Interview: Robert Hunt Hotel Director-Alcazar Palm Springs, A Hotel in the Heart of the Uptown Design District
Alcazar Palm Springs is a warm and modern 34 room boutique hotel with its roots in old world Spanish architecture. Owned and curated by local creative group F10 (Cheeky’s, Birba, Mr. Lyons), Alcazar is nestled between Indian Canyon Drive and Palm Canyon Drive and has been an integral component in the development of the Palm Springs Uptown District. Its quiet, relaxed and tranquil feel provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the town’s new epicenter, and with both Birba and Cheeky's on the same property, there's almost no reason to leave! The Alcazar is the perfect place for the diverse and savvy traveler-looking for a relaxed yet upbeat stay where guests and staff are on a first name basis. The friendly and intimate personality of the hotel, in part can be attributed to its general manager, Robert Hunt.
Robert began his career in the hospitality industry in 2011. As the W insider for the W Hotel, he became invested in both the social and cultural aspects of the guest experience, which has inspired his approach to managing Alcazar. Robert believes that, “interactions with guests and staff is priority,” the goal is to make every guest experience memorable through attention to detail, a welcoming attitude and a thoughtful approach to the property’s design and features. Some of these features include a salt water purified pool, free townie bikes for exploring, flat screen TV's, fireplaces, private patios, mountain views and they welcome your furry travel companions. The hotel also does its part to help with its own environmental foot print by using green cleaning products, earth friendly bath products and a linen service that launders your sheets every two days, (daily if the guest requests.) Robert takes his job personally, he loves what he does and treats Alcazar as his own B&B helping to facilitate the, “home away from home,” feel expressed by many returning guests.
Robert is also very involved in the Palm Springs Community serving as a board member of both Palm Springs Resorts and the Marketing Committee for the Convention Center and Bureau of Tourism. Robert takes pride in supporting the local community with a thoughtful hand by looking to the future of Palm Springs while remaining invested in its rich history. As a member of these boards, Robert has played a role in bringing you some of the town's best features, Tachevah Block Party, the Marilyn Statue and now the popular Palm Springs BUZZ! The Palm Springs BUZZ is a free tourist and local community trolley service that makes it super easy and convenient to get from the north end to the south end and back offering people the opportunity to see the best that Palm Springs has to offer without the worry of driving and parking. Robert is incredibly caring and compassionate by nature, it's no wonder that guests walk away from their experience with the Alcazar considering Robert a new friend, and the hotel a safe and friendly oasis. The personable staff, intimate environment, and relaxed European style make it the perfect escape from your busy life. Next time you are out and about, if you see Robert, say hello!
images by Sarah Dickenson and David Richey