Palm Springs.
Palm Springs has the highest concentration of mid-century motor-court hotels in America — and most are independently owned. Korakia Pensione's Moroccan compound, Ace's Palm Springs flagship (still independent of Atelier Ace), the Sands Hotel & Spa's Moroccan revival, Avalon Hotel, the Parker. Plus a constellation of 12-room mid-century hideaways: L'Horizon, Holiday House, the Saguaro.
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
A 1958 Movie Colony hotel — 70 rooms, three pools, Kelly Wearstler-designed bungalows.
Holiday House Palm Springs
A 1951 Herbert Burns mid-century motel restored 2016 — 28 adults-only rooms, palms and a pool.
Korakia Pensione
A Moroccan-Mediterranean compound from 1924 — 28 adults-only rooms, two pools, candlelit pathways.
L'Horizon Resort & Spa
A 1952 William F. Cody motor court restored to mid-century purity — 25 adults-only bungalows.
The Parker Palm Springs
Jonathan Adler's design tour-de-force — 144 rooms on 13 acres, Mister Parker's restaurant.
The Sands Hotel & Spa
A 1940s motor court reimagined as a Moroccan oasis — 46 rooms, mint-tea-on-arrival, hookah lounge.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
A 1965 Howard Johnson reimagined — 180 rooms, two pools, Kings Highway diner, the Palm Springs scene.