I was looking for some good romantic hotels, and I bumped into this article which says that the Moroccan inspired Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, CA is  probably America’s sexiest hotel, and as evidence provides quotes from the New York Times and Frommer’s calling it ‘one of the sexiest hotels in America’.  

Course, considering the NYT has a tie-up with Frommer’s for travel reviews, its bound to be the same, but still, its pretty nice for a hotel to be labeled a nympho by the New York Times. Also, the hotel’s review by LA Confidential magazine says that the retreat has been a favorite hangout of the Hollywood crowd, and specifically names Alicia Silverstoone, Elizabeth Shue, Andy Garcia, Pamela Anderson, Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell, among others.

So what exactly does the Korakia Pensione offer that makes it so seductive, other than a distinctly Frenchy name (Korakia is Greek for ‘crow’)? Well, for starters, they don’t allow in children under the age of 13, no pets allowed, no televisions or telephone (does have wi-fi), and it is entirely smoke free. The place is actually two historic villas with bungalows, guest houses, gardens and pools which have been lumped together and turned into a resort.

One of the villas was the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts, who invited all sorts of artsy folks and high society types and its been a watering hole for the rich and the famous ever since, with a short period of disrepute in between. The Moroccan inspired art and architecture has been restored and maintained, with citrus blossoms, olive trees, oleander bushes, date palms, bougainvillea vines, gorgeous Moroccan fountains and a stone waterfall spread across the main courtyard area.  

Its supposed to be an ‘experimental resort’, with complimentary breakfast, yoga classes and spa offerings like a hot bamboo massage. The rooms, suites, studios and bungalows are pretty distinct with plenty of variety to boot in each type. Not at all like a cookie-cutter hotel or resort. They have 16 different themed styles of lodging in the Mediterranean Villa and 12 different types in the Moroccan Villa. One I liked best was the Bedouin Room, which has a has an arched entryway, Queen-size built-in bed, stone shower, sitting area and private patio.

Korakia is located just a few blocks from Palm Canyon Drive, ten minutes to Palm Springs International Airport, and a two hour drive from Los Angeles. They’re offering special weekday rates until December 18 2008 - Rooms for $159, studios for $189 and suites for 4259 per night. If you found all this fascinating, then you probably need to check out the Brides.com list of the 50 sexiest hotels in the world.

Info: 257 S. Patencio Road Palm Springs CA 92262; (760) 864-6411; www.korakia.com/; Photo copyrights - Korakia Pensione.

Posted on October 10th, 2008 by PLing
Filed under: Hotels