Located on 24 acres of prime downtown Palm Springs real estate, the Riviera Resort & Spa (from $180) recalls the halcyon days of the 1960s when it played host to Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Count Basie.

Inside the Rooms

Now, the Riviera’s millennial Rat Pack renaissance is attracting equally famous guests to its 408 rooms in eight wings, or “spokes,” each centred around an angular hourglass-shaped pool with San Jacinto mountain views.

Hollywood pumps through the Riviera’s veins with creamy faux ostrich-leather furniture, fuschia velour throw cushions, plasma TVs and mod lamps. The emphasis here is on indoor/outdoor hedonism, with each room featuring a small patio.

Even the open-air, baroque-styled transition area between the dining room and patio of Circa59, the Riviera’s ocean-inspired steakhouse, espouses this embrace of the encroaching desert.

Spa Lovin'

While the rooms may pop with the energy and colour of mid-’50s Marilyn Monroe, a visit to the SpaTerre calms the wildest of Beverly Hills divas. With decorative nods to Buddhist folk art from Southeast Asia, SpaTerre features Balinese- and Javanese-inspired massages and skin treatments.

Business is brisk since the Noble House Hotel & Resorts group reopened the Riviera just over a year ago after a US$70-million renovation. Weekends often sell out, so book early. 

Room to Book

One of the seven Starlite suites (one per wing). With private lanais, outdoor firepits, a wet bar and a private outdoor hot tub, your Riviera party can be held indoors or out.