Inside Palm Springs’ storied hillside hideaway, The Willows
Now open after a refresh, the historic desert retreat returns with 17 bedrooms, an outdoor pool, and a panoramic event space
Thursday 5 November 2026 By Chloe Moss. Photography by Sean Hazen
For decades, Palm Springs has been the escape of choice for Hollywood’s creatives. Just a few hours from Los Angeles, it played a historic part in the Golden Age of Hollywood – and at the heart of that story was The Willows.
Originally built in the 1920s for Los Angeles businessmen William Mead and Roland Bishop, its two Italianate-style homes, the property quickly became a secluded retreat for celebrated guests drawn to its serene setting at the foot of San Jacinto Mountain. The homes later passed through the hands of prolific lawyer and horticulture enthusiast Samuel Untermyer, then silent-film actor Marion Davies, before being unified as The Willows during a major restoration in the 1990s. Since then, it has welcomed stars of stage and screen, politicians, and business leaders – making it one of the region’s most storied addresses.
Now Soho House has updated the landmark property, refreshing its rooms and transforming it into a seasonal desert retreat that honours its history while creating a brand-new experience for guests.
Officially open for bookings, The Willows offers the slower rhythm that comes with desert living – a place where days are spent soaking up the Southern California sunshine, exploring nearby Tahquitz Canyon and the North Lykken Trail, or simply unwinding among its palms, gardens, and panoramic mountain views.
Originally built in the 1920s for Los Angeles businessmen William Mead and Roland Bishop, its two Italianate-style homes, the property quickly became a secluded retreat for celebrated guests drawn to its serene setting at the foot of San Jacinto Mountain. The homes later passed through the hands of prolific lawyer and horticulture enthusiast Samuel Untermyer, then silent-film actor Marion Davies, before being unified as The Willows during a major restoration in the 1990s. Since then, it has welcomed stars of stage and screen, politicians, and business leaders – making it one of the region’s most storied addresses.
Now Soho House has updated the landmark property, refreshing its rooms and transforming it into a seasonal desert retreat that honours its history while creating a brand-new experience for guests.
Officially open for bookings, The Willows offers the slower rhythm that comes with desert living – a place where days are spent soaking up the Southern California sunshine, exploring nearby Tahquitz Canyon and the North Lykken Trail, or simply unwinding among its palms, gardens, and panoramic mountain views.
The bedrooms
Split across the estate’s original buildings, the 17 bedrooms blend The Willows’ history with comfort and Desert Transcendentalist art. Newly restored interiors also preserve the property’s past by combining vintage furnishings, collected antiques, and original architectural details – expect antique Spanish tiles, rich mahogany woodwork, and Mediterranean-inspired touches.
No two bedrooms are the same, and each tells a different chapter of the hotel’s history. The Library room – where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were reported to have spent their wedding night – offers a hideaway with a hand-carved fireplace. Elsewhere, the Einstein – complete with a stone shower and private patio – takes its name from one of The Willows’ most famous regular guests, who favoured the room that now shares his name during his stays in Palm Springs. The Rock is equally special, designed around the mountain and showcasing a natural boulder next to the long tub.
The outdoor spaces
While the interiors are rich with history, The Willows is also shaped by its outdoor setting. Hillside gardens wind through the property and extend across more than an acre above it, inviting guests to wander among the greenery, hidden pathways, and sweeping views across the Coachella Valley. At the centre of the grounds, a 50ft waterfall cascades down a natural rock formation – one of The Willows’ most distinctive features.
The pool area is designed for long, sun-soaked days, and offers a special menu of refreshing non-alcoholic drinks and warm-weather bites for guests to enjoy.
Dining and Le Vallauris
Mornings at The Willows begin with a complimentary breakfast served in the Dining Room or on the patio overlooking the waterfall – with fresh fruit, seasonal specials and locally inspired dishes on the menu. Then, as the desert cools, guests are invited for golden hour to enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres on the house.
Just across the street from The Willows, Le Vallauris restaurant is a local favourite. Housed within one of the few remaining buildings from the historic Desert Inn, the restaurant is woven into five decades of Palm Springs’ history. Today, Le Vallauris continues that legacy, with live music and a menu from Toulousain chef Laurent Sanchis, featuring French dishes with a Californian twist. Highlights include Pate de Campagne, Maine Lobster Ravioli, Veal Medallions, and Dover Sole.
Event space
The O’Donnell House – built in the same time period as The Willows and located just up the mountain – hosts private events and weddings for up to 125 guests. It features indoor space and four bedrooms, plus a garden terrace for outdoor ceremonies with views of the mountains.
Soho Desert House Palm Springs
When our upcoming club opens, The Willows will form part of Soho Desert House Palm Springs – our escape beneath the San Jacinto Mountains complete with club spaces and a Soho Health Club, and a 185ft pool.
Stay longer at The Willows
Stay three nights or more and save 25% with our Stay Longer rate* on stays from November 2026 to January 2027, and throughout May 2027. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine during your stay, plus 10% off at Le Vallauris restaurant for Soho House members.
*A minimum three-night stay is required. Bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance. Excludes select holiday dates. Terms and conditions apply.
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