Infusion Beach Club

On arrival, Infusion Beach Club looks much like any other budget motel: two-stories with exterior hallways and a large parking lot. But a light box that reads, "CALL UR DREAMS" with two emojis, in front of the reception area is the first indicator that the Infusion Beach Club is no longer just a budget motel. It's a refurbished budget motel with updated decor and features designed to appeal to Millennial party travelers. The lobby itself is a small room with a reception desk tucked in the corner. The back wall holds a leather sofa placed under a neon pink sign that reads, "Infuse Love." There's self-serve water, coffee, and tea. A refurbished Coke machine takes selfies and turns them into shareable gifs. Outside, the pool is the central area of activity. Signs posted on the gates remind visitors not to pee in the pool and stay classy. Sun loungers and cabanas are plentiful, and there are gorgeous mountain views.

As of our visit in early 2019, the pool bar and 1769 Social Restaurant were still under construction, so the party wasn't quite in full swing. Still, loud pop music pumped by the pool (and into any room facing the pool) until late. 

Infusion Beach Club's immediate location is a bit bland but there are a few points of interest within walking distance. Toucan's Tiki Lounge is a four-minute walk, Las Palmas Liquor Store and Market is a five-minute walk, and ARRIVE hotel (anyone can use their pool for free on weekdays or with a fee on DJ-fueled weekends) is a five-minute walk. ARRIVE also has a deli, coffee shop, and gourmet ice cream store open to the public. Farther afield, it would take 30 minutes to walk to the heart of downtown Palm Springs. It's a better idea to take a five-minute Uber ride. Empire Polo Club (Coachella) is a 40-minute drive. Joshua Tree takes and Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown take about an hour in the car to reach. Los Angeles requires anywhere from two to four hours in the car depending on the area's notorious traffic. It's only 10 minutes from the Palm Springs airport to Infusion Beach Club. 

Each of the 62 rooms at Infusion Beach Club has a similar decor scheme: motel chic. Obvious effort and improvements have been made via wood laminate floors, stuffed leather armchairs, upgraded mattresses, and sliding barn bathroom doors. But the windows are still small and the popcorn ceilings show their age. Rooms facing the pool will require closed curtains for privacy, and there's nothing to be done about the music. Still, for partiers and tourists on a budget, the rooms do have nice features like mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with cable, and exposed closets. Guests can text staff to request a hairdryer, steamer, safe, coffee machine, or tea kettle. Room configurations do vary, suites have additional floor space and double queen beds are available. Bathrooms are clean, but a bit bland with shower/tub combos covered by a white fabric curtain. Toiletries are provided. 

The features at Infusion Beach Club are squarely aimed at Millennials. As of early 2019, 1769 Social Restaurant and the pool bar were still under construction, though yummy food and bespoke cocktails could be ordered to the pool or rooms via text -- a nice feature. Staff is also available 24/7 via text, and they responded quickly to our broken TV remote control. The pool is a big draw, and it has a large sun deck with lots of sun loungers (some of them are covered in artificial grass) and cabanas with shade. There's also a chill corner with cushions, umbrellas, and mountain views. The mandatory resort fee covers Wi-Fi, city cruiser bicycles to borrow, coffee and tea, and outdoor parking. Dogs are also welcome. Events like wine tastings and movie nights are held a few times a week.