With old Hollywood celebrities flocking there in the 60’s and 70’s, it is no surprise that the Riviera has retained its glamorous retro vibe. Along with most of Palm Springs, for several years the Riviera was in a bit of a rough patch until the Riviera was purchased by Noble House in 2006. In 2008, a 70 million dollar renovated resort was unveiled to hip and happenin’ guests. The revivement of the resort and the rise in excitement for that old Hollywood Palm Springs getaway has returned full circle, making the Riviera the place to be. The hotel still resides in the original wheel layout which was designed by original architect, Irwin Schuman in 1959. The wheel design creates a central hub for guests to mingle while their rooms are spread out among the spokes so to speak. This clever design creates a sense of intimacy for those who wish to be socializing while those who wish for more privacy can retreat to the less compacted areas.

The eye catching reception is thinly spread along an orange back-lit curved wall which is fronted by a floral screen. To the right of the reception wall is the lobby bar. White acrylic furnishings and chandeliers reflect an orange glow from the orange padded chairs and back-lit wall. Words like swanky, posh, and Hollywood glam, are words that one might think when stepping into the Riviera lobby.

The hallway leading from the entrance to the pool, restaurants and guest rooms is flanked on both sides with several alcoves. Within each alcove is a small seating arrangement for guests to meet others, do a bit of work or sip a cocktail. Two of the alcoves each contain a shiny chrome framed pool table, placed on a very plush rug for guests to occupy their time. Several celebrity faces are created from small silver coins and are bordered by large mirrored frames to create the artwork for the alcoves. Vertically laid mirror bricks help to create that highly reflective, glamorous, Hollywood Regency style.Image: The Riviera

The architectural wheel layout of the resort creates a very peaceful landscape. Orange trees are scattered throughout the grounds of the resort and guest room balcony and patio roofs are painted orange, carrying the happy orange vibe throughout.Image: The Riviera

The guestrooms are gorgeously designed with colors of chocolate brown, orange, hot pink, and white. The 70 million dollar renovation is certainly evident in the guest rooms. The details and finishes of the furniture found in the rooms are not typically seen in standard hotels. For example, the large white diamond tufted headboard is stunning compared to the usual bland, thin wood headboard found in many hotels.. The bold chocolate brown lines found on the linens, the rim of the headboard, the trim on the light shades and the baseboard all strongly help to bring a soothing order to an otherwise busy room. The rooms contain vintage photos and a Warhol inspired print of Marilyn Monroe, paying homage to a frequent visitor of the Riviera in its heyday.Image: The Riviera

The Riviera hosts two pools and a large hot tub. The main pool is curvaceous, sprawling out like ink to the lounge chairs and cabanas. There are several fire pits surrounding the pool area for sipping cocktails or roasting marshmallows in the early or late evening.  The poolside bar is a great place to grab a drink, soak in the sun and imagine the pioneering Hollywood vacationers taking a dip. With the popularity of Palm Springs making a comeback, the Riviera Resort and Spa is the place to be. Whether you are a mid-century lover, a high-class traveler, or Hollywood obsessed, the Riviera is a dream stay.

By Christa Rose Falk
Blog: www.loveinspirecreate.com
Twitter: LoveInspireCre8

Sources: www.psriviera.com

Photo credits: www.psriviera.com, www.loveinspirecreate.com