If you’re looking for a romantic spot for Valentine’s Day, the newly re-opened Riviera Resort & Spa offers several options that are worthy of your consideration.

The Palm Springs resort covers 24 acres, and was once the playground for the famous and infamous.  Elvis Pressley and the Rat Pack spent time here, and back in the 60’s this was the largest and most famous of the Palm Springs resorts.

Re-opened in 2009, the resort has a vibe reminiscent of its former glamour days.  Sleek line, bold graphics, abstract details and vivid colors combine with retro furnishings and mirrored walls to make this a hip place to see and be seen.

I love the improvements that have been made, and the efforts to restore the Riviera to its rightful place in hotel lore.   You enter the resort through a bright lobby area that’s bursting with color with orange flowered walls, reminding me a little of the flower power of Laugh In days.

The two story buildings, with 406 rooms and suites, surround a central swimming pool, outdoor living room area, and the Bikini Bar.  There are general lounging areas and private cabanas, along with fire pits and seating areas.  The fire pits make for a lovely touch, and would be a great spot for a nightcap on a chilly desert evening.

Spas have become a staple of resorts, whether its for relaxation, treatment, romance, or for a fun of a girls day out.  SpaTerre features a Zen-like oasis of serenity sure to satisfy the most discriminating spa goer.  Although I didn’t indulge in any of the treatments, the area looked comfortable, full of the expected appointments – and a few very nice unexpected ones as well.  Several treatment rooms accommodate two people.

Use of the spa is free for guests, and a variety of pampering treatment packages are available.  This would make a great escape for a wedding party or girl’s weekend.  Day passes for the facilities are also available.

Romance kicks into high gear with the resort’s choices of restaurants and bars.

Circa 59 is the resort’s fine dining restaurant.  Although dinner wasn’t on the agenda this visit, the aromas wafting out were heavenly.  I’ll put a dinner visit and review on my to-do list for another time.

I stopped off for a cocktail at the Starlite Lounge (top photo) with my traveling companion, Anita.  Located on the mezzanine opposite the lobby, the seating area includes tables, chairs and banquettes.  A video wall behind the bar shows vintage images of stars.  For awhile, we nearly felt like one of the stars ourselves!

We wanted to try some of the signature drinks on the menu, and asked our server Paige what was unique and special about their cocktail menu.  Paige explained that the resort has taken many of the classic retro cocktail recipes, updated them with a new twist, and that they only use fresh juices and ingredients.

So far, so good!

After explaining our taste preferences to Paige, we put ourselves in her hands and let her create something that she thought we’d enjoy.  She came back with a watermelon mojito (although refreshing in its lightness, there wasn’t much of a watermelon taste) and a Rock Hudson-tini (a raspberry based martini, a bit on the sweet side, but oh so yummy).  On a return trip, I’d like to try a house made Bloody Mary and a margarita – two drinks that are often made from a mix – but so much better when made from scratch.

Other bars include the Bikini Bar alongside the pool, the name derived from the many beauty pageants that have been held at the resort, and the Side Bar, for sophisticated patio cocktails.

The Riviera Resort & Spa is located at 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs (map)

Photo credits:  personal collection

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Calling itself an “open-air bar and grille for open minded people,” Hamburger Mary’s delivers good food and a fun atmosphere.

Part of a 14-store national franchise, Hamburger Mary’s opened in San Francisco in 1972.  It opened as a family oriented, affordably priced, restaurant and bar that target the gay and lesbian community and their families, along with those friendly to that population.  As the chain has expanded it has refined its concept with a focus on fresh food, home-style meals, that are prepared and presented in a fun atmosphere.

At the Palm Springs Hamburger Mary’s location, you’ll be greeted outside the door by a larger than life Mary welcoming you and tempting you with a larger than life burger.  Once inside, that saucy attitude continues.  It’s a little like being at your best and most irreverent friend’s home, where you expect nothing but the best, and are always ready for a few little surprises.

The menu includes lots of burger selections that are piled 6 inches high.  But that’s not all there is – you’ll find sandwiches, salads, steaks, fish, and a variety of other traditional bar food.  A very kid-friendly menu is also available.  If you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, try the Mary Tyler S’mores.  It’s just like being back at summer camp again.  Or get a little more daring with the Deep Fried Twinkies.

A bar favorite is the super spicy Blood Mary.  I also heard raves about the margaritas.

Indoor and outdoor dining is available, and the restaurant is family friendly.

Hamburger Mary’s is located at 415 North Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.  (You can check the map to see if there’s a Hamburger Mary’s near you.)  It is open daily for lunch and dinner, serving dinner until 9:30 on weekdays and 10 pm on weekends.  The bar is open until midnight.

As they say – Eat, Drink and be Mary!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Today’s Matchbook Monday is from LG’s PRIME Steakhouse in Palm  Desert, California.  Its location at 74-225 Highway 111 is the oldest commercial building in Palm Desert.

Established in 1991 by Leon and Gail Greenberg (that’s the L and the G), the husband and wife now have three locations in the Coachella Valley (Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and La Quinta).

Offering USDA Prime steaks, arriving at your table still sizzling, and a wine list of over 500 selections, the restaurant has carved out a loyal following with the desert residents and visitors. 

Image credit:  personal collection

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A recent trip to Palm Springs had sunny skies, but cold, breezy weather.  And look in the mountains – past the palm trees – that’s snow!

Photo credit:  personal collection

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I’ve been spending some time in Palm Springs this month, researching lots of great things to do here.

If you haven’t been here for awhile, well. . . you haven’t been here!

There are lots of great hotels (old and new), restaurants, and bars. What was once a playground for the blue-haired, has evolved into a playground for the young, hip, and even a bit edgy.

But one thing that hasn’t changed in the sun and the palm trees.  It’s been over a hundred while I’ve been here, and despite it being a “dry heat” it’s still hot enough to discourage the faint of heart. 

Lots of good stuff coming up over the winter to keep you warm!

Photo credit:  Anita Rossi

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