Korakia Pensione
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Phone: (760) 864-6411
- Cross Street:
- W Arenas
Editorial Review for Korakia Pensione – by Matthew Allard
The Scene
With the San Jacinto Mountains looming in the background, these two renovated 1930s villas, each separated by South Patencio Road, create a calming desert oasis for an eclectic clientele. The bustle of downtown Palm Springs is certainly within walking distance, but here, the detached atmosphere makes guests feel as if they truly have gotten away from it all. Fax machines, crying babies and snarled traffic? Forget about it.
The Details
Since Korakia was indeed a working pensione in its former life, no two rooms are alike. Stay in the Moroccan villa's library where a four poster bed and several built-in bookshelves await; or, select from 25 others, including the Kasbah suite, which features a kitchen and adobe fireplace, and the Acropolis suite, with its own patio adjacent to the pool. Each room is filled with quaint, natural decor, from heavy wood chests to wicker benches and mosaic stone tables. Two pools, surrounded by small flaming bonfires at night, provide a welcome respite from the sweltering desert heat. Although the Mediterranean villa's pool is far more spacious, the Moroccan side boasts a convenient poolside bar and a gorgeous stone water wall.
Hits: The staff is friendly and welcoming, the homemade breakfasts and lunches are delicious and the Moroccan mint tea (with floating pine nuts!) is a relaxing prelude to each evening.
Misses: If you dare to come in the summer, prepare yourself for some serious heat--the rooms do not have the strongest air conditioning units.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoA visit is like returning to nature--there are no televisions or telephones in the rooms.
Save TimeDon't move a muscle--for a fee, the staff will prepare a variety of fresh paninis, along with salad and soft drinks, for lunch.
The ExtrasHeld on the patio across from the lobby, breakfast is complimentary. Korakia decides what they will be serving, but dishes often include organic eggs or silver dollar pancakes.
Fun FactAlthough the staff aren't supposed to disclose which A-list celebs stay here, we will: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are just two of the famous faces who have enjoyed this intimate property.
User Reviews for Korakia Pensione
02/26/2008 Posted by marpop
I went here at the end of summer (during an unsual heat wave - it was horrible!) and despite the skin-melting weather this place could not have been better. I have been to PS many many times (and at some of the top spots like The Parker) and I didn't even know this place existed! And so close to the downtown area, too! The staff couldn't have been nicer and the grounds are just so quaint and quiet and rustic ... you truly feel like you're in a different country. At first my fiance was skeptical because the place doesnt have any TVs or radios or phones, but after one night we were loving it. IT truly is a place to unwind and just enjoy a quieter, simpler way to relax. The 'Library' room is great with lots of old books and a little fireplace (which we obviously didnt use) and a bathroom that reminds me of my grandparents' old house. We love the Parker, but this place is a must for that truly 'getaway' experience -- oddly enough the staff said that most people prefer the Mediterranean villas & pool area which are located just across the little road from the main property, but I thought the Moroccan villas and pool were much more charming. I also recommend the on-call massuese they have-- i think her name is Debra; she's blonde. She is THE MOST INCREDIBLE massuese we have ever had!!! (You'd think i'd remember her name since she was so fabulous, but i am bad.) I cannot wait to come back here - it is beautiful and the food they make is delicious. Oh, and the afternoon mint tea with pine nuts swirling on top is such a nice touch. LOve love love this place!
Pros: Absolutely everything
Cons: If you come in the summer, watch out! You might melt.
01/16/2008 Posted by redwing73
I have been to Korakia a few times and its a fantastic place to go clear your head and relax. It incredibly charming and it really gives you the sense that you are in an exotic mediterranean locale.
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