Desert Post Weekly

Orbit In… the Rat Pack Way of Life

Excerpt and photos by Mona M. de Crinis

It’s cool baby, real cool. From its signature green and orange exterior, the logo aglow with atomic essence, to the appropriately themed rooms with names like the Leopard Lounge, the Martini Room, Atomic Paradise, Rat Pack Suite and the Albert Frey Lounge to the lava lamps on the retro-styled outside bar, the Orbit In is way out.

This intimate hotel, nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, represents a growing attraction to all things mid-century or as the movement has been dubbed locally, Palm Springs Modern.

“We’ve been booked since we opened earlier this month, says General Manager Bruce Abney. “It’s just so much fun.” And that’s pretty much what the focus is – getting away from it all by embracing a time past when life was smooth.

Owners Stan Amy and Christy Eugenis, of Portland, Oregon, admit they were ecstatic to find a small hotel in such a great area that still had all of the original ’50s styling. “I’ve always loved mid-century architecture and design,” says Eugenis. “It was really fun to find an intact inn with the original characteristics and be able to bring it back to what you would fantasize it was like back in 1957.

Leopards and Rat Packs

Each of the ten guest rooms at the Orbit In has a unique persona and range in price from $189- $249. They all feature a special selection of mid-century designer furnishings, art and music from the popular period. The classic ’50s kitchenettes and luxurious tile bathrooms are original; a trademark of the hotel’s original designer, Herb W. Burns. While they may look like they’re straight out of “I Love Lucy”, the rooms have all of the modern (as in function) conveniences including: data ports, air conditioning, refrigerators, coffee makers, blow dryers, luxurious robes, ironing boards, safes, CD players, and TV’s with VCR’s. Guests are welcome to select a current of classic movie from the video library.

This fun ’50s oasis is located in the heart of the historic Palm Springs enclave called the “Tennis Club District”, which has been a popular vacation hideaway for celebrities, artists, writers and intellectuals since the 1930’s. Charlie Chaplin, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, as well as current celebrities, have been regular guests at the small intimate inns for which the neighborhood is known. Gloria Swanson’s former home is located across the street, and the Palm springs Tennis Club is just around the corner. A spin on one of the In’s cruiser bikes and guest soon become intimately familiar with this charming neighborhood.

Get a Bite or a Buzz at the Boomerang Bar

A complimentary continental breakfast is set each morning between 8 and 10 am. Guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary orbitini or glass of wine served at the Boomerang Bar each evening from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. For those who cannot stay away from the Internet, the Orbit In has DSL modem jacks attached to the lava lamps. Guests are encouraged to hook-up, dial-up and take care of business or pleasure – all poolside!