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Riviera (Palm Springs hotel)

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Coordinates: 33°50′45″N 116°32′38″W / 33.845709°N 116.543964°W / 33.845709; -116.543964
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Riviera
Map
General information
Address1600 North Indian Canyon Drive
Coordinates33°50′45″N 116°32′38″W / 33.845709°N 116.543964°W / 33.845709; -116.543964
Opened1959
Renovated1974, 1984–1989, 2006–2008, 2020–21
Cost$3 million (original structures)
OwnerWelcome Group Inc.
Technical details
Floor count2 (original hotel structures)
3 (hotel addition, 1961)
Design and construction
Architect(s)Homer Rissman (1959)
Website
rivierapalmsprings.com

The Riviera[a] is a resort hotel in Palm Springs, California. It occupies 16 acres (6.5 ha), and includes 398 rooms, as well as 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m2) of meeting and banquet space.

The property opened in 1959. It included the city's first convention center, and a golf course that operated for the next two decades. Ownership of the resort has changed numerous times since the 1960s. The property has been known as the Riviera for much of its history, sometimes operating under variations such as Holiday Inn-Riviera (1965–1969) and Hilton Riviera (1978–1988), in affiliation with Holiday Inn and Hilton Hotels respectively. It also once operated as the Radisson Palm Springs Resort (1988–1992), in partnership with Radisson Hotels.

The Riviera was closed from 2006 to 2008, allowing for a $70 million renovation. It closed again in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was rebranded by the end of the year as a Margaritaville resort, becoming the chain's first location on the U.S. west coast. In 2024, the Riviera name was restored under new ownership.

History

Early years (1950s–1990s)

The property began as the Riviera, owned by Irwin Schuman and his brother Mark Schulman.[7][b] The name was copied from the unaffiliated Riviera hotel-casino in Las Vegas.[9] Groundbreaking took place on March 21, 1959,[10][11] and construction reached the halfway point four months later.[12] The project ultimately cost $3 million.[10][13] It opened at the end of October 1959, while construction was still underway in certain areas.[14] A formal opening was held the following month.[15][16] The hotel appeared in the 1963 film Palm Springs Weekend,[17] and was popular among celebrities throughout the decade.[18] Those who entertained at the Riviera included Bing Crosby, Jerry Lewis,[19] Dick Contino,[20] and members of the Rat Pack.[19][3][21]

In 1965, the property was sold to the Holiday Inn chain,[22][23][24] which rebranded it as the Holiday Inn-Riviera.[25] The property had 400 employees at that time.[1] Gotham Hotels, based in New York, purchased the property in 1969,[26][27] renaming it the Riviera Hotel and Country Club.[25] The Riviera had thrived under the Schuman/Schulman ownership, becoming popular for its entertainment, fine dining, and service. However, the subsequent owners failed to maintain this reputation,[28] and the property entered bankruptcy in 1972.[25][28] The brothers bought back the Riviera in 1974 and launched a renovation project to restore its past prominence.[28]

It was renamed the Hilton Riviera in 1978, through a franchise agreement with Hilton Hotels,[2][29] marking the latter's first property in Palm Springs.[30] The partnership helped the Riviera to attract tourists and conventions outside of the Southern California area.[31] Schuman continued managing the hotel until his death in 1983.[32] The property was renovated later that year.[31]

In 1984, the Schulman family sold the Riviera to Galadari Hotels, marking its first U.S. property.[33] Further renovations were underway in 1985,[34] with funding by HomeFed Bank.[35][36] Half of the Riviera remained open during the renovation work, which was in response to competition from new hotels in the area. The project modernized the aging resort, gutting the rooms and updating the 1950s architecture. An early idea was to demolish the Riviera and rebuild it from scratch.[37]

Galadari filed for bankruptcy in 1986,[35][36] and plans to sell the Hilton Riviera were disrupted when it went into receivership,[38][39] with HomeFed soon taking it over.[36][40][41] Additional renovation work took place in 1988, accompanied by a Radisson Hotels partnership. The property was renamed Radisson Palm Springs Resort,[35][42] and renovations concluded in 1989.[36] A year later, the hotel was sold to Carpenters Pension Trust of Southern California,[36] which later became Southwest CPT.[43] The Radisson name was dropped in 1992, and the property once again became the Riviera.[44][45]

Later years (2000s–present)

