Hotel Paseo, Palm Springs, USA

You're just south of State Route 111 in Larkspur Lane. The city of Palm Desert lies in the centre of Greater Palm Springs and is an ideal base for exploring the Coachella Valley. Transfers from Palm Springs Airport take 30 minutes and valet parking is included in a daily 'destination fee'. The hotel borders The Shops on El Paseo, a luxury outdoor shopping mall with designer stores and restaurants. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a short drive south on Portola Avenue.

By plane: flights to Palm Springs take 14 hours from London with a stop in Phoenix, Arizona. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport. Free parking available. Book flights to Palm Springs.

A lipstick-red Cadillac Convertible from 1955 has pride of place in the lobby, setting a fun mood that continues with vibrant artwork and a swimming pool bordered with artificial grass, yard games and a vintage Airstream Cruiser. Interiors are bright and light, using a palette of grey, white and plain wood.

The staff, who are known as 'pathfinders', are friendly enough but things can take a while if they're chatting. There's a workstation in the lobby, a fitness centre open 24/7, complimentary use of bikes and a courtesy shuttle that can drive you up to five miles away. Local calls are free.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Art gallery
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms are set on three floors with a view of the city or pool, with the latter more attractive. Their style is lean and clean favouring cream and brown hues and a bare white bed. Bathrooms come with a shower only with toiletries by LATHER.

Room types: Classic, Premier, Glamour, Executive Suite, Oasis Suite, Billiards Suite, Grand Desert Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes, hairdryer, coffee machine, mini fridge, iron, air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi

Enlivened by a large mural of Joshua trees, the Larkspur Grill attracts a local crowd and its live music at weekends can be good enough to get you dancing. The menu is modern Californian and there's a two-hour happy hour and a kids' menu. Breakfast here is substantial, and Café Paseo in the lobby has coffee and snacks.

Larkspur Grill: restaurant and bar, Californian cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.

Café Paseo: snacks and refreshments, to-go. Open daily from 6am.

Lemon Drop pool bar: casual light small bites and signature cocktails. Open daily from 10am.