Archive for the ‘Riviera Palm Springs’ Category

Back in the ’50s and ’60s, Palm Springs was THE place to see and be seen. All of the Hollywood and music greats stayed and played at this little oasis just two hours east of Los Angeles. When it arrived in 1959, Riviera Palm Springs was billed as the largest and most famous resort around, sprawling over an impressive 24 acres. Years went by, and so did the buzz surrounding Palm Springs.

Well, until recently. Over the last decade, the town began jumping again, drawing sun seekers for resort style leisure and visitors to big events like PGA and Cochella. In 1998, the Riviera got its big break via a $70 million renovation, turning the clock back and giving this incredible the opportunity to shine again like the good old days.

Recommended Resort:  Riviera Palm Springs. The glamour begins right at the valet with a curved driveway that drops you right in front of an electric lobby of orange and white and plenty of glitz. Built like many Vegas casinos of the era, the buildings run in a circular fashion around the property, with a large pool area in the heart of the action. The lobby area hosts The Starlight Lounge mezzanine bar, a chic boutique, arcade and the main eatery of the resort, Circa 59, and the connecting Sidebar, both of which open to the pool area for breezy al fresco drinking and dining. There are 406 guest rooms and suite on site, each appointed with Hollywood Regency glam and a dash of color. Spacious and comfortable, some rooms open to a garden with views of the gorgeous San Jacinto Mountains and, others open to the bustling pool area. If you want to venture out of the resort into town, rent a bike and make the couple block trek to all the restaurants and modern boutiques awaiting downtown. The location couldn’t be more perfect!

Check In:  Riviera Palm Springs, 1600 N. Indian Canyon Road in Palm Springs. 760-778-6650, psriviera.com.

Check Out:  SpaTerra. Once a theatre where Frank Sinatra would rehearse before gigs in Vegas, the new spa retains the natural curves of original building with plenty of contemporary fixtures and touches. Inspired by cross-culture treatments of Indonesia, Thailand and India, the treatments at the spa calm the mind and awaken the senses. A beautiful relaxation lounge features glass mosaic tiles, tropical palms, water features and a Wastu pool, perfect for a soothing massage in warn, waist-deep water.

Don’t Miss:  The Pool. There are two on site, but it’s the one in the center of the resort that draws the biggest crowd. Surrounded by orange loungers with bright yellow towels, this vibrant and fun scene should fill your afternoon with tunes, socializing and sunshine. The drinks flow from the adjacent Bikini Bar, and the flag is raised at 4 p.m. to announce the arrival of happy hour. It’s a party here from sun up to sun down. But get there early…those chairs fill up quickly so be sure to lay claim to a prime spot before someone else does!

Blog post by Always a Bridesmaid Columnist Darren Elms.

Photos courtesy of Riviera Palm Springs.

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