Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs

Palm Springs, California

Virgin rating

The hotel

Bringing that island feel to the Californian desert city, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs is the first of the famous chain on the West Coast so you can enjoy the relaxed and colourful vibe as part of your US road trip, or for a chance to chill out by the pool with a cocktail in hand. With a calendar of activities including poolside games, movie nights and live DJ’s, this large resort caters for all ages. There’s two pools to relax by, or visit the spa for an array of treatments that will have you feeling like you’re on a secluded island somewhere! You’re just moments from the shopping and golf that Palm Springs is famous for, and parking is included in the resort fee. You don’t need to leave the resort really though – you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food. Enjoy a steak at JWB Grill, quasedillas by the pool, or grab a takeaway pizza and enjoy it on your balcony when you book a Deluxe Room. If you’ve visited a Margaritaville before you’ll know they’re famous for the ‘5 o’clock somewhere’ bar and this place is no different. It’s the staple of any Margaritaville experience. 

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Free Parking
  • Internet Access
  • No Smoking
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Located in Downtown Palm Springs; the Tahquitz Canyon and the Moorten Botanical Garden are a short drive away.

Hotel information

398 rooms and suites featuring island-inspired décor. All with air-conditioning, 50” LCD smart TV, mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, safe, WiFi access, iron and ironing board, bathrobes, hairdryer, and bathroom amenities. 

Standard rooms are 305-350 sq ft, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Deluxe Rooms feature a private balcony, wither either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 3 people.

Premium Studios are 465 sq ft, featuring a private balcony, and either 2 king-size beds, or 1 king-size bed plus a separate living area with sleeper sofa, sleeping maximum 4 people.

The Escape Pad is 570 sq ft, featuring a private balcony, living area with sleeper sofa, table and chairs, and a partially separated sleeping alcove with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people. 

The Latitude Suite is 570 sq ft featuring a private balcony, separate living room with queen-size sofa bed, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

The Chill Out Suite is 570 sq ft featuring a private balcony, separate living room with queen-size sofa bed, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

The Hemisphere Suite is approx. 770 - 815 sq ft featuring a private balcony, living room with step-up soaking tub, separate oversized bathroom, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people. 

The Paradise Suite is 745 sq ft featuring a private balcony overlooking the pool containing a private outdoor hot tub and firepit, living room with queen-size sofa bed, bathroom with separate large soaking tub and rain shower, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

The Palm Suite is 600 sq ft featuring an oversized balcony, living room with queen-size sofa bed, bathroom with separate large soaking tub and rain shower, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

The Good Vibes Suite is 815 sq ft and is located close to the resorts restaurants. The suite features a private balcony overlooking the pool, living room with queen-size sofa bed, fireplace, wet bar and additional seating; bathroom with separate large soaking tub and rain shower, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people. 

The Horizon Suite is 600 sq ft and features a large rooftop deck with desert mountain views, double sided fireplace that separates the living room and dining area, queen-size sofa bed, bathroom with separate large soaking tub and rain shower, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people. 


JWB Grill (International cuisine, open for lunch and dinner). Come Monday Café (breakfast restaurant). 5 o’clock Somewhere (poolside bar serving casual food and beverages). License to Chill (bar serving light bites and a range of drinks, with daily happy hour). Joe Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions (open throughout the day for grab and go items, including takeaway pizza). Lone Palm Pool and Truck serving quick bites, fresh bites, handhelds and beverages (open Wed-Sun 10am - 6pm).

Activities calendar including poolside games, fitness classes, live DJ’s and music, movie nights and more. 

Two swimming pools. Poolside cabanas*. Fins Up fitness centre. Bicycle rental. St Somewhere Spa*. 

Complimentary WiFi access. Self-parking for one vehicle is included in the resort fee, additional vehicles are $18 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change). 

There is a daily resort fee of $40 plus tax per room (payable locally, fee subject to change).

Resort fee includes:- Self-parking – WiFi access – Access to Fins Up fitness centre – in-room tea and coffee – Concierge printing – Bicycle usage. Resort fee and inclusions are subject to availability and change. 

*Denotes local charge

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (315)
  • Very good (88)
  • Average (67)
  • Poor (77)
  • Terrible (84)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating RUN AWAY from this disgusting hotel

