Palm Springs, CA
The Riviera Palm Springs, the midcentury landmark formerly known as the Margaritaville Resort, has closed its doors for a major, multimillion-dollar renovation that will keep the property offline through the end of the year.
The resort will be fully shut down from June through December 2026 to accommodate construction, with a planned reopening in early 2027.
Renovations “Down to the Studs”
The scope of the project is extensive. Upgrades are being taken down to the studs across guest rooms, public spaces, corridors, and the resort’s two pools, according to the report. The multi-month closure is designed to allow construction crews to live on-site, a move intended to expedite the timeline.
A Return to Riviera’s Rat Pack Roots
The renovation also marks a rebranding milestone for the property. After operating under the Margaritaville name, the hotel is transitioning back to its classic Riviera identity under IHG Hotels & Resorts, restoring the name tied to its status as one of Palm Springs’ original midcentury resorts.
The Riviera opened at the end of October 1959, built by Irwin Schuman and his brother Mark Schulman on a $3 million construction budget — the name was borrowed from the Riviera in Las Vegas, though the two properties were never affiliated. Architect Homer Rissman designed the hotel’s flowing sequence of spaces, including the Riviera Dining Room, the Lido Lounge, and the Capri Coffee Shop, all built around a European-coastal theme complete with a Mediterranean mural in the Riviera Room.
Throughout the 1960s, it was one of the desert’s premier celebrity hangouts. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin performed there regularly and, along with the rest of the Rat Pack, were fixtures on the property — formal wear was often expected for evening events, and the Riviera’s Hollywood Regency glamour was a magnet for Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, and Sonny and Cher. Sinatra, Martin, and other Rat Pack members reportedly enjoyed the desert enough to buy homes in the area. The hotel’s amphitheater once hosted performances by Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.; Elvis Presley was also a regular guest. The property made its film debut in “Palm Springs Weekend” (1963).
No Reservations During Closure
The resort is not accepting bookings while renovations are underway. Guests with existing reservations or questions about booking status are advised to contact the hotel directly through the IHG Hotels & Resorts platform.