The Riviera closed on June 1, 2006, after it was sold to HBF Noble House LLC, a partnership of Noble House Hotels Resorts and HBF Holdings.[46][43][47] The hotel's contents were liquidated,[48] as the new owners launched a two-year, $70 million renovation of the entire property, giving it a Hollywood Regency design. The Riviera reopened on October 15, 2008.[3][49][50] Noble House bought out its partner in 2012,[51] and sold the Riviera to Apollo Global Management in 2015, for $44 million.[5] Apollo owned the hotel through AGRE DCP Palm Springs, a joint venture with DiNapoli Capital Partners.[52][53] In 2016, the Riviera joined Starwood's Tribute Portfolio, which consists of independent upscale hotels.[54][55][56]

The Riviera was closed in March 2020, after the COVID-19 pandemic reached California. Later that year, plans were announced to convert the property into a Margaritaville resort. The rebrand was already being planned prior to the pandemic, and the resulting closure allowed renovations to be expedited.[57] It reopened on November 25, 2020,[58][59] as Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs.[60] It was the first Margaritaville resort to open on the U.S. west coast.[61][62] The property's mid-century theming was removed in favor of a tropical setting, appealing to a more casual clientele, as well as families.[63][64] Renovations concluded in 2021, with the debut of a new restaurant.[65][66]

Some local residents believed that the Margaritaville theme was ill-suited for the former Riviera.[67] On September 27, 2024, the property was sold to California-based Welcome Group Inc. and rebranded once more as the Riviera, in association with IHG Hotels & Resorts.[68][69][4][70]

Features

Courtyard pool area in 2010

The resort occupies 16 acres (6.5 ha),[57] and includes two pools and a spa.[6][71] The Riviera was originally designed by Las Vegas architect Homer Rissman.[9][12][72] The hotel was built in a circular layout, with wings extending outward like spokes in a wheel, while a courtyard and pool occupy the center.[37][72]

The two-story Riviera opened with 225 rooms.[73] Two additional wings, both three stories, were added at the rear of the hotel in 1961.[74] Further additions were being planned a few years later,[75] ultimately bringing the room count to 525.[9][73] As of 1969, it was the largest hotel in Palm Springs,[27] and had also been the largest Holiday Inn location in the U.S.[76] The property now has 398 rooms.[5][65]

When it opened, the Riviera included Palm Springs' first convention center.[32][77] It had capacity for 1,300 people,[13] later increased to 3,000 with an expansion beginning in 1963.[28][78] It was the only convention center in Palm Springs as of 1972.[25] As Margaritaville, the property includes 40,000 sq ft (3,700 m2) of meeting and banquet space.[57] Since its original opening, the hotel has had numerous on-site restaurants.[9][79][80][65]

Golf course and racquet club

The Riviera originally included a 14-acre (5.7 ha) golf course, located east and north of the hotel. The 30-par, nine-hole course measured 2,000 yards.[81][82] In 1978, the course was redeveloped by Caravan International as Riviera Gardens, a 221-unit condominium project along the hotel's east side.[83][84][85]

Caravan proceeded to build the Riviera Racquet Club, on leased hotel property just north of the resort.[86][87] The club opened in 1983 and was available to hotel guests. The facility closed in 1986, due to financial problems.[88] It was purchased and reopened later that year by entertainer Sonny Bono, who had a restaurant there that continued operating into the following decade.[89][90] The club was eventually purchased by Carpenters Pension Trust along with the hotel, which then operated for some time as the Riviera Resort & Racquet Club.[90] In 2018, the club was demolished and the land was redeveloped as "64 at the Riv", another condominium project.[91]

