[ RIP ] Ruby Montana’s Coral Sands Inn Palm Springs – Kitsch-tastic Motel!

2019 Sad to report, Ruby retired and the last year to stay here was 2020 

Original 2015 Post:

Palm Springs is a desert destination for lovers of mid-century architecture and design. Clean lines, sharp corners and nary a nicknack to be had in some of the more stylish but oftten restrained interiors.

While Mod Betty is a fan of this type of design and sometimes envisions herself living that minimalist modern lifestyle, she also knows how delightful it can be to see an unexpected collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers, or maybe a puppet head cookie jar perched atop a thrifted chifferobe.

That’s why Mod Betty loves the kitsch-laden Ruby Montana’s Coral Sands Inn, a relaxed and fun counterpoint to the high-style of much of the city.

The Inn itself – built as a motel in 1952, is conveniently located close to the former desert homes of Elvis and Liberace.

But it isn’t those famous neighbors that put this tiny 6-suite lodging on Mod B’s map.

It is “motelier” and inspiration Ruby Montana, the one time owner of Seattle’s famous kitsch emporium Ruby Montana’s Pinto Pony, and the imaginative spirit that turned this once mundane motel into a destination for creatives and dog-lovers alike.

Yes – dog lovers.

You can bring your (well behaved) dog with you, or if you prefer,  scritch one of the resident pups behind the ears while your here. Like this little lovely, who charmed Retro Roadhusband during our all-too-short stay.

Ms. Montana has a soft-spot for rescue pups, and has even raised money to save shelter dogs by selling delicious home-made pies! Yes, of course, we had to get a pie (because Mod Betty loves pie) but to support the cause. While we did not have time to eat ours (note the aforementioned all-too-short-stay) Ruby was a darlin’ and packed our lemon meringue delight “to go” using little more than an el-cheapo cooler we had, secured with leopard print tape.

Tape that of course just happened to coordinate with her morning-wear. She’s that kind of effortlessly fab gal, and a swell hostess to boot.

But – The Motel!

An aqua-hued kidney shaped pool is flanked by cotton candy colored walls that change hue with the movements of the sun, from salmon to bubblegum, to dusky rose.

Want to lounge poolside? An eclectic collection of chairs and vintage loungers are assembled in little collectives, perfect for chatting, eating at or catching rays.

Inside, each of the six themed suites are delightfully crammed with tchotchkes, vintage furnishings, photos, doodads and gewgaws that when assembled under the creative eye of Ms. Montana – coalesce into a unique theme. Think the Madonna Inn on steroids.

Our room was the Howdy Doody Goes to Bali room.

This of course is a nod to the famed puppet boy, but also vintage ceramic flamingos, leopard print bedding, deco styled rattan and more.

Mod B took it as a good omen that this flock of flamingos was nesting above our bed. They’re her fave!

But you can have your choice of the Yippy Ky Yo Ky Yay Rodeo Suite, the The Liberace Suite or maybe The Yiddish Cowgirl Suite!

Want to laze by the pool and read? A lending library of left-behind books is waiting for you just outside your door.

We regrettably did not factor in enough time to truly revel in the laid back vibe and communal spirit of the motel, as we had overbooked our schedule, East Coast style. However, we were bound and determined to savor every moment we were able to spend on site.

Gazing up at the mountains from our perch at the pool, being inspired at every turn, with even a roomside planter festooned with found mosaics exemplifying the creativity that has made this place into a one-of-a-kind destination.

With regret, we had to scoot much earlier than we wanted to, but little did our gracious hostess Ms. M know that when she kindly packed our pie to go, we’d use our promise of returning her pie plate as a thinly veiled excuse to return again!

And if you’re a lover of Palm Springs served with a side of frothy pink kitsch and pups, then you’ll want to visit Ruby’s too!

xo

Mod B