PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. – April 20, 2021 – Casa Cody, the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, has reopened following a significant restoration and revitalization project under the management of Casetta Group to usher the renowned Palm Springs establishment into the present day with respect to its Spanish Colonial Revival heritage, adobe hacienda architecture and enduring spirit. A time-honored oasis under the open skies of the California desert, Casa Cody’s next chapter is a symphony of classic elegance with historical elements alongside a modern aesthetic and lifestyle amenities and services.
Quiet and secluded yet just steps from Palm Springs’ center, Casa Cody is a romantic respite situated upon more than 1.5 acres of tranquil grounds against the rising backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. Winding pathways surrounded by wild bougainvillea, native plantings and fruit trees throughout lead to 30 accommodations—many with kitchenettes or full kitchens, private patios and fireplaces—two swimming pools, new onsite F&B offerings for guests, an edible garden, outdoor tubs and showers, and wide-open lawns.
“At Casetta Group, we specialize in the revival of small boutique hotels and decidedly unique buildings with a story, breathing new life into structures with great bones layered with our philosophy of sustainability without compromising style,” said Carolyn Schneider, president and partner, Casetta Group. “We fell in love with the remarkable history and timeless soul of Casa Cody. We are proud to continue its legacy through the preservation of its essence and character while elevating the guest experience through unmatched service, design, and amenities.”
The story of Casa Cody begins in the early 1900s when Hollywood pioneer Harriet Cody—cousin of the illustrious William “Buffalo Bill” Cody—arrived in Palm Springs by wagon, settled on land and built a home with architect husband Harold Bryant Cody. By the 1920s, Casa Cody had become established as a hotel frequented by legends of the arts community including Charlie Chaplin, American opera singer Lawrence Tibbett and French-born novelist Anaïs Nin.
Guided by the old-world charm and opulence of Palm Springs, along with the vibrant colors of coastal Spain and a modernist mindset, architecture and interior design firm Electric Bowery instilled the interiors of Casa Cody with a rich palette of color and texture that strikes a delicate balance of sophistication with a sense of playfulness to achieve harmony between the property’s historic façade and its contemporary interiors.
“With warm coral velvet, textured blue-green accents and otomi-patterned pillows, the rooms are imbued with depth to enliven the existing plaster interior,” said Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew, Electric Bowery’s founders, designers, and architects. “Each room features richly colored zellige tile and deep blue millwork in the bathrooms and bar areas, reflecting the Mediterranean influence in a modern design. We custom designed upholstered elements and cabinetry in the space for an inviting, residential feel. The dark wood tones balance the rich pops of color, creating a classic yet modern aesthetic that is unlike any other in Palm Springs.”
A designated Class 1 historic site by the Palm Springs City Council, Casa Cody is comprised of notable structures including four freestanding homes complete with one or two bedrooms, full kitchen, dining room and/or living room, outdoor patio space, and outdoor soaking tub or shower: the one-bedroom Olympic Cottage, which formerly housed athletes during the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics; Harriet’s Cottage, a quaint and cozy standalone house with one bedroom; Winter’s House, an original 1930s California Ranch House and spacious bungalow; and the two-bedroom, one-bathroom Adobe House, a true adobe built in the early 1900s and one of a handful of remaining adobes documented in Palm Springs. Additional guest accommodations range from standard studios to suites and are available in the 1950s Apache Lodge built by actress Polly Bergen and units transplanted from the estate of Francis Crocker, the “Father of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.”
Guest rooms at Casa Cody are outfitted with Casetta Group’s signature eco-minded amenities such as Parachute bedding and bath linens, certified organic bath products by MoonCloth Designs, and custom-designed Finery bathrobes. Among other sustainable amenities are Ocean Bottle reusable water bottles, made in part from ocean-bound recycled materials, and Roen x Casetta 001 candles created with an exclusive blend of coconut wax. A micro-library of cookbooks curated by Los Angeles’ cookbook and culinary shop, Now Serving, adds a dash of function and style to the open shelving of the kitchens and kitchenettes.
Opening this summer is a charming market concept that will double as the hotel’s reception desk. Guests will not only be able to check in here, but also delight in produce grown onsite, retail merchandise, and food & beverage to be enjoyed on the outdoor patio or delivered anywhere on property, from in-room to poolside to an idyllic spot on the peaceful lawns.
With multiple courtyards and spacious lawns against a serene mountain backdrop, Casa Cody can be transformed for any occasion for up to 200 guests and is ideal for weddings and full-property buyouts.
Casa Cody is located in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood of Palm Springs at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, within walking distance of the Palm Springs Art Museum and downtown Palm Springs’ shopping, entertainment, dining, and arts & culture scene.
