Poolside Burgers, Bubbly & Bootleggers: The Colony Palms Just Served the Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Vibe

Some places don't just have history, they let you live inside it.

The moment you sink into a striped lounger at The Colony Palms Hotel, time starts to blur. One minute you're scrolling your phone, the next you're imagining it's 1936 and Hollywood's biggest stars are ordering cocktails while gangsters slip through secret speakeasy entrances. Palm Springs has always been a little dramatic, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Speakeasy Vibes & Old Hollywood Glam

Long before boutique hotels became the city's signature aesthetic, The Colony Palms began life as the Colonial House, a glamorous hideaway built by Las Vegas casino owner Al Wertheimer, who was rumored to have ties to the infamous Purple Gang. Hidden beneath the property was an underground speakeasy where old Hollywood glamour mixed with a little mystery, making it one of Palm Springs' most legendary destinations.

Colony Palms Hotel Circa 2014

For me, The Colony Palms was more than a beautiful hotel, it became my escape. After long shifts working in healthcare, I'd drive to Palm Springs, claim a poolside lounger, order an Aperol Spritz and the grilled Caesar salad, open a magazine, and completely lose track of time. Every now and then I'd glance up and spot celebrities like interior designer Martyn Bullard lounging poolside with friends, holding court like Palm Springs royalty. It was one of those places where you never knew who you'd see, but everyone seemed to understand they had discovered one of the city's best-kept secrets.

Burgers and Champs

When day-pass rules changed years ago, and a resort tax was instituted in 2017, my carefree afternoons were over when I was told I could no longer lounge poolside and I was kicked out of The Colony Palms Hotel. That's why this summer's special poolside burger event felt like the perfect reunion.

To kick off the Fourth of July weekend, The Colony Palms transformed its iconic pool deck into an elevated backyard barbecue with serious Old Hollywood flair. Champagne flowed, sunshine shimmered across the water, and guests gathered for the debut of Chef Igor Krichmar's secret off-menu 1936 Burger.

Chef Krichmar's creation was everything a summer burger should be juicy, perfectly grilled to a medium-well finish over an outdoor barbecue, and somehow both nostalgic and luxurious. Paired with crisp Philipponnat Royal Reserve Champagne, it was the kind of unexpected combination that simply worked. Sitting poolside with fries, bubbles, and the hotel's iconic Spanish Colonial architecture surrounding you felt less like lunch and more like starring in your own vintage Palm Springs movie.

Don't forget the frozen custard

Of course there was dessert. Frozen custard by Perfect Pint. Creme Brûlée poolside makes everything better.

It's exactly the kind of event we want more of in Palm Springs. Boutique hotels have stories worth celebrating, and bringing guests together through food, cocktails, and a little history makes those stories come alive.

Now if we can make one request for next summer...

Let's fully embrace The Colony Palms' bootlegging roots with a roaring 1920s speakeasy soirée. Think jazz bands, feathered headbands, vintage cocktails, hidden passwords, and guests dressed like they've stepped straight out of a Gatsby novel. If any hotel can pull off a glamorous trip back in time, it's this one.

Because in Palm Springs, history always tastes better with champagne and Chef Igor Krichmar's unforgettable burger.

About the Author

Ersilia Pompilio is the Editor in Chief of SQUAD Magazine, a Palm Springs guide for bachelorettes and ladies who love to leisure. Ersilia has over two decades of experience in performing, producing live storytelling shows, and hosting a podcast, she has also taught storytelling classes and written professionally for several media outlets. Originally from Los Angeles, Ersilia is also a twenty-year resident of Palm Springs, California.