Caliente Tropics

A Friendly, Tropical-themed Oasis in South Palm Springs

10.0

I stayed at the Caliente Tropics Resort for 6 nights in 2026 (checked in June 23 and checked out June 29). I was in town for the 32nd Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest (short films). I made my reservation directly through Jose at the front desk, and he ably matched me with the type of room I needed. The "resort" is more like an atmospheric, mid-century motor lodge ... I thank the duo who bought it 25 years ago for deliberately maintaining the original tropical tiki theme. The ambience around the bubbling hot-tub and expansive pool is enhanced by towering palm trees, soft, piped-in music, food and drink options from The Reef Restaurant and (at night) a couple tiki torches at the pool entrance. (A shout-out to Sancho's Mexican Restaurant, which is also on the property.) During my stay, in addition to Jose at the front desk, I met Rudy and Adrien (maintenance) and Claudia and Marisol (housekeeping). All were friendly, professional and helpful. If there's a drawback to this comfortable site, it's the lack of a nearby grocery store (I didn't have a car). The Moorten Botanical Garden, very close-by, featuring desert plants and a few animals, is worth a stop. I hope to be back someday!

Vintage Vibes

8.0

The vibe of this vintage resort is super fun - very mid-century. The pool was wonderful and ambiance was laid back and fun tiki-style. The room was very clean, but could use some updates. The beds were comfortable, and the shower seems to have been redone recently, but the bathroom was still super tiny - the door actually couldn't open all the way because it hit the toilet! My family still liked the vintage vibe, so it was a win for us. Housekeeping was great - I actually didn't expect to receive any service on our 2 night stay, but they did!

Meh

4.0

At first glance the hotel looked promising for the area and vibe. The rooms were a bit outdated but reasonable for the price. Me and my partner were just here for Memorial Day weekend but the two main issues were that there weren’t much staff outside in the pool after a certain hour. There were two people having s*x in the hot tube around 8pm when we were there. My partner also got foot fungus shortly after visiting this hotel from using their facilities/bathroom in the hotel room. Honestly don’t think we will be staying here again but the tiki vibe was nice.

Great place with weak wifi

8.0

Great place with 60 s era hotel/ motel mojo, pool/ reef bar was fun and relaxing, easy to find/ get to just south of downtown

Great value, great pool

8.0

Happy with our stay at Caliente Tropics. Spent three nights out of six here in Palm Springs. Chose it pool and proximity to tiki bar/restaurant. Totally satisfied! Was not sure what to expect based on prior reviews. So what if the wallpaper is a little dated and the bed a bit soft. The bathroom is completely is updated and fine, and sink area also updated. Towels great, coffee and toiletries on room changed daily. We needed nothing else, great value. The pool is fun, and not nearly as crowded as the more expensive hotel we went to for the last three days. Great attached Reef restaurant.

Past it's prime

4.0

pictures in advertising are not true to property. looked like a fun stay, but glad we didn't follow through with that plan! We chose a different stay but went to check out Caliente for next visit. Not for us.