Restored mid-century motel turned rustic-chic Palm Springs boutique hotel

Sparrows Lodge / Palm Springs / CA / USA

Restored motels make my body vibrate with excitement. When old motels that might have seen their best days are gently brought into a new era while still keeping the old spirit intact. In the US there are a fair amount of these kind of hotels, and Palm Springs is probably the town with the largest amount. And it is here, in this desert town where you’ll find this fabulous old motel turned boutique hotel, the Sparrows Lodge.

The first place that opened on this site was the Castle Red Barn back in 1952 by MGM actor Don Castle and his wife Zetta. This motel was within the approved distance from the Hollywood studios for contracted actors. Since then it has been the Catalina Palms, the El Rancho Lodge until it finally became the current version, the Sparrows Lodge. This hotel really stands out in Palm Springs that is usually all about mid-century chic. And although this one is also from the same era it has a totally different vibe - a more rustic chic one.

When you arrive at this cute 20-key hotel, you enter through the old reception (nowadays it is in the converted barn building that is separating the two courtyards) and then you are right in front of the pool area, surrounded by chunky palm trees, fountains, a lot of potted plants and a generous amount of sun loungers. And in the background soft lounge music is beckoning you to kick off your gear and go relax by the pool with a welcome drink in hand. And trust me when I say that I was quick to answer that call.

Our room was true to the aesthetic of the hotel, meaning that the rustic chic vibe was very much present with white painted wooden panelling, exposed beam ceilings, concrete floors with inlaid pebbles. The furniture are bespoke and of course a wooden ceiling fan.

Welcome to Sparrows Lodge! The roadside sign with the two cute sparrows lets you know you have arrived at your destination.

This is the view that greets you once you step into the hotel. The pool, lined with plush loungers and palm trees.

The reception is housed in the main building, that is separating the two courtyards. In this house you'll also find...

Checked in and ready to head to the room.

Our room. I love the rustic look and feel with the wooden panelling, the exposed ceiling and the pebble in-laid concrete floors.

The bath room is hidden behind a sturdy, stone partition wall.

At the back of our room we had our own patio with a big, comfy hammock.

The husband and our friends Jack and Tanja relaxing by the pool in the afternoon sun.

At Sparrows Lodge they know how to say welcome. With a cool drink by the pool.

If you have forgotten sun screen, don’t worry! There is complimentary sun screen by the pool.

The second courtyard, where the restaurant is located.

If you wanna go for a ride there are bikes on loan at the hotel.

Sun is rising and we are out for a morning walk to get coffee…

…at nearby outlet of local coffee chain, Koffi.

Sun is slowly rising over the palm trees of Palm Springs.

My little crew getting ready for breakfast.

This little munchkin, Reggie, hung out with us at breakfast. Too cute!

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are coming to Palm Springs and want to stay at a classic motel that has been transformed into a rustic chic, Adults-only boutique hotel where there is only one focus - total relaxation.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the pool. It is as simple as that. The pool area is where you come to hang, drink, read, snooze, relax and of course - have a refreshing dip to cool off from the dry desert heat.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to bike. Palm Springs is great for biking (although very hot) and the hotel has bikes to loan. And luckily there are many great watering holes to stop if you need a cool drink or an ice cream.

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