Hotel ZOSO

The large, bright white "FUN" sign that’s positioned just above the spacious lobby announces this hotel’s focus in no uncertain terms. The lobby area is a visual extravaganza, starting with its black floors accented by white stripes. Arriving guests pass through columns of speakers into spaces illuminated by bright neon yellow, lavender, and fuchsia shades cascading from recessed ceilings. Rock memorabilia and huge photos and portraits of music legends fill the walls, and classic rock music follows guests wherever they roam as they take it all in. Several areas of the lobby resemble a nightclub, with oversize leather armchairs and sofas clustered together. Red and white drapes in psychedelic patterns envelop some of the spaces to create exclusive private areas that exude a club VIP room. This high-energy hotel was designed to make a statement as bold as the music it represents, and it attracts a mostly young, party-loving crowd.

This Hard Rock outpost is in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, surrounded by all that the sunny city has to offer. Several restaurants are a short walk away, and the Spa Resort Casino, Palm Springs Art Museum, and a cinema complex can be reached in nine minutes on foot. The Palm Springs Convention Center is a 15-minute walk or four-minute drive away. Palm Springs International Airport is a seven-minute drive, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that journeys nearly 6,000 feet up to Mt. San Jacinto Wilderness State Park is 15 minutes by car. Two water parks -- Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs and Knott’s Soak City -- are about 10 minutes by car. Los Angeles and the beach are approximately two hours away. 

Guest rooms here exude a dark sophistication, thanks largely to dim lighting and a purple color scheme. Lavender and white are paired together in the carpet and bedside statement walls, which are emblazoned with lovely, large thistle-and-leaf patterns. Other walls alternate between white and solid purple. White leather is used liberally in the padded headboards and Barcelona armchairs and ottomans, while rock-themed photos decorate the walls. The bathrooms are the most upscale aspect of the rooms, with striking wallpaper in a deep purple shade that’s designed to mimic alligator leather. Roomy vanities sport tan marble, and slate gray tiles are used on the floors and around the shower/tub combos. 

At 450 square feet (42 square meters), Standard Rooms are quite spacious and comfortable, while suites range between 750 and 1,500 square feet (69 to 139 square meters). All rooms have patios or balconies, many of which feature sweeping views of the pool area with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background. Standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, iPod docking stations, and Rock Spa toiletries. Free Wi-Fi and turndown service come standard.

While generally clean and well maintained, furniture and carpets in some rooms are showing signs of wear, and several past guests have reported minor housekeeping and maintenance issues. Ambient noise can be heard, and it can be significant at times, as this hotel caters to a younger crowd that enjoys partying late into the evening. Weekends tend to be noisier. 

The Hard Rock Hotel caters to a younger crowd that likes to party, and its amenities cater to that. The diamond-shaped outdoor saltwater pool has poolside bar service and hosts raucous weekend parties that feature DJs pumping out rock favorites and club music. Several private cabanas and daybeds can be rented, and there is a whirlpool adjacent to the pool. The hotel also has a dance club that’s open on weekends and features VIP seating. The hip and roomy lobby bar features happy hour specials, and the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites with a regional twist. Room service is available 24 hours as well. 

The full-service Rock Spa offers an array of hair, skin, and body treatments, including wraps and massages. Separate locker facilities are available for men and women. The fitness center is large and well equipped, with free weights as well as cardio and weight-training equipment. Other on-site amenities include the Rock Shop, which sells clothing, jewelry, and Hard Rock memorabilia, as well as a 24/7 business center and 29,000 square feet of event space. Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, as well as airport transfers. Pets (dogs only) are welcome with a surcharge. The rather expensive daily resort fee covers valet parking and Wi-Fi.