Villa Royale Inn and Europa restaurant are names synonymous with Palm Springs history and magic. A tranquil oasis brought to fame by a star of film and Olympic figure skater, Sonja Henie. It is purported that this property was her estate in the 1940’s. She envisioned the property as “inn” style so that her guests were able to enjoy the sun and fun of Palm Springs but not necessarily be under the same roof. The building that houses the award-winning Europa restaurant was the home of Miss Henie’s groundskeeper and his spouse, who did the cooking and cleaning. Villa Royale Inn offered the same privacy and charm then as it does now.   

Villa Royale Inn guests have been Ambassadors, real-life princesses, authors, artists, scientists, models, singers, dancers, fashion and nature photographers, and playwrights and those who shun the paparazzi!  Villa Royale Inn has been the setting for movie and fashion shoots as well as small intimate weddings. Our guests enjoy 30 uniquely appointed rooms. No two rooms are alike in size, shape or décor. “If these walls could talk” takes on a special meaning for the award-winning staff. Stories are bandied about on the possible existence of ghosts on our property. It makes for a good story by the fireplace; however any place is bound to have good spirits around if they had been in existence since 1947. Villa Royale Inn is a member of the Historic Inn Society with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Palm Springs Wedding Association.

  We hope that you are touched by the same feelings and come to love Villa Royale Inn and Europa restaurant as much as our many return guests and the staff.