Palm Springs: Historic La Quinta Resort redoing rooms, common areas

The La Quinta Resort & Club near Palm Springs is working this summer on spiffing up its casitas, villas, spa suites, lobby, pool areas and even the lush landscaping on the grounds of the hotel, which opened in 1926.

The Waldorf Astoria property announced that the multimillion-dollar restoration -- without specifying exactly how much -- will roll out in fall.

The upgrades begin with the 620 guest rooms, an announcement says, and will continue in phases after that with the 98 villas and other features.

Los Angeles design firm Smith & Firestone has created a desert-friendly soft-color palette -- ivory, terracotta and “chocolate” with “citrus” pillows and throws as accents -- that also match the resort’s Spanish-style design.

Anyone who loves strolling the grounds (which I do) will hail the addition of more bougainvillea and citrus trees that give the resort its old-style California charm.

Other than design changes, new in-room amenities include big flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, Keurig coffee makers, charging stations for electronic devices and fireplace upgrades. Casita patios will get new outdoor furniture too.

The property will remain open during the restoration. If you want to visit during the super-hot season, the hotel offers a La Quinta Summer Experience package starting at $179 a night that waives the daily $27 resort fee and comes with a $100 resort credit and $40 spa credit for each adult each night.

Info: La Quinta Resort & Club, (855) 884-9315