Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs

The Riviera is the big, sociable resort of Palm Springs proper, and it has a famous past. It opened in 1959 at 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, at the north end of the city near the Uptown Design District, as a glamorous retreat for the Hollywood set; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley are among the stars said to have stayed. After a spell operating under the Margaritaville brand, the property returned to its historic Riviera name in 2024, and it is now booked through IHG, so IHG members can earn and redeem points. With 398 rooms, from standard and deluxe rooms to studios and suites, it is one of the largest hotels in town, laid out around landscaped courtyards with two outdoor pools, including one suited to children, plus hot tubs, cabanas and poolside food and drink. The standout is Santé Spa, which the resort describes as the largest resort spa in Palm Springs, with 18 treatment rooms, separate men's and women's locker rooms with steam rooms, and the coed Blue Haven Lounge with a Watsu pool, whirlpool, waterfall pool and cabanas; guests must be 18 or older, phones are not allowed, and locals get midweek discounts. On-site restaurants and a bar cover breakfast through late evening. The Riviera hosts many weddings, conferences and group events, which keeps it lively. Check the daily resort fee and parking charges when you book, since the resort site does not state them up front.

The Riviera's strength is that it gives you a full resort without leaving Palm Springs. Most of the city's large resorts are down-valley in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and La Quinta; this one sits a short drive or bike ride from Uptown's shops and restaurants and about ten minutes from the Aerial Tramway's Valley Station. The pool scene is cheerful and mixed: families by day, groups and couples with cocktails as the sun drops behind the mountains. Midcentury touches nod to its era without making it a museum piece.

To book well, choose a pool-view room if you want to be in the action, or a room on the edges of the property for quiet; studios and suites suit families who need more space. Book Santé Spa treatments in advance on weekends, and arrive early to enjoy the Blue Haven Lounge, since late arrivals get shortened treatments. Because the hotel is popular for events, ask whether a large group is booked if you are hoping for peace, and compare the total price including fees with smaller boutique hotels.

Who should stay: families who want resort amenities in town, groups and wedding parties, IHG loyalists and spa lovers who want a big facility. Who should not: travelers seeking an intimate boutique stay or quiet adults-only calm, who will be happier at L’Horizon, the Colony Palms or Holiday House. For a family water park instead of a spa, the Omni Rancho Las Palmas is the down-valley alternative.