Pieter Dorsman
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So long, Chase Hotel

2/12/2016

21 Comments

 
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Saying goodbye is never easy and this week I felt some real sadness upon learning that The Chase Hotel in Palm Springs had been sold to a group of developers.  During our early years here in Canada we spent no less than three Christmas holidays in one of the nicest family hotels I have ever visited, and here’s the story.

It was a chance encounter for sure. Irene and I had spent weeks googling for a nice place to stay over Christmas in the desert resort, knowing that with two very young kids we needed access to a lot of things and ideally a kitchen. So somehow we hit The Chase during our online search and booked two adjoining rooms with kitchen in the heart of the old city of Palm Springs, better known as the ‘Movie Colony’.  It was an older motel - famously frequented by Doris Day in the 1950s - small and nicely renovated with a decent pool and sizeable, like huge, rooms.  We felt at home right away, in no small part because of the owner, Craig Blau and his super friendly staff.  A retired fisherman from Oregon he and his wife had started looking for a home in Palm Springs, but ended up buying a hotel. By his own admission he had absolutely no knowledge of the hospitality business and that is probably exactly what made him such a great host, he ran the place as if it was his own home and treated each and every guest with the same open friendly attitude that you would extend to any houseguest. I did not get the impression Craig wanted to lose money on his hotel venture, but making the hotel hugely profitable was never of paramount importance or so it seemed. The hotel oozed calm, friendliness and warmth, much like the desert surrounding it.

A simple self-serve breakfast of fruit, juice and muffins (enabling our kids to walk down and have breakfast on their own if they wanted), oranges and grapefruits right from the poolside trees and late afternoon chocolate chip cookies were the signature treats at the Chase. And then the guests, a stable crowd as they kept coming back year-after-year, we made some good friends there and even a potential business deal emerged with a couple from Newport Beach who were devoted Chase frequenters. The kitchen in the room enabled us to make some great meals – our induction to the world of Trader Joe’s hails from the Chase days – and the BBQ at poolside was often used while we sipped away at quality cabernets that in Canada are too expensive too buy.  And although we only brought kids, guests were allowed to bring their dogs and Craig would politely but firmly dismiss any potential guests that did not like dogs. If people wanted to bring their pets, fine.

Centrally located it was only a stroll to Palm Springs’ main drag, South Palm Canyon Drive with its shops and Sonny Bono statue. Yes, you could feel some of the old Hollywood influence and Craig was always keen to venture some background stories, like how our favourite Mexican restaurant around the corner was frequented by Suzanne Somers who, rumor had it, would never tip the waiters. And then there was the Palm Springs Art Museum just a few blocks away and the short drive to the Indian Canyons for some desert hiking. People always ask me what you can do in Palm Springs beside golfing and sitting next to the pool, but there is so much there, one could spend months exploring and living the desert life. The Chase somehow opened that door for us.

The pressure of development was always there and more than once the owners got offers or threats from neighboring developers to move The Chase somewhere else.  I remember Craig telling me that he had some issues with a neighboring property owner who threatened to sue him as it was his “American right to develop anything he liked” next to Craig’s hotel. Craig remained unfazed and commented it was his American right to oppose that in any way he could.  It highlighted his total calm and care to keep The Chase the way it was, simple, clean, friendly and above all unpretentious. The only thing that would really excite him was politics and I recall how he was embarrassed about Bush Jr. and the Iraq war and it makes me wonder what Craig is thinking right now that we have landed in the age of Trump.
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As time moved on our Christmas holidays changed, in 2008 taking Craig’s own strong advice to go to Arizona, as its desert was so much nicer than the one that surrounds Palm Springs. Life moves on and we lost touch with The Chase. With Craig now well into his seventies it is going to be redeveloped and the fear is smaller rooms with your prefab mini-kitchenette because the new owners want you to eat in their new restaurant, of course. What’s worse, the hotel will lose its name and revert to its 1950s name, Holiday House Hotel. I remember sitting in the patio with Craig one day and asking him why they called the hotel ‘Chase’. He looked at me with a grin and pointed at his dog and said ‘we couldn’t come up with anything so we just named it after the dog’. And that was precisely how the hotel was, warm, fun with an ability to take life not all that seriously. The Chase Hotel, its owners and staff will be deeply missed.
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Christmas, 2005. Nora and Maeve in their pajamas in the hotel's reception area with Craig on the right and the dog that gave the hotel its signature name. Forgot the name of the guy on the left.
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Entrance to The Chase on West Arenas Road.
21 Comments
spooky stevens
9/3/2017 07:03:48 am

Just went on line to the Chase Hotel to see if they had room for a last-minute weekend visit. Wandered through some listings and found your post.
Aside from last year's election results, this is the saddest news I've heard. What the area does not need is another spiffy, pretentious boutique hotel. What it does need is another Chase. I am inconsolable.

