Check out Ruby Montana's collection at the Coral Sands inn Palm Springs

Ruby Montana's quaint Coral Sands Inn is a throwback to the days when Palm Springs was known as the 'playland of the stars', and the homes of Liberace, Elvis, Peter Lawford, and the Kennedys were all part of the attractions of Palm Springs.

The Coral Sands Inn was built in 1952, and the shocking pink, the kidney-shaped pool and the distinct themed rooms with swaying palms and sweeping views of the mountains were all meant to reinforce this impression of 'Hollywood in the Desert.'

Doesn't mean that all the Palm Springs motels are as kitschy as the Coral Sands Inn. It was just a passing phase - garish, expensive and in-your-face, lead by the over-the-top antics of the King, and like it or not, that's the way it was, and the Coral Sands Inn seems to be stuck in the same time wrap even now.

And if you don't believe me, just consider the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Suite, the Liberace Room, the Yiddish Cowgirl Room, the infamous Poodle Room, and three more, each containing museum-quality vintage decorations from Montana’s private collection of western furniture, collectibles, folk art, and contemporary work by world-famous artists. Oh, and let's not forget Ruby Montana herself. And her Chihuahuas.

And this slightly odd, but unique, decor and furnishings only help the Coral Sands Inn stand apart as a go-to venue for getaways. It also helps that the hotel is located slam-bang in the middle of the best Palm Springs has to offer, including the local golf courses, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mt. San Jacinto, many fine restaurants, great shopping, and antiquing to die for.

Rates from $110 to $189, depending on when and which suite you book. the Coral Sands Inn offers a choice fo 7 different suites. The $110 are the Queen bed suites without kitchens. For $189, you get a King suite with a fully equipped kitchen. And if you stay for 2 nights, you get the 3rd night free.

There's a lotta different ways to enjoy Palm Springs vacations, and if you want a taste of the way that Elvis used to enjoy his desert getaways, then no better person to show you than Ruby Montana.

Info: 210 West Stevens Palm Springs CA 922621; (866) 820-8302 or (760) 325-4900; www.coralsandspalmsprings.com/;