Within the Mission Revival Style villas and geometric tiled courtyards, Villa Royale channels the eccentric history of the destination and mesmerism of the landscape that has long lured wild, free-thinking and creative spirits to the Southern California desert.We popped in for a quick site tour the other day and the place has a very cool vibe. Think the vibrancy of the Ace (it’s right across the street although it has a much more secluded feeling location) with the design chops of the La Serena Villas.The hotel is actually comprised of two spaces; the main complex houses 31 of Villa Royale’s 38 villa rooms, which are open now. Across South Indian Trail Road sits Villa Rosa with seven California ranch style villas that mirror the design cues and playful vibe of Villa Royale and will be a very cool option for buy-outs of the entire 7 rooms.Even more compelling is the price point. PS spots have been slowly creeping up in recent years with mid-week stays routinely topping $300 for any of the on point spots. But for now the entry-level rooms at Villa Royale will be starting at under $200, which is a steal.There’s a restaurant—Del Rey—that should be opening very soon and will specialize is small plates in a moody intimate room.