Review: Hermann Bungalows

Why book?

This is the place for ultimate Palm Springs mid-century luxury, designed with the most sumptuous details and suited for the natural landscape—including prime poolside San Jacinto Mountain views.

Set the scene

The nouveau-modern Palm Springs style is central to this lavish boutique property, from its Venetian terrazzo floors and custom furniture, to its ethereal zero-edge pool with unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains. Located on a spacious site along E. Palm Canyon Road, these posh bungalows were made to seamlessly suit the desert scenery, using natural materials and native plants alongside earth-toned furnishings. Guests are exceptionally styled too, often there to mark a romantic getaway. And none are under 21 (house rules).

The backstory

This is an uncommon experience: a resort within a resort. One is luxury while the other is “ultra-luxury.” The latter is Hermann Bungalows, a uniquely chic 24-suite lodge opened by designer-hotelier Steve Hermann in 2022. It’s adjacent to L’Horizon Resort & Spa (25 rooms), which Hermann opened in 2015 after a $10 million renovation of an existing mid-century property. Bungalow guests enter through L’Horizon’s lobby to reach their own fully contained hotel, whose design inspiration is rooted in the mid-century-modernism architecture of Richard Nuetra. Guests can stay in the privacy of the Hermann Bungalows, or access all of the amenities of L’Horizon Resort, including its pool, the Spa, and the elegant SO.PA restaurant.

The rooms

In total, you’ll find 20 junior suites, two studio suites, and two one-bedroom suites, each has private patios facing the 85-foot-long pool. Four suites have fully fenced back yards, three have jacuzzi tubs, and 12 include outdoor showers. Expect to relax in an environment of natural stone and wood that ties into the lushly landscaped garden just beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Oversized bathrooms might be the standout room feature, with beautiful patterned-marble walls, plush Frette robes and slippers, rainforest showers, gilded fixtures, and TOTO smart toilets.

Food and drink

Extending proprietor-designer Steve Hermann’s nature-inspired design, SO.PA is an intimate alfresco dining experience for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can dine at your own table, or go family-style at the 26-foot live-edge walnut communal table. Courtyard ambience is romantic with firepits, fountains, and plants. Service is attentive, though some guests have shared mixed reviews on the level of care. Similarly, the upscale American and international menu features some delightfully uncommon ingredients, but some find dish quality inconsistent. SO.PA is located on the L’Horizon campus, and guests from Hermann Bungalows are welcome—just beware that the restaurant is reservations-only, adults-only, and pets-free. Guests also can enjoy craft cocktails, wines, and bites from the Hermann Bungalow Bar as well as the pool bar at L’Horizon.

The spa

Reserve time at the Spa for massages, facials, and body treatments. There are four private indoor-outdoor white-canvas cabanas, allowing the warm climate and sounds of nature to complement each session. You can add on aromatherapy treatments for scalp or for feet, as well as peels to any facial. Prices are high but not unreasonable, and a 20-percent gratuity is added for each reservation.

The neighborhood/area

Hermann Bungalows are situated on the south end of the Palm Springs main strip, near the local hipster go-to Ace Hotel & Swim Club, which still draws a cool crowd. But as the neighborhood evolves, Bungalow guests have more options for (gasp!) walking-distance bars, restaurants, and boutiques, which can make a nice break from Hermann’s exclusivity.

The service

As a domain of uber-luxury, guests can expect every service detail and request to be accommodated. Expect a welcome glass of sparkling wine at check in, quick valet service, and polished, friendly care across the board.

Accessibility

Service dogs are allowed and are exempt from the resort’s pet fee, which is restricted to canines.

Anything left to mention?

Brand-new in 2022, the Hermann Bungalows was an instant a standout as ultra-posh resort in an already high-end destination like Palm Springs. And though the experience may come with an indulgent price tag, the grand design, accommodations, service, and atmosphere will keep you fondly remembering your nouveau-modernist visit for a long time.