Sunshine, saturated color, and a little bit of Old Hollywood mischief — that's the Monkey Tree formula, and this canary-yellow studio serves it up in canary yellow. Tucked inside a gated, one-acre mid-century modern retreat in North Palm Springs, this sunny studio is your passport to the most spirited stay in the desert.
Designed in 1960 by legendary modernist architect Albert Frey, Monkey Tree has lived many lives. Its storied past reads like a tabloid dream — rumor has it JFK and Marilyn Monroe snuck away here for a tryst, and the hotel's low-slung silhouette and original bones still whisper of the Rat Pack era. Today, a thoughtful restoration has brought the property back to its glamorous roots while layering in a fresh, design-forward sensibility that feels equal parts gallery and getaway.
This canary-bright studio is where California sunshine goes to hang out. Bright canary accents pop against clean mid-century lines, original artwork lines the walls, and a spacious vanity gives you room to get ready in style (or just admire yourself in good light). The king bed is dressed for deep sleep, the ensuite is stocked with modern fixtures, and the whole space strikes that elusive balance between design-magazine cool and put-your-feet-up comfortable.
Step outside and the hotel opens up around a heated pool, a lush lawn, and a Scandinavian-style spa featuring a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge — a full hydrotherapy circuit rarely found at a property this intimate. Swaying palms, panoramic San Jacinto Mountain views, and a communal fire bowl set the scene for slow mornings and long, lantern-lit evenings. Lawn games, board games, and complimentary bikes mean there's always something to do — or not do — depending on the mood.
You're also perfectly placed to explore. Downtown Palm Springs and the Uptown Design District are just minutes away, with vintage shopping, buzzy cocktail bars, and some of the Coachella Valley's best restaurants within easy reach. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, hiking trails, and the mid-century home tours that made this town famous are all a quick drive.
Whether you're here for a romantic escape, a design pilgrimage, or a weekend of pool-lounging with a cocktail in hand, this canary-bright studio at Monkey Tree is a technicolor love letter to the Palm Springs of it-girls and architects past.
Nearby Activities: Escena Golf Club, Lulu California Bistro, Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs SkatePark, Mesquite Golf and Country Club, Desert Healthcare Park, North Lykken Trailhead.
Located 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Coachella Valley is an oasis for those looking to experience the beauty and ruggedness of Southern California’s desert region. Surrounded by picturesque vistas and mountains, an abundance of golf courses, shopping, and dining, this sunny destination is a must for those who enjoy the outdoors and the arts. Home to the country’s most famous music festival, travelers across the globe flock here to attend The Coachella Music & Arts Festival, hosted annually in April. No matter what time of year, there’s always something exciting going on.
Experience Coachella Valley, AvantStay Style.
All AvantStay guests have access to our 24/7 guest experience line, a dedicated hospitality manager, and hotel-grade amenities.
Home Truths:
- This home allows pets for a fee. If undisclosed pets are brought into the home without AvantStay's approval there is a fine of $500 per pet.
- This hotel is available as a buyout of all rooms for a special price! Please inquire for more details!
- This room does not have a kitchen.
- This room is part of a hotel with a communal pool and other shared amenities.
- Please note that we will need to electronically verify your ID before receiving check-in instructions.
- Landscapers service the property every Tuesday.
- Children are welcome at this hotel. For adult-only options please check out our other hotels; The El Cid and The Marley.
- Please note that this is a self-service vacation rental with contactless check-in and no staff on site.
- During the summer months, desert temperatures are extremely high, which may cause the pool temperature to rise as well. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to control this.
Parking details:
There is enough parking at the hotel for one car per room.
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The room configuration is as follows:
Studio / King bed with ensuite
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This is a smoke-free property. Violation of the no-smoking policy will result in forfeiture of the security deposit, a $300 smoking fee, and liability for any fire or property damage costs.
As part of our commitment to being good neighbors, occupancy limits and quiet hours (9pm-8am) are strictly enforced. No speakers or sound systems will be provided for use in our properties. Violation of any noise ordinances will be subject to fines that can reach up to $10,000 per violation.
Events or parties are not allowed without prior written approval and an additional fee. Any unauthorized parties or events will be shut down and a fine will be assessed. Please inquire for more information about our event policies and fees.
There is nothing more important to us at AvantStay than the health, safety, and experience of our guests & staff. We've enhanced our cleaning and sanitation protocols and are taking extra care to disinfect all surfaces between reservations with hospital-grade disinfecting solutions.
As a reminder, we do work with 3rd party vendors to maintain the property, and although we adhere to the strictest CDC guidelines and advise all contractors to wear PPE equipment, we can not always enforce. We strongly advise guests to please deny access if any vendors fail to meet and adhere to these standards.
IDs will be requested for verification after booking. All bookings over 30 days require a security deposit.
We report and prosecute all Credit Card Fraud.