ORIGINALLY A MOB speakeasy, gambling joint and brothel that opened in 1935, the 56-room boutique hotel (including suites and 10 casitas) is a lot more welcoming than its history would suggest after a $16-million revamp by celeb designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Featuring Uzbekistani textiles, French tiles, vintage photos and other whimsical 1940’s-Hollywood touches, the Spanish colonial-inspired property boasts a spacious poolside courtyard, a spa, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and martini-dropping mountain views.

colonypalmshotel.com