Dualing Elvis & Priscilla Presley Homes

Palm Springs is famous around the world for many things. Our desert paradise has nearly perfect weather year round, winter temps around 70, Spring and Fall in the 80's, and Summer in the 100's. With activities like golf, tennis, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding, there is plenty to do here. It is a short driving distance from Los Angeles, which during the Golden Age of Hollywood attracted famous singers, movie stars, directors, movie studio moguls and various members of the Hollywood elite. To this day, Palm Springs continues to see its share of Presidents, Royalty, and titans of the business industry vacation here in our lovely desert. It has been said "there are more stars in Palm Springs than stars in the sky" which is ridiculous of course, but it makes the point. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Elvis and Priscilla Presley to name a few are part of the celebrity lore that people still associate with Palm Springs. There are a few Celebrity tour groups that drive around the desert showing visitors the vacation get-away homes of the stars. Speaking of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, I thought I'd mention that there has been more excitement regarding their residences here in the past few years. There are two homes whose owners now promote as places Elvis and Priscilla spent time in Palm Springs. Both are accurate. It just depends on what type of experience you are seeking. One is the Elvis and Priscilla Presley Honeymoon Hideaway home, where they spent time after they were married. The other is a home Elvis actually owned and lived in, called the Palm Springs Elvis Estate. Neither home is a grand palatial estate. They look nothing like Elvis' Graceland home; but nevertheless they are places where Elvis and Priscilla spent time here in Palm Springs. There are plenty of Elvis fans who want the chance to spend a vacation living in the very place where Elvis walked. Luckily for those folks, these two homes offer that experience. Let's face it, you can't do that at Graceland. So Palm Springs is the next best option if you are a crazy Elvis fan.

The celebrities of today are very low-key when then visit Palm Springs. Some stay at private home of a friend, others stay at a spa resort and enjoy the healing hot mineral waters of our desert. But many rent homes here, seeking a secluded, casual experience of being in a home where they won't be bothered by hotel staff or peering tourists. A new generation of celebrities are coming to the desert more frequently- perhaps some day those homes they rented or stayed in will be promoted as destinations to rent. Perhaps one day people can stay in the place where George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Zac Efron or Matt Damon stayed. You never know.

If you don't happen to care about celebrities and just want to experience the desert life in your own home experience, Palm Springs has a number of homes, condos and apartments available to rent. It's actually a good deal to rent a place for a week, month or longer while visiting. This is not a paid post, but two friends of mine operate businesses that rent homes here in Palm Springs:
Vacation Palm Springs
Beau Monde Villas
Whether you have a desire to sleep in Elvis' home, or just someplace where you can relax as if it were your own home, I hope you do consider visiting Palm Springs. Come and see why it continues to be a destination of choice.

One other note regarding Elvis- he continues to generate all sorts of excitement here. Locals have planned a celebration of what would have been Elvis Presley's 75th birthday. Special tours, guests and performances are expected. If you are interested, check out the details:

Where: Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, 1350 Ladera Circle, Palm Springs CA

When: Jan. 8

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — tours and cake

4 to 6:30 p.m. — concert featuring Scot Bruce

Jan. 9

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — tours and cake

2 to 6 p.m. — tribute artist James King

Cost: $25 tour, $50 concert, $65 combo (for one day), $125 weekend

Information: (760) 322-1192
-Rick Rockhill

Dinner at Circa 69 at The Riviera Resort & Spa

Last night we went out to dinner at Circa 69, which is the fine dining restaurant at the ultra hip and glam Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs. I've written about this hotel several times; it is one of my favorite new destinations in town. Back in its heyday, "The Riv", as it was known locally, hosted many great music legends who performed here, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley, etc. It was a hangout to the stars to see and be seen. Its multi-million dollar renovation two years ago restored the glamour and made it chic once again. As a local, I've frequented the Riviera numberous times for dinners, cocktails, or parties. These first few photos here of the interior I "borrowed" from the web, but I've taken many photos and posted in other posts here previously.

I've dined at Circa 69 several times previously-the food has always been delicious. Its one fault had been service. One time I pitched a fit, as I was entertaining important business associates and the service was downright dreadful. So last night we thought we'd give it another shot. I had heard they had a new General Manager, so we wanted to give him an opportunity to redeem himself. Much to my delight, the service was excellent! Our server was professional, appropriately speedy and knowledgable about the menu. Circa 69 is back on my "recommend list"! Its been awhile since I've posted a restaurant review, so I'm out of practice.

