Albert Einstein's Favorite Hideaway Earns AAA Four Diamond Status

“Being recognized by AAA as a Four Diamond property is an honor,” says Tracy Conrad, proprietor of The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn. “We are a small, intimate retreat and we want our guests to experience the absence of ordinary, so we strive to offer an exceptional getaway whether it's just for a night or a lengthier stay. People have many hotel choices in Palm Springs, and we're so glad that so many of our guests continue to return to The Willows year after year. ”

The Willows, which marks its 90th year as an architectural landmark, has earned the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond rating for hospitality industry excellence. The rating, assigned by the Automobile Club of America, is awarded to hotels and inns that feature upscale accommodations and offer an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. Only 100 Southern California hotels, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, Orange County to Riverside, boast AAA Four Diamond status.

With just eight incredible chambers–including one named for Ms. Davies and another named for Albert Einstein, a frequent guest back in the 1930s and ‘40s--The Willows plays a starring role among the desert's more typical mid-century properties. Registered guests receive the red carpet treatment and are privy to an abundance of privacy and amenities. Each suite is a capsule of luxury boasting its own style, charm and design with fireplaces, tandem claw foot tubs, private balconies, separate entrances, fainting couches and more. Each room features a king or queen-size bed, plush linens and hand-selected antique furniture reminiscent of the era in which the inn was built. Guests can connect to the outside world via high-speed Internet access, adjust their en suite temperature using individual climate controls, catch the latest installment of Downton Abbey on a flat screen television behind closed doors, view movies on a DVD player, or simply throw on a plush robe that is provided and lounge.

Guests can also plot their Willows escape around one of the many events taking place in Greater Palm Springs. During March, there is the La Quinta Arts Festival and Nabisco Women's Golf Championship in Rancho Mirage. April features the Indian Wells Arts Festival and famous White Party. During May the Smooth Jazz Festival, featuring jazz musicians from all across the country, convenes just below The Willows at The O'Donnell Golf Club in mid-May. As a bonus, The Willows will remain open through June, Thursdays through Sundays only. Those who want to visit the area during Palm Springs Restaurant Week, May 29-June 7, can book a room at The Willows and walk to many of the participating restaurants. For more events taking place in Palm Springs, go to www.visitpalmsprings.com.

The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn, open September through May and Thursday-Sunday in June, is not only a AAA Four Diamond property but one of TripAdvisor's top-ranked inns. The Inn, and its sister property The O'Donnell House, is available for weddings, receptions, and small meetings and retreats. The Willows is located at 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way just one-block south of Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs and is open to registered guests only. For reservations and information, call 800.966.9597 or visit us online at www.TheWillowsPalmSprings.com.