Arrive

As one of the newest hotels in the Palm Springs lineup—when it opened in early 2016 it was the first completely original hotel structure built in 25 years—Arrive has an air of youth and a deep connection to the cool zeitgeist of the modern Coachella Valley. Even still, its fresh location and amenities are attractive to all ages.

• The large, open pool cabanas from which you can watch “dive-in movies.”
• The updated post-modern architecture that stands out even among the most famous hotels of the area.
• The patio firepits included in all first floor rooms, perfect for enjoying a drink at sunset.
• Ice Cream & Shoppe, the gourmet ice cream shop attached to the hotel.

Palm Springs truly came of age in the 1950s, when the town exploded as a resort destination and became known the world over for its Mid-century Modern architecture. Unfortunately, because of the smashing success of this style, the entire city became trapped in a snapshot of the time period. Most buildings in the area are over 50 years old and rely on the occasional renovation to remain fresh and competitive.

Fitting of its name, Arrive is the new kid on the block; opened in 2016, it was the first completely new hotel structure in the city in 25 years. Arrive takes all of the best parts of Mid-century Modern style that put Palm Springs on the map and updates it with modern materials and design sense, creating a space that’s both classic and fresh. Rooms are comfortable yet fitting of the empty desert aesthetic (there are no closets, simply a bar on which to hang clothes), and the 32 rooms are split between an upper and lower level. The lower level rooms all have private patios with firepits, which make a perfect place to hang out during the late evening, while the upper level rooms come with balconies from which to gaze at the mountains as they change colors from brown to red to black in the setting sun.

In keeping with this cool new image, Arrive skews towards the young and laid back. The staff, while incredibly helpful and welcoming, are very casual, which may be off-putting to older guests, and the pool is open to the public. On weekends, it can draw a mixed crowd.

However, this isn’t enough to ignore the hotel, as this youthful nature comes with its own set of benefits. Arrive has attracted a range of up-and-coming businesses, such as Juice Served Here and Ice Cream & Shoppe, serving high-end versions of their eponymous treats. The restaurant, The Reservoir, has an incredible lunch menu of Californian cuisine, and the pool plays host to the occasional “dive-in movie” projected on a large screen.

While the beauty of the property would be attractive to all ages, Arrive is best suited for younger couples who can appreciate the well-mannered but casual staff and open-to-all pool.