We started out in the "Sidebar Lounge", a sophisticated, hip, cozy room with fun mirrored accents and crystal chandeliers.  I ordered my signature Blue Raspberry Martini. By the way I am happy to report that this shirt I am wearing fits me again. I bought this in Hawaii several years ago; it was made by the locals and I just loved it. I filled it a bit too much for a few years, and now I can wear it again. Ok, back to Circa 69. The dining room is very dimly lit for the ultimate ambience. The servers provide tiny little flashlights that clip onto the menu. I tried to take photos of a few dishes, but my flash was too bright and I was too hungry to fiddle with the settings, so these are a bit washed out. Anyway, here goes:

left: Organic, grass fed filet of beef, with Roquefort crust, short-rib ragout, on a bed of mashed potatoes and asparagus. The top piece was a fancy cut potato crisp.

left: Sea Salt Roasted Organic Chicken, with wild mushrooms, midnight tomatoes, goat cheese dumplings and madiera cream.

left: Red Snapper, served with sauteed shrimp, spanish chorizio, steel-cut oats and piperade sauce. And for desert:

left: Warm  chocolate cake, oozing with warm dark chocolate, servved with sauteed banana on a caramel sauce, with ice cream, garnished with raspberries and fresh mint. Wow it was delish! So Circa 69 redeemed itself and I am pleased to recommend it to anyone visiting Palm Springs. Thanks for reading today.

-Rick Rockhill 

The Palm Springs Riviera Resort & Spa!

"The Riv" is back baby! At long last the legendary Palm Springs Riviera hotel has reopened after an extensive $70 million renovation and restoration. This hotel's storied past echos performances by the Rat Pack and old Hollywood movie star legends that give the Riviera its icon status. The 1963 film "Palm Springs Weekend" starring Connie Stevens, Troy Donahue, Stephanie Powers, Ty Hardin and Robert Conrad was filmed at the Riviera. Even though its star had gradually faded since its heyday, it still attracted its share of names. In fact just before it closed for renovation, I had lunch at the Riviera and saw crooners Jack Jones and Connie Stevens lounging poolside. I stopped by the Riviera for cocktails one night to check out the property and was very impressed. It is contemporary Hollywood Glam with a fresh twist on retro style and a sophisticated feel. Most importantly, the re-emergence of the Riviera has created a buzz, snagging Playboy's 55th Anniversary Party, complete with Hugh Hefner and a major crowd from Hollywood. Super-trendy fashion designer Trina Turk has planned a fashion show for Spring 2009. The hotel has arrived on the scene once again, and Austin Powers would feel right at home.


above: At night, beyond the front water fountains, the hotel glows from the red hot lights.

above: the front lobby ambiance glows red-hot, but the white leather furnishes cool it right down!

above: the front lobby lounge offers a cozy spot to meet friends and be seen.

above: Fresh mid century-modern kitsch at its best: a red crystal chandelier hangs from fab red-glad ceiling wallpaper and mirrored walls.
In My Element...
If I may say so, the Riviera was practically redesigned with me in mind. Its a perfect place for me to don my ascot, and reminisce about the good old days with a refreshing martini. I could channel Dean Martin here. All kidding aside, the hotel really has an interesting history as a mecca for good entertainment in the desert. It easily attracted more than its share of entertainers who lived in Palm Springs. Some had planned performance, and others would stop in for cocktails and would end up on stage singing impromptu. Greats like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley all performed here several times. The ballroom was known for attracting great swing band leaders like Artie Shaw, Dave Ace Hudkins, Tommy Dorsey, Buddy Rich, Duke Ellington, Vido Musso, Irving Mills and Georgie Auld. It was quite the place. The new renovation has retained the old glam feel with fun mosaic portraits of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Lucille Ball in the lobby. There are fabulous mid-century modern accents and furnishings throughout, particularly in unexpected places. Right down to the signs on the restroom doors, there is a fun chic retro feel, yet it is all new, clean and fresh. The Riviera hotel boasts 406 luxury guestrooms and over sized suites, furnished with modern marble bathrooms, wide screen plasma TVs.The new SpaTerre is an 11,000 square foot facility, with 18 private treatment rooms featuring Balinese, Thai and Indonesian style therapy. The Watsu pool, hot tub, private steam room, luxury relaxation area and fitness center are supplemented with a full service salon as well. I have not tried the spa yet but its something I'll have to do one of these days!

above: this chair looks better without me sitting in it!


above: there are multiple sitting areas all with fun mosaics of famous folks.

above: the Frank Sinatra mosaic looks over the pool table, surrounded by mirrors and retro-chic glitz.

above: there are multiple lounges throughout the property. This one is very cozy with sleek black and white furnishings and crystal chandeliers for a bit of the unexpected.

above: one of the dining room areas with rich red leather high back chairs
Outdoor Desert Chic

above: Outside by the pool there are lots of great areas to sit and order food and cocktails.

above: the pool area was enchanting under the moonlight.

above: there are fire pits all around the pool area, with sitting areas and small tables perfect for small talk and a glass of wine. I'm pleased the hotel did such an outstanding job with the renovation. It's sure to be a hit with visitors and locals too. As a reminder, this is not a paid post, just me writing about things I enjoy~
-Rick Rockhill

Elvis & Priscilla Presley's Palm Springs Connection

I'm never seen the TV show Dancing with the Stars, but one of the stars on the current season has a connection to Palm Springs. Priscilla Presley has a fabulous history here in the desert. Priscilla is an actress, producer and successful business entrepreneur. She was, of course married to music legend, Elvis Presley. She has made a fortune when she founded Elvis Presley Enterprises, and through her own product lines as well.

