ESTABLISHED 1936 AS COLONIAL HOUSE
Originally dubbed the Colonial House, the Spanish Colonial style hotel was built and opened in 1936 by owner Al Wertheimer, a reputed mobster and member of the infamous Purple Gang.
The 1930's
The 1940's -
RENAMED HOWARD MANOR
After World War II, the hotel was renamed Howard Manor under the ownership of Robert Howard, the son of Charles Howard (owner of the championship racehorse Seabiscuit) and Andrea Leeds Howard, an Academy Award-nominated actress. The hotel remained a glamorous haven for Hollywood stars in Palms Springs for many years.
The 1950's -
HOWARD MANOR LEGACY CONTINUES
Annie and Dave Margolis acquired the hotel from Robert Howard on a handshake deal made between Dave and Robert over cocktails one evening at the hotel. The highly social couple continued operating the hotel under the Howard Manor, a name that had become synonymous with Palm Springs glamour.
Today -
THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL BEGINS A NEW ERA...
Renovated and re-imagined under Designer/Hotelier Steve Hermann, The Colony Palms has been transformed into one of California's premier luxury hotels and joined Hermann Luxury Resorts, a design-focused hospitality company with a portfolio of upscale boutique hotels inspired and informed by their locations and legacies. Offering uncompromising service and properties with storied pasts, Hermann Luxury Resorts transports guests with elevated cuisine, restorative wellness experiences, and innovative design.
We invite you to experience The Colony Palms as it was always meant to be enjoyed – a laid back retreat with a touch of Hollywood glamour.
