This is a gem
by TripAdvisor Member LastMinuteManToronto
I just spent two weeks at the Viceroy, probably longer than most people will ever stay in this hotel. I know the place inside and out.
Most places take their queue from the top, and in this regard, the general manager Kurt Bjorkman is a fantastic manager, one of the few people who is actually LOVED by his staff. He is patient, warm and kind, and understands why both the customers AND the staff need to be treated properly. The staff are actually friendly and happy to be there. More about Kurt in a moment.
On to the hotel: It is gorgeous, small, intimate and quiet. It is also one of the best bargains in boutique-hotel-land you will find anywhere in the world. We stayed in two different suites, and the beds, linens and pillows were more comfortable than any I've slept in (part of the reason we extended our stay from 4 days to two weeks).
The rooms are very clean, with very few weaknesses. The hotel has been open about a year since it's remodelling, and there are almost no signs of wear. The mini bar is adequate.
There are three different pools, and they are never crowded. Many guests bring their children, but it is clear this is an adult hotel, and if the kids bother you, you can to one of the other pools where there are no kids. It's never a problem, and I hate having kids around on my vacations (sorry! heh heh).
The main pool is so gorgeous and intimate it's amazing. Grapefruit trees hanging over the jacuzzi, and great chairs with fabulous crisp towels fan around the small heated pool. There is very soft chillout music, always comforting, never loud.
The hotel is situated about five seconds from the main drag in Palm Springs, and valet parking is available, but hardly needed (I used it and liked it, but you don't need it).
Hotel food was good, but not great. There are a few good wines on their list, but I found the food and wine to be the only weaknesses of the place. Their brewed coffee in the morning (free, of course) was fantastic; their specialty coffees not as good.
Their spa and exercise room were great. My massage was heaven. I really really loved everything about that area.
For what it's worth, almost every person I spoke to LOVED this place as much as me, and wanted to keep it a secret. I think it's only fair to share it, as it's something I'd want to know about.
A last word about Kurt, the manager: Our stay ended on a sour note, as our room was double booked and we were bounced from the hotel. I was very unhappy about it (most of all because I loved the place and didn't want to leave), and showed my displeasure. We moved our stuff to a new hotel, and 10 minutes after we arrived, Kurt had sent over a VERY expensive gift basket and coupons to apologize to us for being bumped. A very, very class act totally indicative of the quality of this hotel.
If you need more info about this hotel, please contact me. I have pictures, but cannot load them right now.
C. Johnson
Great small hotel
by TripAdvisor Member BWFCCalgary
Stayed at the Viceroy for 8 nights in late February/early March this year.
We have a wonderful time. First of all I would like to compliment the staff - they were professional, upbeat, and most of all very accommodating.
Our room was wonderful - fireplace, king size bed - wonderful linens and towels. We also had a small patio with table and chairs - very private.
Everyone at the hotel was wonderful to deal with.
If you want a hotel that is quiet, clean and has excellent facilities (pools, spa, exercise room, etc) this is it!! So much nicer than an impersonal large resort hotel.
We hope to be back very soon.
Perfection
by TripAdvisor Member steph5803
This hotel is great....quiet and a bit off the beaten path..but great. It is a small boutique hotel that caters to adults, more than kids. The bar/restaurant are great and everyone that works there is so incredibly helpful and nice. The rooms are nicely sized....beds are comfortable. Although the phone in the room needed some attention (it looked really old)..but the amenities (all Thymes products) were fabulous.
There is a nice workout room and great spa that I was unfortunately unable to use because of my schedule. You can walk to several great restaurants and golf is nearby as well.
Recommend this place to folks that want a quiet getaway, upscale enough to make you feel like a queen, but not huge like some of the other resorts in the area...you are actually called by name...
Would go back in a minute!
so wonderful
by TripAdvisor Member famoffivelgnniguel
My husband and I stumbled accross this hotel on trip advisor. We liked the idea that they don't allow kids, because we were leaving three of our own at home!
This place is so beautiful! It's like going back in time. Beautiful fruit trees and landscaping surrond you. The pool is simple and the lounge chairs have thick comfy cusions. The best part is that it's so quiet!!! And the food is so amazing. Everything we ate was fantastic! You must try the cookies! They make them fresh when you order them and serve them hot with fresh whip cream! The spa was small but very nice.
So, if your looking for loud music, kids and a swim up bar this not the place for you. If you want to totally relax and enjoy good food go to the Viceroy.
I can't wait to go back!!
Great, great but don't expect a great cocktail
by A TripAdvisor Member
Thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this hole in the wall classic. The staff are super friendly and very eager to please, the restaurant is a delight and the accommodations are tastefully done. A very trendy vibe pervades this property and the spa is outstanding. Only downside is that they only seem to have one decent bartender (the blonde girl)
Overpriced, Overhyped
by TripAdvisor Member SaucyTango
Read about this hotel in LA Magazine as a recommended weekend getaway and popular with the hip crowd. Husband and I booked a regular king room and what a disappointment! It was so small and dark. You could barely walk around the bed and only one person could fit in the bathroom at a time. We asked for an upgrade and there was a suite available, so we changed rooms for an extra fee. Still somewhat disappointing. The bed and linens were fantastic. That's about it. The closets were tiny and smelled of mildew. I put soap from the bathroom in mine, so my clothes wouldn't stink. Yes, the place has been remodeled and upgraded, but apparently that didn't extend to the basic structure. From what we could tell, the walls and window ledges had simply been painted over. You could see cracks and chips all over the place. Looked very worn. The spa is small, but excellent. Poolside service was prompt and the food and drinks were delicious, but the pool water got so warm during the hottest part of the day that it literally felt like a bathtub. I mean we were just getting wet, not getting cooled off. Overall, we were not impressed with this hotel. Quality did not meet the quantity we paid.
Trendy and great service
by A TripAdvisor Member
Me and my partner stayed here over a weekend in May. It was amazing! If you like trendy, Miami-style hotels this is for you.
I wouldn't say it is the best hotel for kids, more couples lounging by their 3 pools. The service poolside was amazing, lots of fancy drinks.
It is very gay friendly and attracts an upscale clientele.
We loved it and are going back soon!
Horrible Experience!!!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
I am an avid traveller...I decided to take a quick mid week trip to palm springs...The Viceroy is a joke, the rooms are tiny, they smell and the air condtioners barely work...considering it was 106 degrees...I had so many bad experiences here I do not know where to begin...The valet left my car unlocked for days in the parking lot along with everyone elses cars....
I was poolside and asked for some icetea and the man with a viceroy t-shirt on told me it would be quicker if I went in the bar myself. The massage therapist I had was so awful, (callused hand and I am not sure if he ever attended a class in massage in his life) ...There are so many other hotels in Palm Springs/Deser, The Movie Colony House, Sagewater, Hope.....do not waste your money here.