The hotel was originally built in 1950s - the only remains of the original hotel are the fireplace and old wooden beams in Room 37 - the 1-bedroom suite. Guests can see the rock chimney from the pool. A large pepper tree, from which the hotel got its name, stood for many years in the west courtyard area where the fountain is now. By the late 1990s, the hotel had fallen into disrepair. It was essentially demolished in 2000, reopening in 2003 in its present form. There are 33 guest rooms at this establishment. Guests are welcomed into a lobby at this air-conditioned hotel. Facilities at the hotel include a café, restaurant, room service and a car park.

Guests can experience genuine romantic charm at this hotel, an intimate Spanish colonial boutique hotel ideally situated where the uptown Art & Design Gallery District meets downtown Palm Springs. This vibrant area is lined with antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and the spectacular Spa Casino.