Priscilla's acting career has included a prominant role as a regular on the TV series Dallas, she also made guest appearances on TV's Melrose Place, Touched by an Angel, and Spin City. She also starred in the hit film series The Naked Gun. Priscilla is the executive producer of the film Finding Graceland and the film version of her autobiography called "Elvis and Me".
Priscilla Presley and Palm Springs...

above: On May 1,1967 Elvis and Priscilla Preseley married in a private ceremony in Las Vegas, then headed to their favorite get-away home to honeymoon in Palm Springs.

above: "The Elvis & Priscilla Presley Honeymood Hideaway House"

above: Elvis & Priscilla celebrating in Palm Springs

above: Elvis and Priscilla loved being in Palm Springs. The desert offered them peace and tranquility away from the prying media. It was a special place for them to getaway. Are you an Elvis fan? Any good Elvis stories? Do you watch Dancing With The Stars? Leave a Comment, it's totally free, and makes you feel years younger too. -Rick Rockhill

The Saturday Seven: Over-The-Top, Glitzy Entertainers

Now here's a post with an odd collection of things you won't find anywhere else!

I was reading Palm Springs Life magazine recently and saw an ad for a new cookbook called The Joy of Liberace. The book's subtitle reads: "retro recipes from America's kitschiest kitchen", so I just had to order a copy. Liberace lived in Palm Springs and was a popular local resident. If Liberace were still alive, we'd practically be neighbors, his home is just a stone's throw from mine. His estate is still preserved to reflect his style- there is a giant metal candelabra in the front driveway. He was over-the-top, but he sure had his own sense of style, which got me thinking. There have been a handful of entertainers over the past 50 years or so who really had a certain je ne sais quoi with a joie de vivre. This brings me to another scintillating edition of

The Saturday Seven: Over-The-Top, Glitzy Entertainers

#1 Elvis Presley- From his rhinestone studded jumpsuits, glittery capes, huge sideburns, and incredible stage presence, he makes it to #1 on this list for me. The Elvis Presley house in Palm Springs is fairly understated, but they are developing it into a tourist destination similar to Graceland.

#2 Liberace- now this guy was REALLY over-the-top. How people never figured out he was gay was beyond me. I remember my parents taking me to see him in concert when I was a kid. He was a real showman- huge diamonds on every finger, showy costumes and campy as can be.

#3 Wayne Newton- Known as"Mr Las Vegas" after performing over 30,000 solo shows in Las Vegas over a period of over 40 years. His signature song "Danke Schoen" made him a hit when he was just a teen. He is kitschy for sure, but I actually like him.

#4 Carol Channing- What is there to say about Miss Channing? I love her! She lives here in Palm Springs and is very active on the social scene. Last year I went to see her in concert with Debbie Reynolds, she was really really funny, and still has one heck of a voice on her. Her costumes are every bit as glittery as ever, and how she loves her diamonds!

#5 Sammy Davis Jr- An amazing performer who battled racial discrimination and broke down barriers when he became a superstar. He forced casinos in Las Vegas and hotel nightclubs in Miami Beach to end the segregation of black performers. He was a great member of Sinatra's Rat Pack, but Sammy also had his own style, and always wore lots of jewelry. I went to see him in concert twice, once at an outdoor tent theatre during a thunder storm. I remember him joking about attracting lightning from all the jewels he was wearing!

#6 Cher- This girl has worn some outrageous costumes on stage over her career to show off her incredible body. She has had an incredible career-from the early 60's with Sonny Bono to her own even more successful stints in acting, performing in Vegas, and a string of mega hit CDs. Her big booming voice matches her huge personality.

#7 James Brown- The Godfather of Soul and known as "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business", there will never be anyone like James Brown. He was a GREAT entertainer, who made GREAT music. He loved to wear all sorts of wild costumes, jewelry, tight pants, and sometimes performed bare-chested. He was a classic for sure.

Bonus entry- Siegfried and Roy- A good friend of mine used to refer to them as "those two queens in Vegas with the big cats". He wasn't far off. Their long running show in Las Vegas was over-the-top, amazing and eye-popping, including that final performance when the cat dragged Roy offstage by the throat, which was so sad. Roy is on the mend these days, but not performing anymore.

Did I miss any other Over-the-top, glitzy entertainers? Leave a Comment and tell me!

-Rick Rockhill

Elvis & Priscilla Presley's Palm Springs Home

While it's hard to believe, this week marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. For those of you who are Elvis fans, I thought you might be interested in this recent development. It seems that Elvis' former home in Palm Springs is about to be developed into a tourist attraction. A local couple bought Elvis' house with plans to restore it. They intend for it to become a mini-Graceland of California. Elvis and Priscilla Presley bought the home in April 1970 and lived there part-time with Lisa Marie Presley.
The Elvis connection to Palm Springs started back in May 1967, when newlyweds Elvis and Priscilla spent their honeymoon in Palm Springs and fell in love with the desert. Photo: Priscilla and Elvis Presley after their wedding on May 1st 1967.
The "Palm Springs Graceland"

Above: The front view of Elvis & Priscilla's Palm Springs mid-century modern home & above right, their living room.

I'll keep you all posted as there are new developments with the Elvis house. For more information, you can check out this site.
-Rick Rockhill