Bearfoot Inn Makes Palm Springs Imprint for Pride Weekend

Nicole Bowen Hotels & Resorts

 

As the LGBT community descends on Palm Springs for Pride weekend, Nov. 7-9, the accommodations awaiting them have their own unique connections to the local gay scene.

The doors to Bearfoot Inn opened close to Christmas in 2012, marking a more than decade-long dream of creating a warm weather gay destination  by owners Glen Boomhour and Jerry Pergolesi.

photo by David a. lee

The hotel has midcentury roots.

The duo opened the original Bearfoot Inn in their native Toronto before branching out to Palm Springs.

An extensive renovation began in March 2011,  taking the former Morningside Resort down to the studs and revealing a Hacienda style building that was actually a 1956 mid-century modern.

Though the architect of the building remains a mystery (some speculate it may be a Burns, the man who designed The Chase Hotel and Desert Riviera) Boomhour and Pergolesi wanted to preserve the sleek and simplistic feel of a midcentury.

photo by david a. lee

Big 24-by-24-inch black ceramic tile floors were selected for the rooms.

Big 24-by-24-inch black ceramic tile floors were selected for the rooms and a new (architect Don) Wexler-inspired entrance was constructed.  

Three of the inn’s 11 rooms offer private patios and kitchen, while one unit provides guests two queen beds for additional sleeping space.

Photo by david a. lee

Three of the 11 rooms offer a kitchen.

Guests of Bearfoot Inn enjoy an exclusive, men’s only, clothing optional resort (I wasn’t even allowed on property for our interview to protect the ambiance for guests).

The saltwater pool and 15-man whirlpool are the focal point of the hotel and serve as a social gathering for all guests.

“During busy weekends we will take out trays of frozen margaritas or other treats,” says Boomhour.

Photo by david a. lee

The pool and whirlpool are popular social gathering places.

For those hoping to indulge at breakfast, Barefoot Inn has an expansive continental buffet with more than 20 options. Bagels, cereal, granola, oatmeal, and yogurt are just a few of the mainstays.

Men choosing to stay at Bearfoot also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and premium cable (HBO and Showtime) at no charge.  

Bearfoot Inn, 888 N. Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, (760) 699-7641, www.bearfootinn.com

 

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