PARKER - Palm Springs, CA

Turning into the open gate and driving through lush manicured hedges, there’s a feeling that this hotel is very different. The valet opens my door, “welcome to the Parker.”  One hand poised to offer assistance as I departure from my car.   The doorman greets me, “Welcome to the Parker, our staff waits to assist you, the front desk is to the right, have a wonderful day.”  Approaching the desk, there are two lovely young women whose smiles and eye contact seem purposely wonderful, “Welcome to the Parker, may I help you?”   

I expect all of this friendliness at a luxury hotel.  I’ve been a national lecturer and corporate consultant for 27 years and have stayed at the best hotels in America. More importantly, throughout the years, I have provided some management training for some of the top hotels.  Out of all the greetings, The Parker staff is somehow very different.  No uniforms, no cookie cutter images, yet all rich in eye contact and courtesy.  The staff’s attentiveness, intimate nature and the way they connect with the guests is refreshing.

As I take a seat in a sitting area, I’m filled with dismay at a eclectic vintage sign that says ‘DRUGS.’   This is no small sign, but a rather large 2' by 4' sign, centrally positioned as a main art piece on wall in the lobby area.  Immediately I entertained the thought that the Parker is like a drug, it’s environment transcending the guests beyond the monotony of life . . .   Of course that was a short lived thought and quickly I went to, ‘what to heck were they thinking by placing that sign there?’ No matter the rationale, I had been at The Parker for less than ten minutes and was already stimulated by the richness of the staff and this provocative sign. If their attempt is to stimulate and engage their guests, they certainly had my attention.  

Promptly Thomas A Meding the General Manager greets me.  This appointment had been arranged by their corporate office in New York and there was no hidden agenda except an opportunity to interview the General Manager, tour and experience the environment.  Mr. Meding casual appearance , openness and inviting spirit was so very different than the theatrically trained general managers I’ve worked with throughout the years.  He didn’t speak the same language of those whose are quick to proclaim their emphasis of  comfort, amenities  and relaxation.  When ask what he hoped to provide his guests?  Quickly and with passion he said,  “A new experience, a new sense of luxury that brings happiness, fun, stimulation.  We desire to expose guests to new ideas by provoking thought about exciting ways to enjoy life.

After a long chat, the general manager facilitated a tour of this most amazing resort.  It’s truly not like anything else.  It provides so many different venues, activities, and specialities.  The Parker was the feature of a 2006 reality show, ‘Welcome To The Parker.’    I watched the series but was capture even more by being a guest on the property.   It has 13 acres of the most lush landscape, gardens and views.  A most perfect place for the artistic spirit with spectacular views, intimate settings and filled with a poetic environment.  It is also perfect for corporate think tanks, conferences, and speciality retreats.  It is a majestic place for the ultimate wedding, anniversary and reunion. 

It would be easy to write a book about the Parker because there is so much one could say.   I found the best part of the Parker was the ‘mystic’ and ‘captivating ambience’ that surrounded me.  To write much more details about it could take away from the experience . . . surely, one must indulge in this environment, not read about it.  I promise it is nothing like you have experienced at any other resort or Five Star hotel . . . It’s so different, transcending you from the norm and offering you an extension of so much more.  If all you want is a room and food, then anywhere will do . . .  If you want a experience filled with new way of living in luxury, the Parker is it!