Fireplaces, patios, lake lend Gallic grace to French chateau in Palm Springs

If you cherish hotels with French design, maybe it doesn't matter whether they're in Palm Springs or Paris? The Chateau at Lake La Quinta, ready to fully open Oct. 15, sets itself up as a continental manor with 24 suites and bungalows located on a lake.

Chateau at Lake La Quinta

(Chateau at Lake La Quinta)

(Chateau at Lake La Quinta)

The $3.5-million renovated chateau joins the opening or planned openings for about a dozen hotels over the past few years. The swanky L'Horizon Hotel & Spa, a renovated 1952 building designed by William F. Cody, opened this year.

Infusion Beach & Hotel (the old Garden Vista Hotel), which will have an Asian flair, and Cody's Inn (the former Alpine Gardens) are slated to open by year's end too.

A Kimpton is set to come on line next year, and the Desert Sun newspaper reports this month that Virgin Hotels may be interested in having a Palm Springs venue.

But back to the chateau.

Chateau at Lake La Quinta

(Chateau at Lake La Quinta)

(Chateau at Lake La Quinta)

The French manor opened to guests on a limited basis earlier this year. It includes a 24-hour pool, free wi-fi, fireplaces and private patios in each suite.

The hotel offers lake-front dining at Melange restaurant, and a lobby bar of the same name.

Chateau at Lake La Quinta

(Chateau at Lake La Quinta)

(Chateau at Lake La Quinta)

Opening rates start at $179 a night.

Info: The Chateau at Lake La Quinta, 78120 Caleo Bay Drive, La Quinta, Calif. 92253; (760) 564-7332.

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