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Lisa
6/11/2017 08:54:03 am

Me too. : (

For those who are looking for some of the same feel as The Chase,
try the Desert Hills. Same feel, similar layout, down the street from The Chase but closer to the mountain, nice people.

http://www.desert-hills.com/

Of course can't replicate Craig, Ricky, Carl, Jonathan and the rest of the gang.

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Art
8/1/2019 10:09:12 am

About 8 years ago my wife traveled alone on a business trip from Southampton, NY to California. While out West, she stayed at the Chase as a stopover to visit relatives. She said it was the nicest, friendliest, safest and most accommodating hotel she ever stayed in. It sounded absolutely lovely and I truly appreciate how well the sophisticated and genteel owners had treated her. I am truly sad to hear it was closed as I wanted to visit it someday with her. I wish the old owners good luck and prosperity

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Cindy
17/4/2017 09:14:43 am

We have a room booked for the first part of May. I'll let you know how the new Holiday House is.

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Drew
24/4/2017 07:39:13 pm

We spent a few days last week at Holiday House. We were also very sad that the Chase was sold, but they actually did a pretty nice job. They've restored the name and look back to the original, EXCEPT for the interiors, which kind of sucks. I loved the old kitchenettes and bathrooms. They were very charming. The room I was in was updated, and I think nicely done. The exterior still has lots of beauty and charm. It still has character, and the people running it are really great. Although it was nice to be able to throw a tri-tip on the barbeque back in the day now they're going to be serving food and booze.

"As time moved on our Christmas holidays changed, in 2008 taking Craig’s own strong advice to go to Arizona, as its desert was so much nicer than the one that surrounds Palm Springs."

Can you tell us where in Arizona Craig was talking about? I love the desert, and think Coachella Valley is very pretty, but I'd really like to know where in Arizona he's talking about.

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Pieter Dorsman link
24/4/2017 09:48:16 pm

Thanks for your comments Drew. We went to Tucson, Arizona the Tanque Verde area to be precise. As the name implies, a very green part of the desert and I highly recommend it.

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Drew
27/4/2017 10:17:23 am

Awesome, thanks! I'll check it out!

Cindy
10/5/2017 01:45:37 pm

Follow up to my comment about staying at the new Holiday House (fka: The Chase Hotel). It was almost excellent. Really, it is a lovely hotel. I can see how those who had been coming here for a long time with their family/s as this new version is adults only. The Holiday House is an absolute delight to stay at, warm, friendly staff, the rooms are beautifully stocked and decorated. Many wonderful amenities. Note: There are no telephones or televisions in their rooms, this is a true get-away-from-it-all kind of place. I appreciated this! Here is my review less the photos I just posted on TripAdvisor, I ask for those interested to please see all of the reviews. Each one I read after staying there had me nodding my head in agreement. Fun, cool place!
<<>>
Location is one of the best, a block off the main drag thru old Palm Springs, this hotel offers bicycles for your use during stay so you can bike thru PS and explore areas nearby.

Upon check in, we were greeted by several employees, sorry but I forgot their names but every person we met and spoke with were so warm and friendly. THEN we were each given a bag of love beads to wear and a glass of ice cold rose. NICE TOUCH!

We hung around the pool until our room was ready. What a gorgeous view at the base of San Jacinto mountains.

Once inside the room, we ooh'd and awe'd at the cool decorations, art work and the littlest finishing touches that made this place a stand out. Such as:
* A yoga mat and free weights in the closet
* A nice little desk/office area
* A Nespresso maker with 4 different Nespresso flavors for morning coffee
* The beverage and goodie cart was very well stocked, even with a slinky, silly putty and a book titled, "How Not To Be A Dick" (mind you, this place is not for minors!)
* Beautiful linens on the king sized bed - I would offer a suggestion of a sheet between the comforter and the fitted, just my personal quirk)
* Nice choice of toiletries
* Cute little jewelry and ring holders here and there - nice touch for those of us who need to remove rings and earrings before jumping into the pool and shower
* A private back patio with outdoor shower
* A nummy breakfast layout the next morning
* Fire pits and shuffle board area

Good job to the new owners! We will be back and next time we will stay longer!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32847-d12246188-r483269495-Holiday_House-Palm_Springs_California.html#

Reply
Pieter Dorsman
10/5/2017 03:44:59 pm

Thanks Cindy - sounds like it has retained its charm as a hotel. Photos look good too. May visit at some point soon.

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Karin Crook Urdaneta
20/6/2017 02:10:34 pm

Hi Pieter,
Remember me? Nelson and I are the couple from Newport Beach. I was thinking of going to The Chase and saw online that it had closed. We now have young grandchildren and I was thinking of taking them there. What terrible news that it had been sold. I guess nothing can stay forever. That is very sad. We loved staying there.
Our lives gotten very busy and Nelson for the past year has been living in Beijing running a company. So we have been traveling internationally.
I hope you and your family are well. it was always fun to see you and your family in Palm Springs.

