Back to Merv Griffin's Resort Hotel & Givenchy Spa Believe the bad reviews I drove up and knew there was trouble. The outside was guady, and the inside was worse. Our reservation had been mishandled, and the attempt to fix it left us with the option of staying in a "suite" right next to the front desk and bar for the price of 3 rooms. The front desk and managerial staff were condescending and not at all helpful. We walked out and stayed at a Marriott (and had a fabulous time). Stay away, especially if you have kids!!!
Reviewed by: John Charles from on Oct 19 2009 Great Anniversary! First of all, we went to Le Parker for our anniversary and it was fabulous. The service was impeccable and we loved the grounds. We stayed Friday and Saturday.
Reviewed by: Mikael from on May 04 2009 Definitely going back Full disclosure: just sent this same review to another site. I've never written a travel review before, but after reading the negative reviews I had to share our opinion. The place we had a reservation in was overbooked and we got bounced with only one day's warning--very disappointing. Did some research, really wanted something special, romantic and adult in Palm Springs. Read several poor reviews about the Parker Meridian, but decided to chance it anyway. Initial impression wasn't great, we were wary when we saw the lobby. It is a bit tacky, the faux fur covering on some white chairs were dingy, and one of the couches was covered by a throw that could have been found in a college dorm. BUT. We mentioned our concerns about the negative reviews during check-in, and they were taken very seriously. Without asking, we were immediately upgraded to a suite by the pool. The room was wonderful. The grounds seem a bit maze-like at first, but are serene and private. Each member of the staff from the valet, to the housekeepers, to the front desk and restaurant crew could not have been genuinely nicer or more service oriented. Everywhere we went, we were greeted warmly and our needs immediately attended to. I must mention the superb amenities/toiletries in the guest rooms. We were amazed at the generously sized bottles of high quality shampoo, two types of soap, sunscreen, and lip balm that were provided for no extra charge. I was in heaven after discovering the Bulgari skin lotion. Don't expect your usual hotel, this place grows on you. The longer we were there, the more secret spots and unexpected details we discovered. The lobby areas that seemed a bit tawdry by daylight were lovely in the evening. They do need to spruce it up though. My only disappointment was the spa massage. I'm very picky and asked for someone w/strong hands for a deep tissue massage and I got one, but she was a real masher! Ouch! Not the experience I was looking for, and it was expensive. Oh, yes the TVs need upgrading, but who goes there to watch TV? We are definitely returning, and soon.
Reviewed by: NikkiB from on Feb 03 2009 Keep Your Expectations Low We chose this hotel for our wedding/honeymoon. We thought there would be a spot on the 13 acres of gardens to hold our small (5 person) and brief (10 minute) ceremony; we found out they would charge us a $1500-$2000 facility fee. The manager would not return our calls and the catering manager was surly and inhospitable. The crowd was loud and mostly Hollywood want-to-be's, sort of all around a terrible experience. We did our service and dinner at the Viceroy, where the staff/food/experience was perfect. Save your money and stay there!
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Aug 20 2008 Phenomenal hotel made for a great weekend getaway!!! I stayed at this hotel last weekend with my boyfriend, and we both thought it was phenomenal!
Reviewed by: Catherine K from on Mar 04 2008 fanfabulous This is a great, posh resort (bit pricey) butvwell worth it if you like that 1960's retro feel. Just enough privacy, and also opportunity for socialization. The ideal couples retreat. We went for our honeymoon, and we are embarking on going there for the third time to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary.
Reviewed by: IrishKev from on Jul 23 2007 A nightmare -- stay away! If you want good service, polite and helpful staff, or a good value, stay anywhere but the Parker Palm Springs. We actually walked out of the hotel after being mistreated by these people, and found a far better resort at a better price.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Apr 25 2007 Blunder hotel ever Rooms are very cheap. Its not worth it for the price. Drinks and food are not appealing and the presentations of them needs a lot of improvement.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Apr 20 2007 Never Again The kitschy, retro aesthetic is so heavy-handed that it becomes tiresome quickly. Service (particularly in the restaurant) was abominable -- incredibly rude staff, doing their jobs very, very slowly and poorly.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Mar 26 2007 Dream Date The perfect Palm Springs getaway for a fantasy dream date weekend. Funky fresh decor. James Bond could have stepped out of the shadows at any monent. Superior service. Everyone on the staff was professional, friendly and eager to help. Beautiful and expansive grounds. A luscious new wonder apperars around every corner. Convenient location a short drive from downtown. Truely a tropical paradise in the desert.
Reviewed by: A Yahoo! Contributor from on Oct 27 2006