The final leg of our venue search:
Finally we finished with the posh, funky, Parker Palm Springs Hotel. My wonderful friend L had stayed here before and told us we were in for a treat. At the uber cool entrance we were greeted with a valet for our car.
We went in the lobby and were greeted by Angela, the coordinator (very organized and friendly). She gave us a tour of the grounds and showed us the various options. Like the other two locations, the ceremony would be outdoors amongst the gorgeous grounds of the hotel. My only disappointment was that other hotel guests would be walking by and there was only a bush-lined gate secluding us from the street.
The reception would kick off with an outdoor cocktail hour and lead to an indoor reception. The facilities were immaculate and definitely not your standard hotel. The vibe was fresh and funky with a bit of the absurd. We were given a detailed notebook with information on the hotel and cost. Like Spencer’s, you are required to have the catering done here. They had specific guidelines of what can be ordered (requiring a deluxe bar) that came out to (are you ready for this?): $250/person for food. On top of that is a ceremony and ballroom site fee of $4,000, and then 20% service charge and sales tax. (For a wedding of 100 people it comes to $32,325–and we were aiming closer to 150 guests at that time). All in all it was a beautiful hotel, but the price was way too high. Plus, while I really liked the vibe, the ceremony location left a little to be desired. Below are some of the pictures from their notebook they gave me:
So, I doubt this will come as a surprise, but we ultimately chose the O’Donnell House (see Our Venue - Part 1).
I’m thrilled with the decision. It really was the crowd favorite (and by favorite, I mean it was unanimous). We loved the coordinator, and the site itself was captivating (I don’t think the pictures do it justice!). And while my parents were a little nervous about hiring outside caterers, I like the flexibility it has offered us (not only in terms of budget, but also in type of food). The venue provided a list of recommended vendors so we have had a good starting-off place. All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the decision!
Hey, looks like you can’t go wrong with the O’Donnell House! But, what beautiful venues all together. 
I loved the O’Donnell House! Great choice! Yeay on finding your venue…
may I ask what the estimate for 150 guests at the o’donnell house is?
Whoa! $250/pp just for the food is a lot of money. Good call by going with something a bit more affordable.
You made a great decision! I was married at The Parker last year and have since coordinated a few weddings there. As amazing a venue as it is, they tend to promise more than they deliver. For the price, you are better pff going somewhere where you know everything will be perfect.
Don’t be at all concerned about bringing in your own caterer. It allows you many options that you may not have had otherwise. The O’Donnell House will be incredible!
Miss GreenBean - it’s a bit more flexible at the O’Donnell House because you have to hire an outside caterer. the site fee for the location itself is about $5,000 (less if you have fewer guests, but we’re having the maximum which is 130) and then the per person for food is based on your caterer…
Mimi - thanks so much for your comment! i really did love the parker but my gut told me the o’donnell was the best fit (and i adored it too!). great to hear feedback from someone who knows first hand
[...] – and that included anyone we’d even consider inviting. However, when we fell in love with the O’Donnell, we had to accept that the venue can only hold 130 (and it’s not just a matter of chairs – [...]
Miss Peppermint, I am looking for a wedding and reception site. Do you know what is included with the rental fee? I have about 85-100 guests.
Katie - email me at peppermint@weddingbee.com and I’ll give you the detailed info. Are you looking for the info at the Parker?
Miss Peppermint, LA/Palm Springs
Age and Occupation: 23, Actress
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Web Producer
Engagement Date: October 21, 2006
Wedding Date: December 2007
Blogging Since: July 2, 2007
Venue: historic estate overlooking the heart of Palm Springs
About Me: I am a Southern California native who enjoys cooking, writing, travel and all things in the arts. Mr. Peppermint and I met in college and he proposed on our four year anniversary in one of our most special places, Joshua Tree National Park. We're having a destination wedding in Palms Springs that will incorporate tradition as well as reflect our personalities!
$250 for food only? Yipes!