Azure Sky, a fourteen-room, 21 and over, luxury boutique hotel, opening this winter at 1661 South Calle Palo Fierro, in Palm Springs, California.
Azure Sky, originally built in 1959, is located in South Palm Springs, close enough to the action of downtown Palm Springs, and secluded enough for more serene and intimate stays. The property offers wide-open views of the San Jacinto Mountains and is enveloped by desert landscaping, providing a sanctuary with a residential feel. Guests are within walking distance of the Ace Hotel, Bar Cecil, Villa Royale and other neighboring boutique hotels and restaurants.
Leading the creative team is Lightning Bar Palm Springs, the design/build firm led by John Janulis, partner (principal of Lightning Bar Collective and owner of Villa Royale), partner Anne L'Esperance, (principal of An Ellipsis Design) and Cioffi Architect. This talented team has worked together for the past two years, breathing new life into the property. The team has managed an extensive renovation while keeping the essence of this mid century jewel and has enhanced both the indoor and outdoor spaces to make this one of the most exciting hotel openings in the area in years. Janulis and L’Esperance are also the talents behind the detailed design and renovation of the historic Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley and The National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City, also operated by Acme Hospitality. Both hotels are highly acclaimed for their artistry, painstaking restoration and meticulous craftsmanship.
Guests at Azure Sky enter the 800-square foot lobby and are greeted by a premium cocktail bar and cozy fireplace, accented by vintage lighting and custom woodworking from the Lightning Bar Collective team of master carpenters. From there, guests wind their way through the grounds to the pool, the focal point of the property. The pool spans 4500 square feet with a Jacuzzi that accommodates a crowd. There’s also an open 1500 square foot courtyard and another 2500 square foot ‘meadow’ courtyard. Two fire pits, lounge seating and chaise lounges are thoughtfully placed on the south and north ends of the property for gathering as well. The hotel’s layout makes it prime for celebrations of groups of up to 120 guests for buyout events.
The hotel’s fourteen rooms range from 225 – 620 square feet and include five spacious one-bedroom suites. Eleven rooms are equipped with private patios with hammocks and hangout spaces. The suite doors are colored to match the sky at sunrise. Upgrades also include walk-in showers with white, green and dark mosaic tile; concrete sink counters; custom millwork; built-in beds; stone tile flooring; and mid century inspired design accents, all using a neutral palette to express desert colors and a tranquil, cool vibe.
Azure Sky offers morning coffee and continental breakfast in the lobby daily. Twelve of the rooms include small and fully equipped kitchenettes for ensuite cooking. For those that prefer dining off-property, the hotel will arrange reservations with nearby restaurants within walking or driving distance. A full bar will be open to guests in the lobby and will also service the pool.
Photo credit: Sheva Kefai
