Desert Rat diaries
Did you know that inhabitants of the nine-city oasis that runs the length of the Coachella Valley proudly identify as Desert Rats?
I love that these fun-loving souls have made hospitality their calling card and spent a few days exploring all that is new and exciting within driving distance of Los Angeles. I found an abundance of kitschy enclaves, elevated event spaces and watery experiences. Here are the highlights.
Meet and Stay
An hour and a half south of L.A., one of the largest casinos in the country beckons with restaurants, entertainment and more than 229,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, including a theater. Pechanga Resort Casino’s sister property, Temecula Creek Inn, is a more intimate property that leverages the beauty of Southern California Wine Country and outdoor golf living.
Alternatively, driving southeast from L.A. or an easy flight to handy Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) will land you in Palm Springs, where everything mid-century modern is new again. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is adding a 17,000-square-foot outdoor space to capture the stunning valley views that have made The Edge Steakhouse and the addition of a solar scope a must-do for dining and reception buyouts.
Read More: Greater Palm Springs/Temecula: A Desert Escape
Meanwhile, iconic Parker Palm Springs is adding an outdoor amphitheater to the gathering spaces tucked into the hedges surrounding the glass-walled ballroom and destination spa. The original desert oasis, La Quinta Resort & Club, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with refreshed rooms and an adults-only pool designed for lounging.
I returned to Thompson Palm Springs by Hyatt for a reveal after my hard hat tour last year and was delighted by the hip, secluded lifestyle vibe in a property perched conveniently on Palm Canyon Drive. Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, adjacent to Palm Springs Convention Center, is home of Palm Springs International Film Festival gala dinner and a host of medical, scientific and technology conferences getting their own star treatment.
Indian Wells was the center of the action as Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells was hopping with youth sports, incentive activations and plans for their own renovations. Renaissance Esmeralda, which boasts 137,000 sq. ft. of its own meeting space and a new olive grove outdoor area, is reimagining the arrival area with a new restaurant option and a fresh look for the meeting space.
Next door, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas just earned its “Grand” title after a $64 million property-wide renovation that added a pool complex with more cozy cabana offerings.
In Rancho Mirage, Omni Rancho Las Palmas is a Spanish Colonial breath of fresh air popular for golf, tennis and spa incentive activities.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs sets the mood with mid-century decor, turntables in the glamping rooms and a stargazing deck hugging two separate pools, a spa and community firepits. The bright meeting spaces look out over the scene, ready to celebrate your team in style.
Read More: Palm Springs, California: Your Oasis, Your Way
The biggest surprise on this visit? DoubleTree Golf Resort Palm Springs exceeds expectations with a country club vibe, TopGolf Suite, mountain views and hyper-attentive staff. Bonus points for the DoubleTree warm cookies.
From the breaking news file: Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs is returning to its glory after a moment as Margaritaville Palm Springs. Look for a new, locals-friendly-style restaurant and other offerings coming soon.
This article appears in the July/August 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
