Palm Springs—An Oasis in the Desert
The HOTEL ZOSO and More…
T
he Hotel Zoso is oh!—So, wonderful!
The Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs, CA is a total respite from civilization as we perceive it. It is a quiet but delicious—a party in the spirit of indulgence—luxurious, relaxing and fun! Actually, ‘Zoso’ is derived from the Greek and the name means to have your balance restored—and to this goal—the Zoso lives up to its name. The Hotel Zoso is located in the center of the fun-filled and fancy-free atmosphere of central Palm Springs. Its unique positioning lets you be within walking distance of the hub of activities (The Palm Springs International Film Festival—which was a magnificent treat for us during our stay), eateries and chic restaurants for dining, shopping and entertainment (do not miss out on going to Blame It On Midnight—with a live entertainment lounge and a full restaurant). Once the playground of Hollywood’s elite, Palm Springs is now experiencing a renaissance in life and the Hotel Zoso is the place to begin your pleasure getaway.
On the night of our arrival, the Zoso was hosting an “after party” for The Palm Springs International Film Festival and the following evening was a “Private Paparazzi Party” both of which all guests of the hotel were invited to attend the celebrations. This kind of hospitality is rarely found in hotels, but here, the guests were treated as welcome invitees to the festivities.
The interiors of the Zoso have fabulous rooms that are divine and huge. The boutique-style decoration and the additional space make this a destination, rather than just a stopover place. Our lanai was spacious enough to have an intimate party while gazing at the heated pool and fire pits surrounding the area. The most lovely and pampering detail was the ‘sink into heaven’ Frette sheets that covered our soft, yet firm, beds in the rooms—this is what is one of the most important things a hotel can offer—sweet dreamland luxury.
The Zoso has an onsite bar and dining place—which has recently changed its name to Olivz (previously called Eatz), under the new ownership of the hotel. A refurbished and new medi-spa is currently in the works to add to the amenities that are already there for the indulgence of its patrons. The sounds and sights in the lobby area are complete with the soft bosa nova strains of music permeating the air and the sight is illuminated with brightly colored touches sparkling throughout the interior environment.
The dining Sunday brunch experience was delightful, complete with champagne, personal servers, and anything you desired that could be obtained from the chef. We also had the opportunity to meet and speak with the new Director of Food and Beverage—Mr. Henning Rahm—a sensational new and cosmopolitan man of international background who added the continental touch, along with his own unique ideas for the future of the new Olivz—which he had helped in naming—(literally, it fits in with the Greek/Mediterranean feel of the hotel) and foresees a bright future for the restaurant. He noted that a food and beverage person has to be a bit of a psychologist in bringing the team together and making the restaurant a success. The entire experience there was euphoric—and the service was definitely outstanding.
An important note to all of you pet lovers—dogs are welcome guests at the Hotel Zoso—in fact, booking your room with your pet will get you a complimentary MANKIND dog basket in your room upon your arrival. No more worries about your unconditional, loved pooch that was left behind while you went on holiday!
Now—for your enjoyment—both entertainment and palette—please—do not miss the exceptional sensation of having giggles and fun at Blame It On Midnight conveniently located just a few steps away from the Zoso. This lounge and restaurant was highly recommended by the King of Confetti himself, Rip Taylor. Rip is a regular at the club whenever he is in Palm Springs. The club has an old-fashioned lounge atmosphere with grand piano, and the night we were there we were entertained by an old-fashioned lounge singer (Geninne) who even had her Compton, CA schoolmates from 1979, show up and join the rest of the audience in appreciating her fine performance. Craig Branzetti, the manager/owner and chef, spent a few minutes chatting with us. He told us that frequent celebrities including Kelly and Sharon Osbourne, Nia Peeples, politician Barney Frank, Anne Lockhart, Rip Taylor, Tab Hunter and many others who join the locals and visitors for an evening of fun and dining. One thing you must not fail to have at this club is Mr. Branzetti’s mother’s recipe Banana Cream Pie—you cannot blame yourself for delighting at midnight in the devouring of this divinely decadent dessert! We each had to have a slice and did not bemoan our indulgence—it was that great!
On the other side of the hotel, go into Sherman’s Delicatessen and Bakery, a truly good Kosher-style family restaurant. Down the street, another dining must—is the Fisherman’s Market and Grill—an inexpensive alternative that has some of the best fresh fish and more, and the “and more” includes a live blues band that had the crowd hopping, and dancing in the alley on the cool evening when we were there.
All in all—take a break—it’s not far—and yet it is a true respite from your everyday existence—Palm Springs, make it your next, nearby getaway!
