The Horizon Hotel

The desert resort town of Palm Springs has drawn increasing interest for its vast stock of mid-century modernist homes, many built for Hollywood celebrities such as Frank Sinatra by notable architects like Richard Neutra, E. Stewart Williams, Albert Frey and William Cody. A strong preservation movement has saved many buildings that otherwise would have been torn down for their valuable real estate. The Horizon Hotel is a recent success story. Originally named L'Horizon, it is a two-and-a-half acre, low-spreading compound of attached cottages, with a seamless meeting of indoors and out--lots of floor-to-ceiling glass and clerestory windows above partial height brick walls. The hotel was designed by Cody in 1952 for Hollywood mogul Jack Wrather, who would often take over the entire place with a passel of celebrity friends. But by 2004, it had fallen on hard times, and was being eyed by developers who stood to pack 100 or more residential units on the property. Fortunately, the hotel was purchased by developer Dave Scharf who, together with architect Frank Urrutia, worked from the original blueprints and vintage photographs by Julius Schulman to undo decades of remodeling and restore the one-story structures to their original state. Following in the footsteps of celebs such as Marilyn Monroe, visitors can once again contemplate the spectacular San Jancinto Mountains beyond the palms from the pool or the open-air showers, while enjoying new amenities such as a poolside bar and spa. Rooms start at $190 per night. Information and reservations at 888/377-7855; www.thehorizonhotel.com.