The Colony Palms Hotel’s rich and colorful history established it as an iconic part of Palm Springs and over the years it has been host to Hollywood’s elite, mobsters, athletes, film producers, gamblers and politicians.
The Colony Palms Hotel’s rich and colorful history established it as an iconic part of Palm Springs and over the years it has been host to Hollywood’s elite, mobsters, athletes, film producers, gamblers and politicians.
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.
RENAMED HOWARD MANOR
After World War II, the hotel was renamed the Howard Manor under the glamorous new ownership of Robert Howard, son of Charles Howard, owner of the championship racehorse Seabiscuit, and his wife Andrea Leeds Howard, an Academy Award-nominated actress. The hotel remained a haven for Hollywood stars in Palms Springs for many years.
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.
THE COLONY PALMS HOTEL BEGINS A NEW ERA...
The Colony Palms Hotel, re-imagined under Designer/Hotelier Steve Hermann, has transformed into one of California's premier luxury hotels. A multimillion dollar renovation was completed where every surface has been completely restored and enhanced to be able to experience The Colony Palms as it was always meant to be enjoyed.