Trixie Motel Is A Bubblegum Fantasy In Palm Springs
The hyper-pink property is the vision of drag star Trixie Mattel and producer David Silver
(The pool at Trixie Motel)
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Perfect For: Visitors seeking a hyper-kitsch one of a kind stay in Palm Springs
When it comes to hotels in Palm Springs, colorful properties with a pronounced personality aren’t exactly a rare occurrence. But no lodging destination in the Greater Palm Springs area is as markedly vivid and vibrant as Trixie Motel, the rehabbed motel owned by multi-hyphenate drag star Trixie Mattel and TV producer David Silver.
(A portrait of Trixie Mattel at Trixie Motel)
The property is known for being the subject of the titular discovery+ series, wherein Mattel (real name Brian Firkus) and Silver, along with designer Dani Dazey and other collaborators, rehab the former Ruby Montana's Coral Sands Inn into a stunning pastel pink paradise. It’s a destination that hospitality professional and Trixie Motel Events Manager Drew Brant takes pride in.
“We really tried to keep a lot of the mid-century elements during the renovation process, but it's really one of the big things that attracts people to this area,” Brant shares with A HOTEL PODCAST. “I mean, hospitality in general. This is a town that is spotted with tons and tons and tons of boutique small properties. So we really wanted to bring something a little bit different, which is why each of our seven rooms have different themes. It's a little bit more, not that everything else isn't thoughtful, but, I think there's just more design elements that were being pushed further than I think I've seen in any other property.”
(A neon sign lights up the motel’s courtyard)
Located in the historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs, Trixie Motel opened its doors in September of 2022, following two years of renovations. Coated in bubblegum pink at every turn, the property showcases Mattel‘s aesthetic in full effect, from the Valentines-esque Barbara bar to the kitschy check-in desk that also sells Trixie merch, apparel, make up, and more.
The star of the property, however, is undoubtedly the pool, which stands as the centerpiece of many of Trixie Motel’s event activations. Client events have ranged from birthdays, bachelorette parties, and drag shows to productions for brands like Audible, the National Gay Pilots Association, and more. The Trixie team also produces their own events onsite, including Pride Month celebrations. For Brant, it all comes down to the question of “How can we make it the best possible thing for the client?”
(The Trixie Motel pool at dawn)
“We've done a lot of commercial photo shoots with skincare brands, swimwear brands, vintage clothing,” the Events Manager details. “We've done influencer retreats here. Really, sky's the limit. We had our first wedding. I've done a lot of weddings here in the Valley, so that was really exciting for me. First wedding and it was gay, which was incredible ‘cause we love that, keeping it in the family. We also love our straight friends too. So if you want to get married here, please, we're not not keeping you out. We are a little bit smaller though than I feel like I've done. Weddings here in the valley usually are 120 to 250 people. We can really only accommodate 75, comfortably. So that's where we really focus in on the experience rather than the volume of a ballroom or country club style wedding.”
(The Pink Flamingo Suite)
But it’s not just the Trixie’s outdoors that impress. Guests can choose from one of seven stunning rooms, each with their own handcrafted execution of a dreamy theme. The Pink Flamingo Suite showcases playful pastel flamboyance, while the citrus-colored Oh Honeymoon Suite is an escape to a ‘70s shag pad. The Queen of Hearts room delivers a romantic immersion in red, pink, and white, while the Flower Power Suite offers up a more psychedelic trip. The emphasis on an extraordinary design experience is all in service of not just the property’s guests, but anyone who visits Trixie Motel.
(The Queen of Hearts room)
“Working with Trixie and David has been like really rewarding because they also work so hard at what they do,” Brant confirms. “And I think that really bleeds into the rest of the business in a really profound and beautiful way. That makes us all want to work hard and we're all, all of the staff that we have, are so proud to work here. And I think that that's something that we've worked very hard on since the beginning, is pride in what we do, and creating this experience for our overnight guests. And also for those who come to visit our gift shop for 15 minutes, or the people that are spending two hours or three hours in our bar. We want the experience for everyone to be incredible. And I think that's really…Trixie really sets that tone, I think, through her incredible work ethic. And then through David's design aesthetic and just how hard he worked on getting this place to where it is. I think it really just, it trickles down from the top. And I think that's where we're all very happy to be here.”
(Guests can borrow vinyl to enjoy in their room during their stay)
For more from Brant, including additional insight into Trixie Motel’s design influences and event activations, check out his interview on A HOTEL PODCAST below.
Find more via Trixie Motel. And subscribe for more from A Hotel Podcast on LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Words by Jaime Black with help by Gaby Dupont. Media by Jaime Black.
Overnight accommodations for Jaime Black provided by Visit Greater Palm Springs and Trixie Motel.