Hotel at a Glance: International Hotel and Suites

Though now a tranquil getaway, the International Hotel and Suites has ties to one of history’s greatest mysteries. Established in 1975, the hotel once played host to Jimmy Hoffa, who at the time was a leader in the Teamster’s Union. In July of that year, Jimmy Hoffa would disappear without a trace. Today, the hotel pays tribute to its famous guest with its name, which is inspired by the Teamster’s Union’s International Lodge, and its affectionate nickname as “the house that Jimmy (Hoffa) built.”

• Take a dip into one of the hotel’s two outdoor pools.
• Stay in for dinner by cooking in your hotel suite’s in-room kitchen.
• World-class shopping: Less than a mile away is Palm Desert’s El Paseo, where savvy shoppers can find art galleries and high-end boutiques.
• Don’t forget your golf clubs; there’s over 80 golf courses in the area to choose from.
• Feed a giraffe or hike through desert vegetation at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, only 2 miles away.
• Play tennis where the pros play at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which has hosted greats such as Serena Williams and Roger Federer at the annual BNP Paribas Open.

Palm Desert, California: Shopping and Wildlife in Scenic Coachella Valley

Palm Desert shares the desert landscape and resort atmosphere of Palm Springs, about 20 miles to the northeast. It’s worth it to visit Palm Desert’s El Paseo, known as the Rodeo Drive of the desert for its art galleries, high-end boutiques, and brand-name retailers such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Palm Desert is also a gateway town to the more than 750,000-acre Joshua Tree National Park, located less than 60 miles away. The desert park is famous for its unusual geologic formations and mountains of twisted rock, ideal for rock climbing. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and coyotes.

For a guaranteed glimpse of wildlife, check out The Living Desert, a zoo, botanical garden, and animal hospital in Palm Desert. As you stroll throughout the various geographical regions—including North America and Africa’s Village WaTuTu—you will see flora and fauna indigenous to that area, which can include Mexican gray wolves, giraffes, or jaguars. The Living Desert also boasts a G-scale model train that winds its way through replicas of historical scenes, including a California mining and logging town and the Grand Canyon.