Originally designed for owners Samuel and Adele Marcus, the Del Marcos Hotel is historically important because it was architect William F. Cody’s first independent commission in Palm Springs, launching his solo career in the desert. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Arizona architecture, the project won a creative design award from the Southern California chapter of the AIA as an example of cutting-edge resort hotel architecture. The 17-room modernist hotel sits in the historic Tennis Club neighborhood, close to downtown Palm Springs and exactly the kind of place that makes you understand why people fell in love with mid-century desert design — clean lines, walls of glass, and a pool courtyard that feels like a page out of an architecture magazine.
If you’re traveling with your dog, the hotel offers three pet-friendly rooms: the Albert Frey Deluxe Room, the Eames Poolside Suite, and the Nat Reed Room. All are appropriately appointed for guests with dogs. Since only three rooms accept dogs, booking early is essential, and you’ll want to confirm your reservation by explicitly mentioning your pet whether you reserve online or by phone.
The Tennis Club neighborhood itself is quiet and walkable, with wide residential streets perfect for leashed strolls. You’re close enough to downtown Palm Springs that a short walk along Palm Canyon Drive takes you to dog-friendly restaurant patios where you can grab food while your dog relaxes under a table. The Palm Springs Dog Park is nearby if your dog needs off-leash time, and the Indian Canyons trail system offers scenic desert hikes within a short drive — trails range from easy to challenging, and the canyon walls create dramatic morning and afternoon light for photos.
The hotel’s architectural pedigree means it draws design enthusiasts and architecture students, so you’ll likely overhear interesting conversations about the building’s details while you’re enjoying your stay. Rooms book up quickly, especially during the popular winter season, so don’t wait to reserve if you’re planning a desert trip.
