Saturday's Quotable Traveler
The Photo Escape

Palm Springs Riviera Resort & Spa Photographs

Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs California

Entrance to the Riviera Resort & Spa in Palm Springs California.

 
riviera resort buildings

Two and three story buildings radiate from the center pool area.


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This Google Map photo shows you the layout of the resort. You can also see that you are only one block from Palm Canyon Drive the main drag of Palm Springs.
Riviera lobby

Upon arrival the expansive and colorful lobby at the Riviera leaves a dramatic impression. Front desk was understaffed during our arrival.

 
Riviera Lobby

The lobby area continues with a retro modern spin on the classic days of Palm Springs when the Rat Pack played pool and relaxed at the Riviera.

 
Riviera Lobby

Riviera's main pool

Main pool area is beautiful at night. Decorated with glowing lanterns and comfortable conversation areas surrounding flaming firepits.
 
Riviera rear / second pool

We had a pool view room with a balcony. Buildings that surround the back / rear pool are three stories. This pool is smaller than the main one but offers a larger area for sun worshipers or those. Furniture isn't as comfortable as the main pool.
 

The room was spacious and very comfortable. Was dissapointed to find the floor dirty, missing ammenities and maintenance issues.
 

Bath was very nice. The sink is very stylish, but the design is useless for anything other than washing your hands. No wash cloths were provided, had to ask for them.
 

By normal standards you might find the closet small, but the Palm Springs lifestyle doesn't need more than this.
 

Various inputs were available for the HDTV. Wireless internet was free and signal was strong but required login.
 
Bar area

Bar area served excellent drinks and light snacks.
 

Dinning area offers a luxurious inside area or outside overlooking the main pool. Our meals were excellent.
 
riviera pool area

Main pool area has comfortable seating and great views of the local Palm Springs mountains.
 
riviera poll area

riviera resort cabanas

Cabanas can be rented for an added level of comfort and service. Most have water misters that add a welcome cooling effect.
 
Riviera rear pool

The pool in the rear of the Riviera is smaller than the main pool and is tightly surrounded by three story buildings. This area also appears to have less staff and services than the primary pool. In the morning we found the area filthy with food and trash from the previous night.
 
Riviera hallway

Riviera dirty hallway

Was dissapointed to see that hallway carpet outside my room was dirty during our two day stay. The resort appeared to be understaffed in every area. Housekeeping never came to clean our room. Staff also seemed uninformed. I had to ask three staffers where the ice machine was located before I found someone who gave me a correct location.
 
UPDATE: 10/26/09 - Got an email from the Managing Director at the Riviera. He stated that it had been a difficult summer season and as a result they had a reduction in staffing. They began to gear up for the busy season October 1st, just a week after my visit. My feeling is that if a property is going to put out the "vacancy" sign they should offer services they feel represent their mission of being a "beyond first class" property. I think the Riviera Resort has great potential, properly staffed during the high season it should be just fine.
 
riviera resort of palm springs california

The Riviera is a classic Palm Springs resort. The recent massive renovation has brought it back to it's former glory. My hope is that the lack of managements attention won't result in flash in the pan hipster hangout.
 

We visited the Riviera Resort & Spa of Palm Springs without any prior notification. All expenses were paid for by MurrayOnTravel.com.