KAYLIN WAIZINGER | JULY 31, 2023 | Localemagazine.com
With its city-chic vibe and wow-worthy design—not to mention the stunning rooftop pool—there’s no question why the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs has made a name for itself on the desert scene. The 153-room property is all things contemporary while still tipping its hat to the region’s midcentury roots. Its seduction begins in the posh yet cozy lobby, replete with soaring ceilings and a flickering fireplace, and continues in the rooms—each a restorative retreat with tiled walls, light-wood floors and blue-hued accent rugs.
While we’re a sap for stylish design, perhaps one of the biggest draws of this sky-high property is its unique collection of restaurants. From a sultry rooftop hideaway with 270-degree desert views to a coastal-inspired cafe serving fresh, seasonal fare, the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is a culinary destination that continues to evolve, drawing inspiration from the rugged landscape that surrounds it. Here are five reasons all culinary connoisseurs should add “The Rowan” to their must-dine list.
1 | Juniper Table: Fresh, Coastal Cuisine
A space designed for lingering, Juniper Table is the Kimpton Rowan’s ground-floor cafe that sits mere steps from the bustling Palm Canyon Drive. The restaurant is casual in its approach yet offers a sophisticated all-day menu that is chock-full of fresh, organic ingredients. Guests can visit the counter-service bar for espresso drinks and fresh juices, then take a seat on the shaded patio to snack on creative plates like the breakfast tostada, arugula blueberry salad, spicy soppressata pizza and more. If you feel like keeping things casual come dinner time, Juniper Table’s evening menu features a mix of innovative farm-fresh fare and coastal creations, such as baked brie with Harissa-spiced pecans and handmade trofie pasta.
2 | Window Bar: A Stylish Lobby Lounge
For light pre-dinner bites or an after-hours nightcap, Window Bar is an intimate nook that boasts a cozy fireside ambiance and an up-close view of the rocky desert mountains. With a penchant for innovative cocktails that highlight botanicals and clear spirits, the expert mixologists here serve up drinks with a touch of showmanship. Take a seat at the sleek bartop or kick back in the living room lounge—either way, you’ll feel right at home.
Local Insight: Window Bar offers a daily happy hour from 5-7 p.m. and also features DJ grooves every Thursday from 7-10 p.m.
3 | High Bar: A Buzzy Sky-High Bar
Rooftop views and poolside drinks? We dare you to name a better duo. The Kimpton Rowan’s High Bar sits seven stories above downtown Palm Springs, offering transcendent views of the city and beyond. Master barkeeps mind the drinks as servers pour up craft beers and crisp wines. Give into the vibe and order a boozy concoction, such as the Desert Breeze, made with Tito’s vodka, Giffard Crème de Pêche, passion fruit, pineapple, grenadine, lime and a dash of bitters. Desert dwellers can also order snacks like poke nachos, fresh guacamole and BBQ pork belly sliders. The High Bar atmosphere is playful by day and swanky by night. Keep in mind that the rooftop is open only to hotel guests during the day and welcomes the public in the evening.
Local Insight: Venture beyond High Bar to the intimate dining patio, where you can peep a bird’s-eye view of Palm Springs’ windmills!
4 | 4 Saints: A Chef-Driven Rooftop Hideaway
The hotel’s signature restaurant, 4 Saints, shares the rooftop with the pool yet feels far away due to its glass-enclosed space, circular leather banquettes and dimmed, sultry vibe. The restaurant touts a grill-style menu of modern American fare with seasonally inspired entrees like roasted Chilean sea bass, grass-fed beef short rib, prime bone-in filet and herb-roasted chicken. But before you dig in, we recommend starting with a Midsummer Manhattan or a Highway 111 Old Fashioned, then ordering the stone fruit burrata and lobster ceviche to share.
Local Insight: 4 Saints takes pride in its farm-to-table approach, featuring California’s farms, ranches, vines and coastlines. No matter what you order, you can expect it to be fresh and thoughtfully crafted.
