At La Quinta Resort & Club, we continue to celebrate our centennial. With a 100-year legacy, we definitely have a story or two about our long history of hosting Hollywood’s biggest stars.
The Coachella Valley has been nicknamed “Hollywood’s Playground” due to the plethora of stars and icons who have frequented the area. But why the Coachella Valley? Why this humble home of sand, bighorn sheep, and lizards? It had a lot to do with location; during the studio era of Hollywood, all contracted actors were required to stay within a two-hour drive of Los Angeles. The Coachella Valley was an hour and forty-five minutes away making it perfect for a day away from the studio.
Drawn in by private courtyards, secluded pathways, and intimate citrus groves, La Quinta Resort was paradise compared to the relentless pace of Los Angeles. This sanctuary tucked away between the Santa Rosa Mountains became a hideaway for those looking to unwind. This is why Frank Capra referred to La Quinta Resort as his “Shangri-La for scriptwriting,” a place where words seemed to flow. Walter Morgan designed an environment where privacy was built into the architecture. La Quinta was a haven for celebrities looking for time away from the spotlight. La Quinta’s casitas have hosted many stars throughout the years, including Clint Eastwood, Bette Davis, and Ginger Rogers, who had her wedding at the resort waterfall. Shirley Temple was once the guest of honor at one of our Easter celebrations.
While many celebrities enjoyed La Quinta Resort as a secret hideaway, some loved it so much they decided to call it home. Greta Garbo once roamed the grounds of her secluded desert estate, known fondly as La Casa. Hollywood’s first major female director, Dorothy Arzner, also called La Quinta her home and spent her later years here before passing away. Her former residence, now known as the Arzner Suite, boasts two bedrooms with elegant Art Deco trim and can be rented out during a stay.
The allure and legacy of La Quinta Resort continues today. While the resort and the city of La Quinta have grown since the golden age of Hollywood, we remain a beacon of relaxation. Today, many celebrities and travelers alike still frequent La Quinta Resort, looking to indulge in its beauty, charm, and solitude. Who knew a humble little corner of the Coachella Valley would become an escape for some of history’s most iconic stars? For that reason, the resort earned the nickname “The Original Desert Hideaway.”
For more fun facts and to see some of the sites mentioned, stop by and take one of our weekly history tours on Saturdays at 10:00 AM, complimentary for all resort guests.