Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection

The Triada Palm Springs hotel was originally built in 1939 and was named the Spanish Inn for its decor and distinct Mediterranean architecture: white stucco walls, vine-covered archways, and terra-cotta roofs. An extensive eight-million-dollar renovation completed in 2014 not only modernized the property, but also brought it under new ownership as part of Marriott's Autograph Collection of independently owned hotels. The hotel has been renamed the Triada after its hacienda-style layout featuring a "triad" of wings, which create lots of exterior nooks and crannies like red-tiled walkways, outdoor terraces, shaded sitting areas, and a central fountain. Two different courtyard pools lend additional space for guests to lounge. Inside, the lobby is a stylish, high-ceilinged room with thoughtful Spanish-inspired decor. White walls are accented by a simple iron chandelier, large colorful pieces of artwork, and a borne settee offering a circle of four seats brightened with colorful square pillows. Red-tiled floors are adorned with decorative patterned tiles, while archways lead to the hotel's reception desk, restaurant and bar, and sitting areas. The Triada is popular among both business and leisure travelers, many drawn to the property's buzzy renovation and Hollywood past -- guests of the former Spanish Inn included Elizabeth Taylor and Howard Hughes. 

Triada sits on a busy thoroughfare in the heart of Palm Springs. It's just a block from N. Indian Canyon Drive (two-minute walk), which hosts some of Palm Springs' most popular restaurants, shops, and bars. Cheeky's, a jovial restaurant and breakfast hotspot, is right across the street. Regional destinations are in driving distance, like Joshua Tree National park (50 minutes away) and Coachella (35 minutes away). Palm Springs International Airport is a six-minute drive, and it's about an hour and 40 minutes to two hours to Los Angeles. Valet parking is included in the resort fee.

The hotel offers king, queen, and two-double guest rooms. There are also Casitas with full kitchens, and full Suites with kitchens, living and dining rooms, and private balconies. All categories are decorated with stylish, modern, Spanish-inspired decor accented in either rich blue or orange/red. Smooth, grayish wood floors and white walls are amped up with velvety throw blankets and patterned accent pillows on the beds, and beautiful headboards with bright ikat accents. Bedding is comfortable with pillow-top mattresses and 300-thread-count sheets. Each room has an armchair and a coordinating ottoman, and a glass-top desk. White-framed modern art, stylish pottery, and geometric bedside lamps lend extra style. Bathrooms (which are especially spacious in king rooms) have tiled marble floors, tiled accent walls, and walk-in showers; some have cushioned bench seats. Bathrooms are stocked with robes, hairdryers, and Gilchrist & Soames individual toiletries. Rooms have all of the expected features of an upscale hotel: air-conditioning, 42-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Kitchens have stainless-steel appliances including stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and cookware. Guest rooms have mini-fridges and Keurig coffeemakers. Some rooms have balconies with nice views of the mountains, while others may face the parking lot of the busy N. Indiana Caynon Drive. Guests occasionally complain about hearing neighbors through the walls or ceiling, so light sleepers should consider bringing earplugs. 

The Triada provides the types of features you'd expect of the Marriott brand, but in boutique-hotel packaging. Triada has two separate outdoor courtyard pools, a heated freshwater pool and a saltwater pool, plus a hot tub. The pools are surrounded by loungers and umbrellas where guests can relax and towels are provided. A well-liked poolside bar opens up in the late afternoon and offers pretty good happy hour deals and live music at night. The hotel's fitness center is a little sparse and bland, but it includes a treadmill, elliptical, some weightlifting machines, and free weights. The poolside bar is part of the on-site Iluminara Restaurant & Lounge, which serves seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features indoor and outdoor poolside seating. Breakfast isn't necessarily included in the room rate. Room service is available into the evening.A small but charming business center is situated in a library-like balcony room and includes a sitting area, computer, and stocked bookshelves. Although the valet parking and Wi-Fi are both free, the hotel charges a resort fee. Pets are allowed, but cost an extra fee.