Click on any image
for a full size view:

The El Rancho Lodge was built in 1951 by Don and Zetta Castle , and was originally called Castle's Red Barn. The buildings were painted barn-red, green grass surrounded the pool and waterfall, and tennis courts lined Palm Canyon Drive.

Don Castle was a former stage and movie character actor with MGM, and was featured in the early Andy Hardy  movies, Northwest Passage , and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral . He and Zetta were close friends of producer Jack Wrather and actress Bonita Granville. Don was associate producer for Jack's television series Lassie . Jack and Bonita went on to build their own hotel next door. Don died in 1966, at the young age of 49, following a traffic accident. He and Zetta had been divorced, and she went on to manage her friend Bonita's hotel the L'Horizon.

Opened in January 1952, Castle's Red Barn was Hollywood 's “in” place to stay. Now the El Rancho Lodge, it has hosted Gig Young, Elizabeth Montgomery, Jeff Chandler, Lee Marvin, Alan Ladd, Robert Altman, Hal Wallis, Lizabeth Scott, George Reeves, Fess Parker, Buddy Hackett, John Cassavettes, Gina Rowland, Patricia Crowley, Sal Mineo, Jay North, Barbara Hale, Motown founder Berry Gordy, and more, as well as numerous writers.

The El Rancho Lodge retains the same charm and structure of the original Castle's Red Barn, although the tennis courts were lost when Palm Canyon Drive was widened many years ago. The buildings are now white rather than red, and the original olive and palm trees are still here. The El Rancho features the charm of Old Palm Springs, with modern conveniences and comfort.

This gay friendly resort is also very family friendly, and is a great place to stay that's close to downtown, family run, for gay men, lesbians, and couples who don't want to stay in an adult resort.

Amenities:

• Many completely refurbished guest rooms.
• Poolside or garden guest rooms.
• All rooms are non-smoking; smoking is permitted outside.
• Large heated pool, and large mosaic-tiled keyhole Jacuzzi spa pool.
• Spacious poolside lounge area.
• Quiet garden sitting area.
• Private patios are available.
• Secure fenced grounds.
• Convenient off-street parking. 
• Individually controlled air conditioning and heating.
• Fully appointed kitchens, including microwave ovens.
• Ceiling fans in most guest rooms.
• In-room phones, and free local calls.
• Guest laundry facilities; iron and ironing boards available. 
• Remote control color televisions, with cable service.
• DVD players are available
• Select a book to read by the pool from our library in the lobby.
• Pet friendly
• Cupboard and Fridge Stocking Service available.
• Complimentary continental breakfast: featuring Starbucks coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fresh fruit, pastries, and the morning paper. Enjoy it poolside!
• Complimentary evening wine hour, Fridays and Saturdays, January through May.
• Perfect for small, unique events and meetings.