San Francisco-based hospitality company, PlumpJack Group, along with Meriwether Companies, a real estate development and investment firm, have completed the acquisition of Ingleside Inn and Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge in Palm Springs, Calif. The 30-room Palm Springs Historic Landmark and iconic restaurant are PlumpJack Group’s first properties in Southern California, joining a growing collection of award-winning boutique hotels, wineries, restaurants, bars and retail. PlumpJack Group assumed management in January 2017.
Balancing authenticity with luxury, modern amenities and guest comfort, PlumpJack Group projects a comprehensive revitalization for Ingleside Inn with rolling renovations beginning Q2 2017. The new ownership and management plans to polish the storied Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge while preserving its identity, ushering the celebrated Palm Springs establishment into the present day and paying homage to longtime owner and one of the Coachella Valley’s most iconic personalities, the late Melvyn Haber.
“PlumpJack Group is invested in Ingleside Inn with our head and our hearts. Similar to Mel’s philosophy, why we do what we do is about providing genuine hospitality and personalized guest service,” said Hilary Newsom, president and partner, PlumpJack Group. “We are dedicated to the Palm Springs community and to honoring the historic integrity and beloved character of Melvyn’s Restaurant while elevating the one-of-a-kind hospitality experience for guests of the Inn.”
“My father's heart, soul and spirit will always remain at Melvyn’s Restaurant and Ingleside Inn,” said Melvyn Haber’s daughter, Autumn Haber. “PlumpJack Group and Meriwether Companies truly appreciate and understand the property’s inherent charm, its essence and history, and I am grateful they plan to continue his legacy.”
Built in the 1920s, Ingleside Inn was purchased by Haber, a New York businessman, in 1975. Following a complete renovation and the addition of Melvyn’s Restaurant, the Spanish-style desert hideaway became a setting for the brightest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, leaders in the entertainment industry and political power players. Ingleside Inn and Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge count Frank Sinatra, Greta Garbo, Liza Minnelli, Howard Hughes and Lucille Ball among notable guests.
Quiet and secluded, located far enough away from the everyday yet just steps away from the heart of Palm Springs, Calif., Ingleside Inn is timeless luxury and old Hollywood glamour across an acre of well-manicured grounds. The property is comprised of 30 suites and villas, outdoor swimming pool, meetings & event spaces, and fine dining at the world-famous Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge.
Ingleside Inn is the latest joint venture asset between PlumpJack Group and Meriwether Companies, a Colorado-based real estate and investment firm. The two companies have previously collaborated on projects in Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Carmel, Calif.
“We have found a likeminded partner in PlumpJack Group; one who is equally passionate about their team, the local community and delivering a meaningful guest experience,” said Graham Culp, partner, Meriwether Companies. “Ingleside Inn and Melvyn’s Restaurant are true testaments to Palm Springs’ history and culture, and we look forward to collaborating with PlumpJack Group on this exceptional project.”
Renovations to Ingleside Inn are projected for completion in late 2017.
