The Historic Ingleside Inn

The historic Ingleside Inn is like a portal to another time with both its architecture and ambiance.

Featured as one of the Top Ten Bed and Breakfasts in the Untied States by the television series "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous", on its walls are pictures of the many internationally known celebrities that have stayed on these hallowed grounds. Everyone from Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable and so many more.

Originally owned and operated by Ruth Hardy, one of the founding pioneers of the once sleepy little hamlet that would one day become the "Playground of the Stars," the Ingleside Inn as originally Ms. Hardy's private residence, purchased in 1939.

One of Ms. Hardy's passions was playing hostess to the film stars and celebrities who found that a Palm Springs escape from Hollywood was the perfect prescription to recharge their creative batteries. Unlike other popular resorts of the day, reservations could not be had at the Ingleside Inn. It was only by personal invitation that guests like Garbo, Gable and Hughes came to the intimate bed and breakfast.

Unfortunately, after her death the inn fell into disrepair. In 1975, the current owner and namesake of the now famous restaurant fell in love with the property, its history and grounds

Today, the Ingleside Inn is a thirty room two acre property and an official Palm Springs Historic Landmark. The inn is quiet and secluded. Yet it is only one block from the heart of Palm Springs's famous Palm Canyon Drive with its shopping and village atmosphere.

During my last trip to the desert, I stopped in for a Sunday brunch and caught a "Jam Session" of musicians in the club adjoining the restaurant and bar. Our group made new friends in the outside patio and the afternoon sun shone perfectly!

A lunch at Melvyn's restaurant and a walk through the historic grounds once occupied by legends should be on your next Palm Springs "bucket list."