Review of The Movie Colony Hotel, by The TI Review Team

By TI reviewer Benji Lanyado

The Movie Colony district of Palm Springs has been sheltering privacy-seeking Los Angelinos since the 1930s, when Carey Grant, Al Jolson and Marilyn Monroe would flee to the neighbourhood for desert downtime. Appropriately, The Movie Colony Hotel seems suspended in a bygone age; a snapshot of mid-Century Modernism where guests lounge by the pool, cocktails in hand. The serene 'Hollywood outpost' atmosphere is complemented by the visual fare - this boutique hideaway, replete with the flourishes of Modernist pioneer Albert Frey, could double as a design exhibition.

Beyond the corrugate metal and cinder block entrance on the dusty Indian Canyon thoroughfare, a sleek modern lobby is flecked with light spilling through plantation shutters. Most guests pass through the reception area and into the hotel's focal pool area, surrounded by poolside rooms and overlooked by first-floor balconies - Jim Morisson once leapt from one of the metal railings (meant to resemble cruise ship trimmings) into the water below.

This is a hotel where most guests keep to themselves, apart from the sunset wine hour around the fire pit, when Californian wines and sangria served up and patrons compare notes on how little they have done that day. Rare outbursts of energy are serviced by the retro cruiser bicycles tucked away in the corner of the courtyard, and any excursions are best followed by spa treatments that can be easily arranged by the in-house concierge. In-room mod cons are relatively sparse, but televisions with DVDs and data jacks suffice.

Carpeted in tight sea-grass and buffered from the blinding desert sun by trademark shutters, The Movie Colony's nine patio rooms and four standard rooms are where Albert Frey's Modernist, clean-cut legacy is most evident. Beds are pillowed in 400-thread count duvets and taupe throws, and dotted with zany retro pillows. Geometric upholstery and vintage touches (original aluminium cocktail shakers) complete the throwback vibe - staying here feels a little like sleeping in a 1970s "fine living" showroom.