New Yorker Melvyn Haber (Jason Alexander) buys the Ingleside Inn Hotel in Palm Springs and sets out to transform it into a destination for Hollywood’s elite. He is given a crash course in how hard it is to entertain guests, set up a restaurant and bring in customers. Especially when an apparent royal named Sir John (Michael McKean) arrives and starts eating and drinking on credit. As Mel deals with his new venture, he wonders if this was all a big mistake - until he learns that a very famous singer has just made dinner reservations.