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Margaritaville Palm Springs Reviews: Is It Ideal For A Family Vacation?
BY Sibashree Mar 23, 2026
A vast expanse of dry and shimmering heat lies in front of you, the Coachella Valley. The jagged peaks of the San Jacinto Mountains tower over you like ancient sentinels, reigning over the desert landscape. As you pull into the driveway of your home at the north end of Palm Springs, you will see typical desert décor: mid-century modern simplicity, a desert plant known as "desert sage." You may also find some Southern California old-time Hollywood glam. However, upon your arrival, you don't see a cactus garden or anything close to one. The things we are habituated to seeing at the Treasure Island Beach or the Laguna Beach in Southern California. Instead, you will be greeted with a 13-foot-long blue flip-flop located at the entrance lobby area, where the faint but delicious fragrance of coconut lime & ocean salt is present in the atmosphere. In 2020, the famous Riviera Resort (known as the 'playground' of Frank Sinatra and other members of what is referred to as "The Rat Pack") was totally renovated. Moreover, it has since opened as the first Margaritaville location on the west side of America. But do you know what is more special about this 24-acre island oasis? It shows a fascinating hybrid. It is an excellent fusion of the chic architectural bones of 1950s California and the "no-shoes, no-problem" philosophy of Jimmy Buffett. However, here the question is whether it is for families? I will unfold all the details in this Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs review. Let’s start with a dive into the history, though! How A Storied Past Meets A Salty Future At Margaritaville Palm Springs This hotel has existed since 1959, when it was known for being upscale and accommodating celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Through time, the renovations at Margaritaville kept the structure's famous “spokes on a wheel” layout with six buildings for guest rooms radiating from an entrance lobby. However, it transformed the previous dark and dreary spaces into light and bright environments. Furthermore, with regards to what's in style these days, it's bright, open, and downright happy. Also, the lobby doesn't feel like a typical hotel lobby. It feels like an upscale beach house. Moreover, there are whimsical seating areas around the lobby and many nautical elements incorporated into the design of the space. The arrangements help parents know right away that they can sit back and relax because their children can act like children in this space. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs Reviews: The Hotels, Rooms, Food And Family-Friendliness So, does a stay at the Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs feel great on a family vacation? Or, does the luxury here translate into comfort? Let’s find out! 1. The Layout Of The Hotel: Navigating The Oasis The resort features a large amount of grounds (24 acres of beautifully landscaped area) to be enjoyed by guests. While the property size may seem large upon arrival, it is actually one of the resort’s greatest assets as well. Moreover, the resort buildings are separated across a large area and provide each guest with enough privacy and room to be away from a typical hotel tower. • The Central Hub The resort's heart is the central hub where the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar sits surrounded by fire pits, lounge chairs, and the main pool. • Quiet Corners Beyond the central pool, there are large open outdoor spaces and private gardens, as well as places to escape the music, people, and hustle of the resort. • The Spa At St. Somewhere Palm Springs' largest resort spa has everything you need for relaxation away from your kids. Encompassing 11,000 sq ft net of the highest level of service and comfort, there is something for everyone. Moreover, you will walk away as if you were in St. Barts after 1 week of goodness with our "Parrot Head" (the place you want to be) pedicure to deep-tissue massage. 2. The Rooms At Margaritaville Palm Springs The resort is a vibrant retreat developed for ultimate relaxation. The spaces showcase examples of the 'coastal-meets-desert' chic interior by incorporating high-end island decor and furnishings. Furthermore, the resort has 398 guest rooms and suites for its customers and offers a vibrant retreat developed for ultimate relaxation. The accommodation has a range of modern and thoughtful features, including the following. Free Wi-Fi Smart TV Professional Hair Dryer Coffee and Tea Service Mini Fridge Multiple Room Options For Families Rooms are available in a variety of sizes and designs. Standard options have king beds and sleeper sofas. Most rooms come with a balcony. Families can also opt for rooms containing two king beds. This offers a greater amount of room and comfort when compared to a standard double queen room. Most rooms come with a balcony to enjoy the beautiful views of the San Jacinto mountains or an energetic patio for those wanting to relax. 3. Dining At Margaritaville Palm Springs A Margaritaville experience wouldn’t be complete without its food offerings. The resort features several unique dining choices to suit various tastes and budgets. • Come Monday Café Situated near the lobby, this venue is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a laid-back atmosphere with a lovely outdoor patio. • JWB Grill For a more sophisticated dinner, JWB (named in honor of James William Buffett) offers an elegant menu in a stylish environment. • Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions This is the ideal place for a quick bite. Whether you need a caffeine boost, a breakfast sandwich, or a salad to enjoy by the pool, this spot is convenient and a bit easier on the wallet. • 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar The perfect poolside hangout serving chips, salsa, burgers, and, of course, their famous margaritas. What Works For Families At Margaritaville Palm Springs? Margaritaville stands out in several areas that simplify life for parents. It is great for a family trip for the following reasons. • The Double King Room While most hotels provide two queen beds, which can feel cramped for a family of four, Margaritaville offers accommodations with two king-size beds. Also, this significantly improves sleep quality and personal space. • Poolside Convenience The attentive staff allows you to order lunch and frozen drinks right from your lounge chair. This means you won’t need to drag wet, hungry kids back to your room or into a formal dining area for a midday bite to eat. • Built-in Entertainment The resort fee covers free bike rentals, making it easy to explore the serene, breezy streets of the nearby neighborhood, along with complimentary high-speed internet for those unavoidable evening tablet sessions. • The Evening Atmosphere As night falls over the mountains, the resort transforms. Fire pits are ignited, and the outdoor patios turn into "enchanting" spaces adorned with lanterns hanging from the trees. Moreover, it creates a sophisticated vibe for adults while remaining completely welcoming for kids. What Does Not Work For Families At Margaritaville Palm Springs? For me, the first inconvenience at the resort started with the talk. The building we were assigned to was quite a long walk from the pool. Furthermore, during weekends, with the crowd surge, it was a bit difficult for my kids. What Are The Places To Visit Near Margaritaville Palm Springs? Beyond the 24-acre sanctuary, these are the places you can visit. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert Indian Canyons Furthermore, don’t forget a ride in the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the top of Mount San Jacinto.
