When I told my dear uncle that we planned to visit Palm Springs, he sent us a list of places to check out. Near the top was a visit to the Parker House Hotel.

While it’s out of our price range ($795/night with a 2-night minimum on weekends… the price drops to just under $400/night with tax for a mid-week stay), there’s no harm in walking around. My sister and I put on an air of confidence and march inside like we own the place. No one questions us, even when I take out my DSLR to snap a few photos.

Jonathan Adler decorated the lobby.

In the mood for morning waffles? They’ll set you back around $20 at Norma’s. That’s nothing compared to the $1,000 lobster frittata with 10 oz Sevruga Caviar (seriously… it’s on their breakfast menu).

The grounds are extensive and it takes us awhile to walk the property. There are so many paths to various gardens and courts. It’s almost like a giant maze.

Bocce courts! I have fun memories of playing this with my family growing up.

A game of croquet, anyone?

I felt weird photographing the hotel room doors, but they are unique — instead of a boring room number, they are all named after people. Like the MELISSA Room or the ANDY Room, etc. What a fun touch! I’m curious what the history is behind those names and if it relates to well-known people who have stayed in particular rooms. The only downside is that since the place is a maze it could be difficult to find your room without sequencing numbers.

As we pass back through the lobby we find Mr. Parker’s, a hip bar. If you’re in the mood for a fancy drink in Palm Springs, this is a great place to soak up the atmosphere.

I love the suit of armor and giant orange doors.

We walk back to our car parked around the block. The flowers lining the entryway are gorgeous.

I believe that Parker House Hotel popped up on Groupon or Living Social or TravelZoo once. If you ever see it on there in the future, book immediately!! For the right price this would be a fabulous way to enjoy Palm Springs.

Bravo even made a reality show about this place — Welcome to the Parker, about the “lives, relationships, and drama of the Parker Palm Springs hotel staff and their guests.”