Notes

  1. ^ Known early on as the Riviera Hotel,[1][2] and later as the Riviera Resort & Spa.[3][4] Also referred to as the Riviera Palm Springs.[5][6]
  2. ^ Originally born as Irwin Schulman, he eventually had the "l" removed from his surname.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Riviera Hotel Transfer Due by April 30". Los Angeles Times. April 16, 1965. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b "Name Change for Riviera". The Desert Sun. April 24, 1978. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b c Mullaj, Mary (October 30, 2008). "The Riviera Resort & Spa". Haute Living. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Margaritaville in Palm Springs returns to roots as Riviera". The Desert Sun. October 1, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Murray, Pamela (September 29, 2015). "Riviera Palm Springs Sold for $44M". CoStar. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Willman, Marissa (November 1, 2017). "The Riviera Palm Springs". The Telegraph. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  7. ^ "Riviera Starts". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. May 8, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Wenzell, Nicolette (March 14, 2015). "Famed Chi Chi club drew stars to stage, audience". The Desert Sun. Retrieved June 1, 2024. Schuman and his brother Mark Schulman — Irwin dropped the L from his name — opened the Riviera Hotel.
  9. ^ a b c d Conrad, Tracy (October 4, 2020). "History: Palm Springs' Riviera Hotel brought glamour, romance and transformative majesty to the desert". The Desert Sun. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Groundbreaking Ceremonies". The Desert Sun. March 18, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Local Spots Busy These Lenten Days". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. March 21, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b "New Riviera Hotel Hits Halfway Mark On Schedule". The Desert Sun. August 1, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ a b "Palm Springs Riviera Hotel Tabs Glaston". Los Angeles Mirror. October 23, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Opening Riviera in Desert". Los Angeles Times. November 1, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "$3 Million Hotel Set to Open This Month". Los Angeles Times. November 8, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "News". The Desert Sun. November 20, 1959. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Link, Matthew (May 31, 2013). "Ready for Their Close-Ups". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  18. ^ Kloss, Kelsey (March 7, 2017). "The Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs Receives a Stunning Transformation". Elle Decor. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  19. ^ a b Lacey, Stephen (February 5, 2011). "Palm Springs eternal". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  20. ^ "Dick Contino Returns To Hilton Riviera". The Desert Sun. June 13, 1978. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ Cochran, Jason. "Frank Sinatra's Palm Springs: A Tour of His Hangouts". Frommers. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  22. ^ "Riviera Hotel Sale Seen Confirmed". The Desert Sun. March 11, 1965. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ "Riviera Sale Price Now Said $11.6 Million". The Desert Sun. March 12, 1965. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ "Riviera Escrow Closed Today". The Desert Sun. April 29, 1965. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ a b c d "Receivers Running Bankrupt Riviera". The Desert Sun. October 28, 1972. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "New York City Hotel Firm Buys Holiday Inn-Riviera (page 1 of 2)". The Desert Sun. May 21, 1969. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ a b "New York City Hotel Firm Buys Holiday Inn-Riviera (page 2 of 2)". The Desert Sun. May 21, 1969. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ a b c d "Brothers Repurchase Riviera". The Desert Sun. August 6, 1974. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "Changes Are Not Expected". The Desert Sun. May 11, 1978. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ "Riviera goes Hilton". The Sun-Telegram. May 14, 1978. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ a b "Renovations underway at Hilton". Palm Desert Post. October 5, 1983. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ a b Covarrubias, Amanda; Borders, Anthony (February 17, 1983). "Friends recall Schuman's generosity, contributions to Palm Springs' growth". The Desert Sun. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ "Hilton hotel sold". The Desert Sun. November 12, 1983. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Hilton Riviera begins phase two of remodeling". The Desert Sun. July 25, 1985. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ a b c "Union says Radisson workers picketed owner". The Desert Sun. April 19, 1990. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ a b c d e "Bank finds buyer for Radisson hotel". The Desert Sun. August 11, 1990. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ a b "Hilton Riviera refurbishing to escape 1950s style". The Desert Sun. October 18, 1985. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Persian Gulf firm selling Hilton Riviera". The Desert Sun. July 18, 1986. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "PS Hilton Riviera to get new owner". The Desert Sun. November 8, 1986. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ "Hilton Riviera faces foreclosure". The Desert Sun. April 25, 1986. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "Home Federal gets Hilton Riviera". The Desert Sun. November 14, 1986. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ "Radisson Dumps Riviera Name". Palm Desert Post. October 12, 1988. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ a b "Riviera headed for a makeover? (page 2 of 2)". The Desert Sun. March 26, 2006. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ "St. George holds Jewel of a Ball". The Desert Sun. February 2, 1992. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ "Update: Valley real estate news". Los Angeles Times. February 1, 1992. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ "Riviera headed for a makeover? (page 1 of 2)". The Desert Sun. March 26, 2006. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "Renowned Riviera closes". The Desert Sun. June 1, 2006. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  48. ^ "Riviera's going, going ...". The Desert Sun. September 7, 2007. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  49. ^ Reynolds, Christopher (December 6, 2009). "A visit to 1959 Palm Springs". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  50. ^ Ditmars, Hadani (March 21, 2017). "The Riviera". Wallpaper. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  51. ^ Greenhalgh, Nathan (June 12, 2012). "Noble House buys Riviera Palm Springs". HotelsMag.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  52. ^ "Winners Announced at 13th Annual HD Awards". Hospitality Design. June 8, 2017. Retrieved June 2, 2024. Owner: AGRE DCP Palm Springs JV, a joint venture between Apollo Global Management and DiNapoli Capital Partners.
