Desert in a Minute: The Historic Story of Palm Springs’ Ocotillo Lodge

NBC Palm Springs resident historian Steve Sumrall continues the “Desert in a Minute” series with a look at one of Palm Springs’ most notable mid-century properties — the Ocotillo Lodge.

The Ocotillo Lodge opened as a hotel in 1957 and holds a special place in the city’s architectural history. It was the first Palm Springs project built by the Alexander Construction Company and was designed by renowned architect William Kreisel.

Each unit at the lodge was thoughtfully designed with a one-bedroom, one-bath layout that included a living room and kitchenette. The architecture, landscaping materials, and color palettes were intentionally matched to the nearby Twin Palms neighborhood — a community of Alexander homes located directly behind the hotel.

The Alexanders envisioned the lodge as more than just a hotel. It served as a showcase for prospective homebuyers, allowing visitors to experience the style and lifestyle associated with the company’s mid-century modern homes.

Over the years, the property attracted some notable owners. In 1963, legendary singing cowboy and California Angels owner Gene Autry purchased the lodge.

Five years later, in 1968, the property was acquired by businessman Jerry Buss. Buss still owned the Ocotillo Lodge when he famously purchased the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979.

According to local legend, the hotel also hosted rock-and-roll history. During the early 1970s, members of the Rolling Stones were reportedly caught rehearsing at the lodge between tour stops in San Diego and Los Angeles.

Today, the Ocotillo Lodge continues to serve the Palm Springs community, though its original hotel rooms have been converted into condominiums for longer-term residents.

For Desert in a Minute, this is NBC Palm Springs resident historian Steve Sumrall.

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