a building with palm trees and a mountain in the background

History

Discover the Royal Palms Resort and Spa with regal, towering trees lining each side of its entryway.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa was constructed in the years following World War II, in which the United States was defined by the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War.

In the early 1920s, New York financier Delos Cooke decided to build a winter home in Phoenix and commissioned the building of a mansion in the grand Spanish colonial style. A world traveler, Delos and his wife, Florence, filled their mansion with wondrous treasures from their travels around the world.

After Cooke’s untimely death in 1931, the home was sold to a series of private parties, who added various rooms, including an in-house chapel. After World War II, a group of investors purchased the Cooke property with the intention of developing a first class resort. A new era for the estate began.

Named for the regal, towering trees lining each side of the entryway, the Royal Palms Inn opened to guests in the winter of 1948. It became a destination of choice for discriminating travelers from around the world, including celebrities such as Groucho Marx and Helena Rubenstein.

In 1995, local Arizona businessman Fred Unger purchased the landmark property and went about the task of restoring Royal Palms to its original charm and elegance. Today, after a multi-million dollar restoration, the preservation of this historic property has been assured.

Hotel Timeline

New York financier Delos Willard Cooke and his wife Florence Meador Cooke began building their winter estate on Camelback Road, known as El Vernadero, meaning “winter haven.”

The Spanish Revival villa was completed in 1929 on a large citrus-orchard estate, with a central courtyard, fountain, Moorish-influenced reflecting pool, Spanish tile details, and a palm-lined approach.

Delos Willard Cooke died in 1931, leaving Florence Cooke to continue wintering at the estate for several years.

Florence Cooke sold the estate six years later to Wesley Elgin “Buck” Travis, president of Pacific Greyhound Bus Lines. Travis added a second story over the west wing for private quarters and added a small chapel to the estate.

The estate was sold to John J. Ross, president of the Aviola Radio Company.

The resort opened with 15 casitas, the Orange Tree Restaurant, and a heart-shaped pool.

The property was sold to a syndicate of Midwestern investors led by Fred W. Renker, who added 45 casitas.

A two-story hotel-room building with 68 units and a parking garage was built.

Local Arizona businessman Fred Unger purchased the landmark property and began restoring Royal Palms to its original charm and elegance.

Royal Palms closed for extensive restoration; the heart-shaped pool was removed, and the property served as the 1996 ASID Showhouse fundraiser for the Phoenix Symphony.

The restored property reopened in April 1997 as Royal Palms Hotel and Casitas.

Royal Palms Hotel and Casitas was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The property became Royal Palms Resort and Spa.

In 2016, Royal Palms Resort and Spa became the sixth property to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and was sold for $88.25 million.

A $3.7 million renovation was completed in 2017, updating all 119 guestrooms, lounge areas, event lawns, and landscaping while respecting the property’s historic character.

Royal Palms celebrated its 70th anniversary as a resort, marking the 1948 opening of the Royal Palms Inn.

The resort was listed among the world’s most romantic resorts by Luxury Travel.

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Famous Historic Guests

After the Royal Palms opened in 1948, it began attracting visitors such as comedian Groucho Marx and cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein.

Other famous historic guests include: Eva Gabor, Buster Keaton, Lillian & Dorothy Gish, Edward Everett Horton, Charles Coburn, Wally Cox, Robert Ryan, Luella Koford, Terry Moore, Oliver Cliff, and Walter Pidgeon.

History Mystery

Which historic hotel thanks to nationally ranked tennis player and hospitality leader Fred Renker became a haven in the desert for Hollywood elite?
Royal Palms Resort and Spa (1948) Phoenix, Arizona
Throughout its history, Royal Palms Resort and Spa has attracted an impressive array of famous historic guests such as Groucho Marx, drawn by its refined atmosphere, exceptional service, and historic charm. Named for the towering palm trees lining each side of the entryway, the Royal Palms Inn opened to guests in 1948. Soon, it became a destination of choice for discriminating travelers from around the world, thanks to hospitality visionary, Fred Renker.

In 1956, former nationally ranked tennis player Fred Renker and other partners purchased the historic hotel. Because Renker and his wife also ran another hotel in northern Michigan during the summer, and when winter came, their loyal guests followed them to Arizona. This seasonal vacation brought a steady stream of Midwestern visitors, transforming the Royal Palms into a winter destination.

Fred Renker was also a connector. According to his memoir he loved to “turn a place on by attracting friends to the space.” He was known to many celebrities and used that to cement the legacy of this historic hotel. Renker ensured that Hollywood icons began starring in plays at the Sombrero Playhouse, the first professional theatre in Phoenix, located near Royal Palms Resort and Spa. This tactic made Royal Palms Resort and Spa the natural choice for their stays while in the shows.

From Hollywood legends to influential public figures, the resort has served as a sanctuary for those seeking an elegant respite in the Arizona desert. In his memoirs, Fred Renker recalled the many notable guests that stayed during his time at the resort. Among them were Academy Award winner Charles Coburn, known as a southern gentleman, and Lillian and Dorothy Gish, dubbed the First Ladies of American Cinema, as well as actress Eva Gabor, and even, Notre Dame football coach Frank Leahy.

The historic hotel was further solidified as a luxury destination when it became a filming location for the television movie Sunstroke, starring Don Ameche and Jane Seymour. The film stars Jane Seymour as Teresa, a woman navigating a perilous journey through the Arizona desert in search of her kidnapped daughter following a divorce. The 1991 production showcased the Royal Palms Resort and Spa’s architectural beauty and introduced the hotel to a wider audience.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa staff and amenities have a remarkable ability to make every guest, whether they are “famous” or not, feel connected to its rich history. With 119 rooms and casitas, the resort spaces boast stunning views of the mountains or lush courtyard gardens.

This has been a Historic Hotels History Mystery.
For more fun facts, trivia, and historic highlights, check out our History Mystery pages for Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.