The Viceroy, Palm Springs

About

This is the perfect combination of five-star and boutique hotel. Need room service? Simply call down. Want a pool to yourself? Choose one of three. With only two floors and an ultra-discreet vibe, this truly feels like an A-lister hideout. Get cosy.

Décor

There are some aspects that feel dated: the Starck-esque white guest and dining rooms, for example. But overall, the décor here is among our faves (and we’ve been around). The colour palette of yellow, black and white works, and feels timeless (we like it in the Haymarket, too). UJ loved the tiled wall reception, the striped sun loungers and curtained cabanas, and the indoor furniture used outside. Guess you can do that in a desert.

Highlights

UJ loved the pools. Small, but perfectly formed, and as long as you aren’t causing a raucous, seemingly fine to use at most hours. There are family and adult pools, too (thank god). Service by the pool is slick and unobtrusive – just the way we like it. The chic bungalows – à la Chateau Marmont – dotted around were also special; you could envision silver screeners living here. Sign us up.

Eat and drink

Once here, you won’t want to leave, so work your way through the menu. Start with the coffee, pastries and yoghurt parfait that are laid out for breakfast on the go. Feel like a splurge? Head straight for the lemon ricotta pancakes and Moët. Lunch is ceviche and blackened fish tacos, late dinner is something casual from the bar menu. Parmesan and truffle frites are necessary at all times. Everything is washed down with buckets of rosé.

Party

This isn’t a party spot. Weddings and gatherings, yes, but party, no. So book into the spa instead, then move into the bar later to hang with some of the guests; there’s always interesting chat. Alternatively, try a local bar – UJ opted for Hair of the Dog, a biker bar with ‘pints’ of margaritas. Ouch.

Other Things to Check Out

If you feel like shopping, hit the outlets. We preferred just driving around, taking in the retro signage (7-Elevens were a highlight). A stop off for drinks at the Parker Palm Springs is a must. Others in our party brought home tales of Pinocchio’s, the fabled breakfast spot that serves all-you-can-drink ‘champers’ for $3.95 (guess the early birds aren’t the biggest drinkers) but we were happy poolside.

Top Tip

Book a ground level suite – it’s nice to walk from bed to pool. Also make sure to get a massage. UJ loved the flavoured ice water (orange, cucumber) around the grounds.

Why Go Now

Things are finally cooling down, meaning the temperature is perfect (26˚C). You’ll also avoid the throngs of sunseekers who spend their winters here – book a car and go.