Special to The Desert Sun

George Roberson was known to have quipped that the hotel business was just great — if it weren't for the guests and the employees.

Roberson and his half-brother, Earl Coffman, knew all about the hotel business. They had been in the business their whole lives with their mother, Nellie Coffman, and theirs was a particularly hands-on experience.

Conjured up from the sand in 1909, The Desert Inn was the finest establishment in Palm Springs. It really defined the town, making it into a resort destination with just determination and industriousness. Coffman set an example for her sons of diligence and perseverance. The Desert Inn at its height had more than 200 employees to service about as many guests. It was the biggest employer in town for decades.

Roberson was a

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