Last Updated on February 10, 2026
If you’re looking for an oasis in the desert of Palm Springs, California with a unique theme, look no further than the Caliente Tropics resort.
Built in 1963 and opened in 1964 as “The Tropics,” the hotel was part of a small chain of five Polynesian-themed motor hotels in California reflecting the mid-century Polynesian/Tiki style that was immensely popular in the 1960s. Over time, the hotel changed ownership and names, but retained most of its quirky retro vibe, part of the reason Palm Springs is so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Today, the resort still reflects classic mid-century hotel architecture with A-frame elements and exterior corridor buildings typical of the era. Think Polynesian motifs, bamboo, wooden tiki statues, thatch-roofs and kitschy tropical décor — all designed to evoke a South Pacific island paradise in the Palm Springs desert.
Famous celebrities such as members of the Rat Pack (most notably Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.) and entertainers like Elvis Presley were all known to hang-out at the hotel.
Tiki Renaissance
Like much of Palm Springs, the property declined in the 1980s as tastes in travel changed. By the late ‘90s and early 2000s, the hotel was completely rundown. However, a major renovation in 2001 restored its Polynesian pop-culture motif and retro charm, including the pool and tiki features, helping to save it from losing its unique identity and historic significance.
While not fully luxury modern, part of its charm is its nostalgic, fun, and slightly kitschy feel, a memorable place with character without a huge burn on the wallet.
Rooms and Amenities
Accommodations offer a mix of tropical/tiki touches with retro desert-motel vibes. Some spaces have Polynesian-inspired prints, tropical wall art of colorful accents that echo the resort’s overall theme.
Rooms feature comfortable beds with 500-thread quality linens and essentials such as a fridge, safe, and TV. The resort is also pet-friendly for those who love traveling with their fur babies.
Resort amenities include a massive outdoor pool, one of Palm Springs’ best, with a hot tub and a spacious fitness center and variety of spa treatments. Because the resort is nestled in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains to the west, no matter where you look, you’ll find magnificent views and idyllic sunsets.
Tropical Dining at Reef Bar & Restaurant
Even before staying at the resort, in the past, my hubby and I loved visiting the Reef Bar & Restaurant, an on-site tropical-themed libation sanctuary offering tropical drinks and casual dining. You won’t find a cuter tiki bar atmosphere in the area, let alone most of Southern California. It’s that impressive.
Try a Dark & Stormy, Zombie, Rum Runner, Mod Tai or Pain Killer, and dine on Pacific Island entrees like Coconut Shrimp, Kalua Pork with Pineapple Sauce or an exotic Caliente Salad.
Tropical Dining in Palm Springs
If you haven’t had enough aloha, Palm Springs offers another of our favorite dining experiences: The Tropicale Restaurant, a sexy, chic and more sophisticated island-y experience in the heart of old Palm Springs.
Inspired by upbeat 1960s-style supper clubs, The Tropicale opened in 2007 sporting hip, swanky décor reminiscent of the vibrant lounges of old Palm Springs. Guests can dine inside or out, on an open-air Tiki patio with date palms, fire torches, olive trees and fountains.
Open for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, the restaurant serves an impressive variety of sustainable offerings, featuring organically-raised, hormone-free, and grass/grain fed meats and poultry, along with wild fish and locally-grown produce.
My hubby and I could not resist ordering The Pupu Platter (not found in many of today’s tropical-inspired restaurants) that included an exotic combination of Coconut Tiger Shrmip, Thai Chicken Satay, Korean Beef Skewers, Crispy Tempura Green Beans and Shanghai Ribs. There was more than enough to share.
In order to make room for another throwback selection, we skipped main entrees and settled on a creative twist of the classic Baked Alaska, an Espresso Baked Alaska, made with espresso gelato, chocolate chip brownie, and a marshmallow rum flambe. The perfect finish on a perfect night in Palm Springs.
Though Palm Springs offers numerous options for accommodations and dining, theming this trip made it easy to select the places that best fit the tropical theme. It worked great for us, and who knows what gems our next visit will hold.