Dec 4, 2024 398samim

I have no words to describe what a horrible experience this was. I have NEVER left a hotel early before. After the first night here we refused to stay another. To start, the check in process took over 40 minutes. Then we got into the room and it was dirty. And I mean dirty. The beds were made, but the floors and bathrooms were filthy. Drink… Read more
I have no words to describe what a horrible experience this was. I have NEVER left a hotel early before. After the first night here we refused to stay another. To start, the check in process took over 40 minutes. Then we got into the room and it was dirty. And I mean dirty. The beds were made, but the floors and bathrooms were filthy. Drink residue, sticky floors, hair in the sink, streaks in the toilet, cigarette wrappers - you name it. We called and told them the room wasn't clean and they said they would send the cleaners. This was a 8:30pm at night. We called again when the cleaners didn't arrive and they finally came 1.5 hours later. We left to let them clean only to return to a room that still wasn't clean (sticky stuff still on floor, etc.) We called them AGAIN and this time were told there is nothing they could do, that housekeeping doesn't work at night (really - they just left 10 min ago). So we asked them to send cleaning supplies so we could clean ourselves. They sent towels. Maybe the room is so dirty because they clean it with towels? To add insult to injury, the AC didn't work and made a really loud sound every 60 seconds. We left the next day and found another place to stay. Something I have never done in my life. I usually trust IHG but this was a bust and I will be thinking again before I book another IHG hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Place to Stay

Dec 2, 2024 Tee K

After reading some of the poor reviews, I was a little worried about our stay. I can say, I am not sure why there are negative reviews. This place is FANTASTIC! We stayed in the standard King size room which was a very large room. If the standard was a great room, I can hardly wait to see what the upgraded larger rooms look like. We stayed… Read more
After reading some of the poor reviews, I was a little worried about our stay. I can say, I am not sure why there are negative reviews. This place is FANTASTIC! We stayed in the standard King size room which was a very large room. If the standard was a great room, I can hardly wait to see what the upgraded larger rooms look like. We stayed in building 6 over-looking the pool, our room did not have a balcony, but the window did open which was a big plus. The firepits were the most coziest place to sit after a long day. The pool area was clean, towels were a-plenty, and there was ice water put out allover the resort - we didn't have to purchase water bottles, just refilled the ones we had. We had dinner on site one night - all I can say is what fabulous service! The food was top notch. I understand the hotel is undergoing changes and I can hardly wait till that is all completed. This place already has 5 stars with us, when completed I am sure it will be 100 time better. I highly recommend staying here. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not what it used to be! More of a motel than a hotel!

Nov 24, 2024 Calisun77

We had stayed here about 10 years ago and really liked it but the place has gone down drastically! It’s more of a motel in my opinion. The shower is very old and the drain doesn’t work properly. The bathroom sink drain doesn’t work either. It’s very annoying. The bathtub has a broken piece in the middle. The shampoo and body wash is drilled into… Read more
We had stayed here about 10 years ago and really liked it but the place has gone down drastically! It’s more of a motel in my opinion. The shower is very old and the drain doesn’t work properly. The bathroom sink drain doesn’t work either. It’s very annoying. The bathtub has a broken piece in the middle. The shampoo and body wash is drilled into the wall. Not one extra roll of toilette paper ! Not one extra box of tissue! Not one extra soap! Not a trash can in the room other than one in the bathroom! There’s a tiny closet inside the bathroom. No dressers. Thank goodness we don’t have a lot of stuff with us if not we had to leave most of it inside the luggage. There’s not even a bottle of water in this room! I’ve been to so many hotels worldwide and this is a first time that I’m experiencing this! How much is a bottle of water? And we have kids! My son asked for water in the middle of the night we had to give him tap water from the bathroom sink! The room is big but there are only two beds and one small table with a huge lamp on top between the two beds! It’s supposed to be a night stand for both beds! Unheard of! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Be cautious, keep receipts check your billing

Nov 19, 2024 29kathyw London, Canada

As noted in previous reviews check your bill at check out Charged double for resort fees plus unknown charges When questioned I was told it was just a security deposit and would be reversed, I knew that wasn’t the case and was just being brushed off but I waited Called resort again spoke to a Rebecca saying she “didn’t understand”only to… Read more
As noted in previous reviews check your bill at check out Charged double for resort fees plus unknown charges When questioned I was told it was just a security deposit and would be reversed, I knew that wasn’t the case and was just being brushed off but I waited Called resort again spoke to a Rebecca saying she “didn’t understand”only to transfer me to a phone which wasn’t answered twice I bought these nights as a gift Quite embarrassing when guest had to pay duplicate charges No one takes ownership.. for a new resort changeover and competitive nature do your homework.. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Run down building, poor customer service.

Nov 17, 2024 Twotravellerz

Based off the pictures and the price we were expecting a much higher quality resort. We were disappointed. The buildings and rooms were run down. Odd smell in the hallways. Everything is run down but covered over with a new coat of paint. Bathroom fan did not work, room keys did not work, TV was old. Customer service at the front desk was… Read more
Based off the pictures and the price we were expecting a much higher quality resort. We were disappointed. The buildings and rooms were run down. Odd smell in the hallways. Everything is run down but covered over with a new coat of paint. Bathroom fan did not work, room keys did not work, TV was old. Customer service at the front desk was horrible. So was the service in the coffee shop. If you are expecting a quality professional resort because of the price, be prepared to be disappointed. The main pool area and the restaurant were decent. Employees in these areas were friendly. This is why I gave the resort 2 stars instead of 1. Read less