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Pieter Dorsman
20/6/2017 02:35:43 pm

Of course Karin we do remember you and Nelson. Great to hear about your international travels, we love China. And yes, all good things must come to and end, The Chase was awesome and will never be forgotten. Say hello to Nelson.

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Lisa
16/8/2017 06:44:42 pm

Pieter, thanks for posting this. My boyfriend and our dogs (count 'em four) were always welcome at The Chase. Can't say enough about how sad we were to hear that Craig had sold it, yet understanding at the same time. So hard to say how much we liked it. The large rooms, the casual atmosphere, the beautiful grounds, the wonderful staff of Ricky, Carl and Jonathan. We came yearly for, I'm guessing, about 15 years. Got to know the many fun people who came year after year.

The new place looks nice but strikes me as rather trendy. VERY bright in the rooms with a blue/white palate that, in my humble opinion, is not as soothing as the more muted colors of The Chase.Yet many good upgrades such as new windows, a jacuzzi and they seem to have kept much of the landscaping. And, most likely due to code restrictions, they needed to gate the pool so the expansiveness of the property is lost. Also, a bar in the area that was for breakfast. (Sorry, yawn.)

Very nice to hear what Cindy says, about the friendly staff. I do have to share something: I was lucky enough to stay at The Chase a day or so before it closed. SO sad. Two weeks later I was in town and walked over to it, which was fenced and locked up. I ran into a young man who said he was an owner and shared with him how much we loved the hotel. He said, and I'm paraphrasing but keeping the intent of his words: "Well, we are going to be serving lunch so you can always come for that." Guess I wasn't wearing my Manolo Blahniks! (Had to even look that up.)

If Craig or any of the "gang" from The Chase is reading this, "We Miss You."

P.S. Thanks for posting the picture of Craig. : )

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Pieter Dorsman
17/8/2017 09:45:12 am

Thanks for your comments Lisa, it was indeed a great hotel. We must have met at some point as I definitely remember the four dogs!

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Lisa
18/8/2018 09:12:09 am

Really. I hope so. We would go in January and June for the film festivals. : )

And we had, luckily have, pekingese.

Wanda-Lee
16/11/2017 07:56:26 pm

The Chase. I loved the Chase Hotel. It became our second Palm Springs 'Get Away' from Los Angeles when another favorite boutique hotel changed ownership... becoming tThe Orbit. Craig, the staff and the wonderfully calm Mr. Chase, the dog, made it easy to return with and without friends. My partner and I were celebrating our birthdays there in January of 2002, when we received the news of my. mother passing. It was the last time we I stayed there. Though we bought a house in P.S in the same year, we would still return for the 'chocolate chip cookies, to say hello and we sent friends. Though I have come on this page to check prices for a relative, I am now glad I did...to share in the memories. Happy Holidays '2017.

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Pieter Dorsman
18/11/2017 06:35:42 pm

Thanks for your comments Wanda-Lee. The Chase was indeed unique.

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Anthony
7/1/2018 09:01:07 am

Hi just found this blog after a recent search on the ultimate conclusion of the chase.

My wife and I found the chase about 5 years ago and immediately fell in love with it. Now like many we are looking to find something similar in the area, any recommendations?

Does anyone know where most of the " family of repeat winter guests" ended up going? I was told by Rick the the winter months were usually completely booked by repeat customers and the only way to get an opening was if someone passed away (ha ha)

Where did rick and the rest of the staff end up?
If anybody has any recommendation of something similar to the chase please let us know
( btw someplace that accepts pets)

Lynn G
15/7/2018 11:03:30 am

I used to go to The Chase w/ my gal pals and loved it so much. We were sad to see it go. We also frequented Matchbox almost directly in front of the hotel on the strip. It’s gone now, too!!

We did find a hotel called Desert Hills that has the same loo and charm as The Chase, but the staff can be a bit moody. The clientele is definitely much older, so they don’t like too much fun around the pool and really seem to disapprove of children staying there. The rooms are open up to the pool area and have nice little tables set outside. We were still able to walk to the strip, but it’s a few blocks further than The Chase.

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Monique
8/5/2019 10:25:15 am

The thing that makes me the most sad about this is that there are no kids allowed. It looks really cool and will maybe stay there one day. However, I will not be able to bring my child so it would have to be a girls trip or a getaway with the husband.

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Kim
11/10/2020 11:35:12 am

Thank you for this article. We were lucky to have enjoyed The Chase in 2015. We tried the Desert Hills but found it just ok. The pool area had great views but overall it lacks decor & plantings. Del Marcos is nearby and has better decor but a small pool. The staff are very picky about noise around the pool (whisper) since the rooms are situated tightly around it. But the location & mid century aesthetics are great.

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Rod
21/2/2021 09:41:32 am

Re the chase hotel..... does anybody know what Craig is doing these days ?

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