ARRIVE Palm Springs

The check-in process at ARRIVE is a bit confusing. In lieu of a traditional lobby or reception desk, an ARRIVE staff member simply sits at the end of Wexler's Deli bar and asks "what's up?" when you roll in with a suitcase. Staff is then available 24/7 via text to provide assistance. The hotel was built from the ground up in 2016, one of the only completely new hotels in Palm Springs -- most properties are simply renovated and remodeled. So expect a completely modern look, and extreme attention to stylish architectural details such as celestry windows and a butterfly roof design. The street art mural out front pops up often on Instagram. Industrial chic touches, like exposed cement, combine with natural landscaping in the form of cacti and succulents. Fire pits by the pool add a romantic ambience after dark. As a 21-and-older property, the vibe is fun and caters to groups of friends and couples on vacation. The pool and cabanas are free to use for visitors on weekdays and for a small fee on weekends when there are DJs. Music plays and there are a variety of lawn games, though the scene doesn't get rowdy or out of control. 

ARRIVE has a convenient location that's walkable to a few solid restaurants (across the street from Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey for sushi and almost next door to Draughtsman for burgers and craft beers) and a liquor store, plus there's a coffee shop and gourmet ice cream shop in the same building development as the hotel. Otherwise, expect about a 30-minute walk (or five-minute drive) to the heart of downtown Palm Springs and its plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars. The Elvis Presley Estate is a three-minute drive and it's 11 minutes in the car to reach the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Empire Polo Club, where Coachella and Stagecoach are held, takes about 40 minutes to reach. Joshua Tree National Park is about 50 minutes. Palm Springs International Airport is about a 10-minute drive. Plan on anywhere from two to four hours to reach Los Angeles. 

The 32 rooms are all on the ground or second level and clustered around the swimming pool (though there are walls between the pool and rooms to stop noise). Two rooms are available: Studio or Studio + Patio, with the only difference being the Studio + Patio have dedicated outdoor space with a small fire pit. Inside, all of the rooms are basically identical in terms of layout and decor. Expect high wood ceilings, laminate wood floors, open closets, pendant lamps, and Mid-Century modern furnishings. Celestry windows let in lots of light while providing privacy. King-size beds are topped with Egyptian cotton bedding and a camp blanket. Flat-screen TVs have Apple TVs, and Wi-Fi is free. The vanity bathroom and marble shower and partially in the bathroom, though the water closet has a full door. Malin & Goetz bath products are provided. 

Features at ARRIVE are well thought out, well designed, and fun -- and perhaps more importantly, they're free and don't require the pesky resort fee you'll usually find tacked on to Palm Springs hotels. Guests get free access to pool cabanas, yoga twice monthly, Linus bikes to borrow, valet parking, self parking, and Wi-Fi. The pool area is the hotel's main center of activity, and it's where you'll find weekend DJ sets, plus lawn games like bocce ball, and fire pits. The adjacent bar serves a good range of cocktails and wines. For dining, Wexler’s serves high end Jewish deli staples such as smoked fish plates and brisket. The property also holds Ice Cream & Shop(pe) for artisanal desserts and a super cute gift shop area with work by local artists. If you're looking for vegan ice cream and gluten-free cones, plus neon backdrops for selfies -- you can find it here. Cartel Coffee Lab serves all the specialty coffees and a selection of pastries. Note that the hotel does not offer room service. Staff is available 24/7 via text to offer assistance. Dogs are welcome.