610 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, California, United States | (888) 551-4925
Small, intimate boutique with no crowds
Convenient Palm Springs location close to art galleries and shopping
Rooms feature fun (if simple) decor and most have kitchenettes (the King VIP Suite has a full kitchen)
Inviting courtyard has mountain views
Guest kitchen with two gas barbecues
24-hour outdoor pool is pristine and quiet
Freebies include bicycle rentals, airport shuttle, and snacks
Free Wi-Fi
No children under 17 allowed (a pro for some)
Strictly enforced noise policy (also a pro for some)
No restaurant/bar or room service
The affordable rates, array of features (for its size), and attentive staff providing free extras make this renovated 1950s motel a great value. Most rooms are large and all have been restored with cool, retro-inspired details. With several small communal spaces on the grounds, the hotel's layout encourages socializing (a pro for some and con for others), but staff take the property's noise policy seriously, so "quiet and relaxed" is the default atmosphere. In fact, children under 17 are not allowed. Those looking for the boutique vintage vibe, but wanting a few more amenities, could try the Palm Springs Rendezvous, which also has a slightly more flexible children's policy.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Colorful vintage details and a relaxed, backyard pool party vibe (but a quiet one)
Hidden from the street by walls and hedges, this little 11-room boutique is a 1950s motel that's been completely renovated. The updated style is fun and colorful, invoking the period in which it was originally built. Retro bicycles rest outside the tiny lobby -- where a candy jar and DVD cabinet welcome guests -- and the well-manicured lawn and cute gardens extend to a surprisingly large central courtyard. Cooling micro-misters are set around the tables and lounge chairs, which are illuminated by lights hung in the trees at night. Next to the pool, an outdoor kitchen set in a stone facade under a pergola has two gas barbecues begging for a party. However, with a no-kids policy as well as a noise policy, the hotel is generally quiet and serene, and attracts mostly couples.
Location
In a quiet neighborhood close to downtown Palm Springs
Set on quiet East Palm Canyon Drive, the Desert Riviera Hotel is just under a 10-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs' shopping, galleries, restaurants, and bars. There's not too much within walking distance of the hotel, but attractions are easily accessible by car, including regional destinations like Joshua Tree National park (45 minutes away) and Coachella (35 minutes away). It's a nine-minute drive to the Palm Springs International Airport and a two-hour drive to Los Angeles.
Rooms
Rooms vary in size and amenities, but all have a fun 1950s style
There's some variety in layout and amenities among the 11 rooms, but all rooms are large and have kitchenettes (the King VIP Suite has a full kitchen). Unifying the rooms are colorful design touches from the '50s and '60s -- period pieces like bold, round tables and wall clocks -- mixed in with more contemporary furnishings and appliances. The small shower/tub combos in the bathrooms are fully tiled and have block windows that help brighten things up. Cute kitchenettes have playful pops of colored tile, and are equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, blenders, toasters, and seating for two.
Features
Two communal kitchens, and a quiet 24-hour pool and whirlpool
Despite the hotel's strict noise policy, both the courtyard pool and whirlpool are open 24 hours. Towels and sunscreen are provided poolside, and the lovely rectangular pool, lined with lounge chairs and well-kept gardens, has St. Jacinto Mountain views. There's no restaurant or room service, but between the two communal kitchens (one indoor with guest laundry attached; one outdoor with two barbecues) there are tons of freebies here -- including fresh fruit, pastries, snacks, and beverages. There's also a small library of DVDs, books, and games for anyone to use in the lobby. A free car service offers shuttles to the airport (with a suggested driver tip), and the retro-style bicycle rentals are free, as are golf clubs for spontaneous tee time.
