If you were a Hollywood star visiting Palm Springs in the 1960s, you stayed at The Riviera. It was that simple.
Though architect Irwin Shuman fashioned the resort in 1959 to echo the opulent hotels in Las Vegas, it was nestled in Palm Springs, the go-to desert playground for celebrities of that era. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were known to lounge by the pool, and Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sonny and Cher were also guests in their heyday. It was an oasis of glamour and glitz in the Southern California heat.
Elizabeth Taylor poses by the pool at The Riviera.
In today's world, however, when notable guests include Beyonce and Jay-Z, the hotel knew it needed to reflect the style of contemporary Palm Springs — a playful blend of eclectic and bohemian design — all while incorporating a whisper of nostalgia with vibrant colors and midcentury furniture. The creative firm that would make it happen: Miami-based Rose Ink Workshop.
"The previous design was a glam, Vegas-y throwback to the Rat Pack years," says creative director Liubasha Rose. "It was too much sensory-overload and not relaxed or relaxing enough. We needed to create an atmosphere that fit in Palm Springs."
When guests first enter the hotel's reception area, their attention is drawn to a boxwood wall, which subtly leads them to the Landing Lobby Bar. There, visitors are immediately enveloped in a refreshing rush of green, emphasizing The Riviera's status as an oasis, with lush palm leaf pillows and mint walls. A touch of retro style appears in zig-zag carpets and mod chandeliers.
Lush green hues fill the Landing Lobby Bar.
The nature-inspired theme continues in Cantala, the hotel's dining destination that offers a cozy getaway layered with deep hues of forest green, rattan, cork and earthy brown. Cabinets are filled with terra-cotta pots holding moss and cacti, juxtaposed against Peter Beard-inspired photo art.
Outdoors, the dining tables extend beneath canopies of ficus trees, from which woven baskets dangle for a romantic and enchanting ambiance.
Terra-cotta pots line the walls of the nature-inspired Cantala restaurant.
In the lobby arcade, a variety of small lounges each possess its own identity, but remain united by a green strip of carpet that runs through the space — and eventually to each guest room. Patterns, textures and color are layered among a collection of art inspired by the desert.
"Leaning on the aesthetic vibe of Slim Aarons' photographs, the new design is mid-century, vibrant, playful and whimsical," says Rose.
A desert-inspired room features palm and pool art in the Lobby Arcade.
Once guests are ready for an evening nightcap, the dark and moody Gypsy Rose lounge will seduce with pink velvet armchairs, classic Thonet café chairs and crystal sconces, custom-made by Stone & Rose — all topped with brass accents for a touch of gypsy glamour.
Pink velvet seating invigorates the moody Gypsy Rose lounge.
Craving more of this reimagined design? Explore the rest of the stunning space with the photos below.
As a hospitality design expert with extensive knowledge and experience in the field, I can provide comprehensive insights into the concepts and elements highlighted in the article about The Riviera hotel's renovation in Palm Springs. The transformation of The Riviera Hotel by Miami-based Rose Ink Workshop demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of historical context, design principles, and the fusion of contemporary and retro aesthetics.
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Historical Significance and Celebrity Culture: The article emphasizes the historical significance of The Riviera Hotel in the 1960s as a hotspot for Hollywood celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sonny and Cher. It highlights the importance of maintaining the essence of the hotel's glamour while updating it to appeal to modern-day stars like Beyonce and Jay-Z.
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Architectural and Interior Design Elements: Irwin Shuman's original architectural design, reminiscent of opulent Las Vegas hotels, is discussed in the context of Palm Springs' contemporary aesthetic. The renovation aimed to create a playful yet bohemian atmosphere, incorporating midcentury furniture, vibrant colors, and eclectic designs.
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Creative Vision and Design Execution: Rose Ink Workshop, led by creative director Liubasha Rose, envisioned a transformation that would seamlessly integrate the hotel's surroundings with a blend of contemporary and nostalgic design elements. The emphasis on a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance required a delicate balance of sensory elements.
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Specific Design Details: The article details various design elements incorporated during the renovation:
- The use of a boxwood wall leading to the Landing Lobby Bar, which evokes a sense of direction and emphasizes the hotel's oasis status.
- Nature-inspired themes in spaces like Cantala, featuring forest green hues, rattan, cork, earthy tones, and desert-inspired art.
- Integration of art, patterns, textures, and Slim Aarons' photographic aesthetic to achieve a mid-century, vibrant, playful, and whimsical design.
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Differentiated Spaces: The lobby arcade's distinct lounges with individual identities, unified by a green carpet, demonstrates thoughtful space segmentation while maintaining cohesion. The incorporation of desert-inspired art further enhances the ambiance.
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Specific Lounge Atmospheres: The Gypsy Rose lounge is highlighted as a dark and moody space, featuring pink velvet armchairs, Thonet café chairs, crystal sconces by Stone & Rose, and brass accents, invoking a gypsy glamour suitable for evening nightcaps.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the design philosophy, specific design elements, and the careful curation of various spaces within The Riviera Hotel. It emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail in creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blends the nostalgia of the past with the vibrancy of modern Palm Springs, catering to the tastes of both past and present celebrity clientele.