  53. ^ "Privacy Policy". Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts. Archived from the original on June 2, 2024.
  54. ^ Descant, Skip (September 24, 2015). "Riviera Palm Springs under new management, upgrade planned". The Desert Sun. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  55. ^ Forgione, Mary (September 25, 2015). "Stay where Sinatra played, pay with loyalty points, at Riviera Palm Springs". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  56. ^ Cooper, Jeanne (March 23, 2017). "Suite Spot: Swingin' at the Riviera Palm Springs". Stamford Advocate. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  57. ^ a b c Daniels, Melissa (August 6, 2020). "Palm Springs Margaritaville resort? Riviera hotel is being transformed to reopen fall 2020". The Desert Sun. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  58. ^ Thropay, Caitlin (November 24, 2020). "Modernism hotel gets rebranded to tropical paradise 'Margaritaville'". KESQ. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  59. ^ "The Newly Renovated and Rebranded Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs Opens in California". Hotel-Online. November 25, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  60. ^ McAllister, Tony (August 4, 2021). "Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs Puts Final Touch On CA Debut". Patch.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  61. ^ Reyes, Jesus (August 6, 2020). "The Riviera in Palm Springs will be converted into a Margaritaville Resort". KESQ. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  62. ^ Kelly, Leslie (February 16, 2023). "Choppy Waters At Jimmy Buffett's New Margaritaville In Palm Springs". Forbes. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  63. ^ Hochberg, Emily (July 16, 2021). "My dream wedding venue became a Margaritaville — here are the good, bad, and puzzling changes made to an iconic midcentury Palm Springs hotel". Business Insider. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  64. ^ Powers, Jim (August 19, 2020). "Get Out the Cocktail Umbrellas". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  65. ^ a b c Lapan, Tovin (August 17, 2021). "With restaurant's debut, Margaritaville Palm Springs is complete". Travel Weekly. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  66. ^ Wroten, Bryan (September 7, 2021). "US Hotel Conversions: Margaritaville Palm Springs Completes Rebrand". CoStar. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  67. ^ Talkington, Mark (September 4, 2024). "Historic name returning to Palm Springs hotel known for its glamorous past". The Palm Springs Post. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  68. ^ Lawson, Shay (September 6, 2024). "Margaritaville Palm Springs could rebrand as historic Riviera Resort once again". KESQ. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  69. ^ "Iconic Palm Springs Riviera Hotel Returns: Margaritaville Resort reverts to Classic Glamour". KESQ. September 30, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  70. ^ "Iconic Riviera Hotel to Replace Margaritaville Resort Name After Ownership Change". NBC Palm Springs. September 6, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  71. ^ Hochberg, Emily (April 20, 2020). "The Riviera Palm Springs is my go-to for a cheap boutique stay in the California desert". Business Insider. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  72. ^ a b Fusek, Maggie (July 20, 2021). "Flamingo Hotel Considered For Federal Historic Designation". Patch.com. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  73. ^ a b "Topeka Firm Buys Biggest Resort Hotel". The Salina Journal. Associated Press. March 12, 1965. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  74. ^ "Riviera Announces $1-Million Expansion Plan". The Desert Sun. February 1, 1961. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  75. ^ "Council Approves Riviera's Growth". The Desert Sun. March 26, 1963. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  76. ^ "Gene Redmon Named To Holiday Inn Post". The Desert Sun. November 3, 1965. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  77. ^ Colacello, Bob (June 1, 1999). "Palm Springs Weekends". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 2, 2024. [T]he Riviera had the town's first convention center
  78. ^ "Work Started on Convention Center at Hotel". Los Angeles Times. May 19, 1963. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  79. ^ "The Riviera's Vintage 1959 Menu". KNSD. February 4, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  80. ^ Blaine, Dean (February 4, 2009). "Retro chic is retained at refit Palm Springs Riviera". Travel Weekly. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  81. ^ "Riviera Club Is Newest, Fourth Within City Limits". The Desert Sun. October 26, 1959. Retrieved June 1, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  82. ^ "Riviera Sporty Golf Course: Natural Hazards 'Enticing'". The Desert Sun. January 30, 1961. Retrieved June 2, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  83. ^ "71% Of Gardens Units Reserved During First 10 Days". The Desert Sun. January 14, 1978. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  84. ^ "Buyers Reserve 151 Units in Palm Springs Project". Los Angeles Times. February 12, 1978. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  85. ^ "Riviera Gardens condos open new model units". The Desert Sun. January 26, 1979. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  86. ^ "Club to Be Constructed". Los Angeles Times. February 4, 1979. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  87. ^ "Final Phase". The Desert Sun. November 13, 1982. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  88. ^ "Court shuts down Riviera Racquet Club". The Desert Sun. March 29, 1986. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  89. ^ Ryon, Ruth (November 30, 1986). "Richard Pryor Buys Bel Air Place Home". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  90. ^ a b Smith, Rosalind (May 24, 1995). "Property showcased Palm Springs events". The Desert Sun. Retrieved June 3, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  91. ^ Karol, Lawrence (March 4, 2018). "64 at the Riv Sits on Site of Sonny Bono's Palm Springs Restaurant". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
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