Things really started to cook—an appropriate term if you’ve ever been in Palm Springs during the summer—Charlie Farrel, an actor of dubious skills probably best known as the father on “My Little Margie,” and Ralph Bellamy got kicked off the tennis courts at the El Mirador Hotel when Marlene Dietrick wanted to bat balls. In response, they started the Racket Club in 1932, and U2’s Crosby used to pretend to be a bartender. Farrel had a fair tennis game, but better players such as Charlie Chaplin used to play here all winter.
Today, the Racket Club is mired in what can only be called a tacky neighborhood, but there are still tattered white stucco cottages named for Spencer Tracy, Joan Crawford, and Lucille Ball. Even better, you can laze by the pool where Marilyn Monroe was discovered back in 1948.
The Estrella Inn’s another spot where celebrities pawned. It’s claimed that Franklin D. Roosevelt sleep here, but, as rumor has it, apparently not with Eleanor. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stayed here (they were married). So did a host of other stars.
However, the Ingleside Inn, hosted many stars such as Rita Hayward, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne just to name a few is still our favorite spot. Howard Hughes registered as Earl Martyn (the”y” seems a neat touch) while chasing and reportedly catching Ava Gardner. And Greta Garbo hid here after the premier of Camille
There are a batch of other older, and now carefully reconditioned hotels where stars stayed. You might explore the side streets or ask about the “old days” as you wander Palm Springs. If you shop, consider a late-spring visit: Prices are low during the start of the “off” season, and shops have, wonderful sales of summer clothing.”
In your spare time, you can consider the over 101 golf courses or the 600 tennis courts or take a trip out into the desert. You can get high with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway or balloon rides. Explore with horseback rides up Palm Springs Indian and other canyons or rent a Harley hog for the late James Dean look and wind in your face.
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