VIDEO: Hear from owner Martha Stephen as you tour the hotel property.
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Owner Martha Stephen describes the Desert Riviera as “a close-knit midcentury resort community surrounded by gardens, with visits from hummingbirds, occasional roadrunners and little rock lizards. Everyone smiles a 'Good morning!' to everyone else.”
Luxuriant gardens, buzzing hummingbirds, and brilliant color surround the 11 rooms. Built in 1951, the resort has been updated and redecorated in citrus, earth, and green tones. Open the gate to a refreshing pool, a heat jetted jacuzzi, an outdoor garden shower, an expansive green lawn, and colorful beach cruisers waiting for a ride.
Each spacious poolside room has a unique, contemporary interior design. Minimalist, clean, sharp lines of 1950s midcentury design with thoughtful touches, such as glass-tiled backsplashes in the kitchenettes, glowing make-up mirrors in the bathrooms, and colorful world maps and pop art on the walls.
photo by karen r. graninger
Desert Riviera offers an outdoor kitchen area with fresh herbs for guests to use.
A welcome basket of treats, soda and bottled water awaits your arrival. Most rooms have separate kitchenettes with full dishware and utensils.
Personal concierge service is a hallmark of Desert Riviera. Complimentary Desert Riviera limousine service, golf tour and tee time arrangements, in-room spa treatments, and specific services you request are handled with knowledge and enthusiasm.
photo by karen r. graninger
A fresh green completes a minimalist modern look. Each room is individually designed.
Enjoy a drink near the pool, grill on the outdoor natural gas BBQ using fresh herbs you pick yourself, use the indoor community kitchen with gas stove, fridge, microwave, pots and pans, and most condiments and spices. The atrium boasts fresh fruit and daily newspapers each morning, and 24-hour coffee service.
Desert Riviera is considered a garden resort. Indeed you will find plenty of palms, desert flora, and cacti on the premises. To add to your desert plant education, take a seven-minute walk or beach cruiser ride to Moorten Botanical Garden, a historic desert environment landmark and home of the world's first cactarium, which opened in 1938.
Return to Desert Riviera for an aperitif, a soak in the hot tub, dinner on the grill, relax by the fire pit, then settle in with a book, board game, magazine or DVD from the lending library. As Martha says, “We strive to make Desert Riviera your home away from home.”
Hotel Essentials:
• Twilight drink under the tree lanterns
• An outdoor shower after a swim
• Cooking your own meal in the outdoor Natural Gas BBQ, using fresh herbs provided
• Washer and dryer are available for your use
• You can borrow golf clubs if you want
Desert Riviera Hotel, 610 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-327-5314; www.desertrivierahotel.com
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What other hotels have we profiled: Hotel Essentials
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