The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

With palm-tree lined reflecting pools, gardens of cacti and succulents, glass-windowed restaurants, and a hot tub perched over Coachella Valley, the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage makes excellent and intimate use of its desert landscape. Interior decor reflects the natural world with exposed stone and hardwood, paired with details like wicker and leather. The calm, neutral color palette leaves few surprises, but the hotel cultivates an upscale atmosphere that caters to the well-heeled, including celebrity clientele from Coachella’s famed music festival. While the original Rancho Mirage Ritz dates back to 1988, the property was, for a time, closed, reopening in mid-2014 after over a year of refurbishments. Staff make guests feel pampered: Morning coffee is served direct to a fire-pit-side spot, and a glass of Champagne is usually offered check-in. And there’s always the concierge desk’s candy snack bar, that call to mind a classy bridal shower, with jars full of skittles, chocolates, and other sweets on hand. The feel is of a relaxed resort rather than a bustling hotel, and at night, romantic lighting and dinner party music give the premises a swanky feel. The hotel attracts a range of luxury travelers, including families who can make use of the big rooms, extra-fee kids’ clubs, and dog-friendly digs.

This Ritz outpost sits on a bluff overlooking the city and Coachella valley; the views are exceptional. Other than luxury homes and golf courses, the immediate vicinity is mostly desert landscape. Only a single road leads up the hill to the Ritz, giving the property a peaceful, secluded, and exclusive feel. The idea here is that relaxation and entertainment is contained on site, but it’s still only a two-minute drive from Highway 111, the area’s main road, dotted with a handful of restaurants and hotels. Guest who want to go out might drive the 20 minutes to downtown Palm Springs. Palm Springs International Airport is also about a 20-minute drive. For the outdoorsy, Coachella Nature Preserve, the San Jacinto Mountains, and Joshua Tree National Park are all in driving distance. 

Guest rooms and suites reflect a tasteful, neutral color palette of beige and tan hues. Like in common spaces, natural elements feel pulled from the desert surrounds. Stone floors are paired with leather armchairs, woven desk chairs, and braided ottomans. Stone-floored bathrooms feature massive walk-in showers (the showerheads seem comparatively small), at the back of which sit deep soaking tubs. Windows from bathrooms feature wood slatted blinds for those who want a peek into the bedroom, though the lack of a bathroom door leaves some guests perplexed. Even in entry-level rooms, bathrooms have flat-screen TVs, illuminated magnifying mirrors, plush robes, and high-end Asprey individual toiletries. Other in-room amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels, iHome docking stations, Nespresso coffeemakers, mini-fridges, Wi-Fi, and lavish Frette sheets. Entry-level rooms start at a spacious 450 square feet and may feature a king bed or two queens. Some have Juliette balconies, while others have full, furnished balconies. Ground-floor rooms, typically the least-loved of room types, here have personal private stone patios with Adirondack chairs and fire-pits. Room views are of the mountains, desert, or resort itself. Suites add indoor and outdoor living space like separate living rooms with sofa beds, dining rooms, or kitchens, plus rainfall showers. Exclusive Club Lounge access, plus snacks and drinks, are available for guests who book at the club level. Guests occasionally complain about hearing noise from the hallways in rooms or about wear-and-tear -- it's never horrendous but always a surprise at a luxury property.

The Ritz-Carlton has resort-style features that cover an extensive list: two main pools, a hot tub, three restaurants, a massive spa with a hair salon, a 24-hour gym, a slew of meeting and event spaces, a business center, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Free activities include guided morning and sunset hikes, nature walks, seasonal stargazing, lawn games, mountain bike rentals, and evening yoga. Or, they’re ostensibly free: a per-room resort fee is charged nightly. Valet parking is also not included, costing an extra nightly fee. (Guests suggest calling for your car in advance, as the service can be slow.)The pools are a highlight, which include an adults-only pool and a hot tub with views over the valley as well as a main pool open to all ages. Both are surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs and serviced by the Air Pool Bar, which serves snacks, lunch, and drinks. In high season, the pool areas can get overcrowded. Other on-site restaurants include the classy steakhouse The Edge and the more casual State Fare Bar and Kitchen. Other than free morning coffee and the concierge’s snack bar, meals will cost extra unless purchased with the room rate. Room service is offered 24 hours.The massive and luxe spa (clocking in at 24,000 square feet) features 15 treatment rooms, lounges, plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms, a full-service salon, relaxation areas, and a fitness center featuring weight-lifting equipment and cardio machines with individual screens. Group exercise classes are free as well. For kids, there’s a special Ritz Kids program, though this does cost an extra fee (there are full- and half-day options) and should be booked in advance. The hotel has 16,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, and an extra 25,000 square feet of outdoor space, frequently used for big functions like weddings. The hotel is pet friendly for an extra per-stay fee.