Parker Palm Springs

Mar Yvette

Citysearch

Quirky, irreverant and utterly luxurious, this historic property may look like Austin Powers' wardrobe exploded all over it, but the real man behind its unmatched--and mismatched--look is acclaimed design guru Jonathan Adler. A hodgepodge of decades--from medieval knights in shining armor to Brady Bunch-era Peruvian wall hangings--the aesthetic is one of sheer exuberance. Or, as employees of "The Estate" like to say, "happy chic." Aimed at being a "five-star without the attitude," the 131-room, 12-villa resort's main building was originally built in 1959 as California's first Holiday Inn. Today, the 13-acre property feels less like a hotel and more like your eccentric, globe-trotting aunt's home. Employees do not wear name badges (because the service should be so good, so personal, you'll remember their names) and the villas are named after the owner's grandchildren. The green marble-and-mirror lined Mini Bar is where bartender Kevin will serve you a stiff one with his own vodka infusions using local flowers and herbs, while Norma's is the on-site diner for breakfast and lunch. For dinner, guests indulge in a decadent meal at Mister Parker's, the property's urbane den of fine dining.