Honestly, the California desert is a weird place. One minute you're driving past a strip mall with a dry cleaner and a questionable taco stand, and the next, you're winding up a 650-foot bluff into a world that feels like it was plucked out of a 1960s Slim Aarons photograph. That’s the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage for you. It sits there, literally on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the Coachella Valley like a king survey its kingdom.
But here’s the thing: this isn't just another shiny hotel. It has a backstory that’s kinda messy. It opened in 1988, then it was a "Lodge," then it sat empty and haunting for years because of the 2008 Lehman Brothers crash—basically a luxury ghost town—before finally coming back to life in 2014. Now, in 2026, it’s found its groove as the mid-century modern heart of Rancho Mirage.
The View from the Edge (Literally)
Most hotels in Palm Springs are flat. They hide behind hedges or walls. The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage does the opposite. Because it’s perched on a bluff, the views are genuinely staggering. You’ve got the Santa Rosa Mountains behind you and the entire valley floor spreading out below.
At night? Forget about it. The valley turns into a carpet of twinkling lights. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel small in a good way.
What You’re Actually Getting
The rooms aren't those cavernous, echoing halls you find in Vegas. They’re "desert chic." Think lots of stone, warm wood, and private balconies. If you’re going to do it right, you want a Terrace Firepit room. There is something fundamentally satisfying about sitting on your own patio, flicking a switch to start a fire, and watching the desert sky turn purple.
- Standard rooms: About 450 square feet. Plenty for two.
- Suites: They jump up to 900 square feet.
- The Ritz-Carlton Suite: A massive 1,700 square foot space that probably has better furniture than my entire house.
Eating on a Cliffside
You can’t talk about this place without mentioning The Edge Steakhouse. It’s the only cliffside restaurant in the area. They have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’re eating dry-aged ribeye while staring at the San Jacinto Mountains.
It’s expensive. You know that going in. But the steak is aged in-house, and they do this Miso Glaze Mushroom Steak for the plant-based crowd that even die-hard carnivores admit is pretty incredible.
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Then there’s State Fare Bar & Kitchen. This is more the "everyday" spot, though "everyday" at a Ritz is still a notch above. They do a California Turkey sandwich with avocado and applewood smoked bacon that basically defines lunch in the desert. They’re big on local sourcing too—dates from nearby farms, citrus from the valley. It feels authentic, not like some generic hotel menu flown in from a corporate kitchen.
The Candy Bar Ritual
One of those quirky "Ritz" things is the daily candy bar in the lobby. It’s a nod to the celebrities who used to live in Rancho Mirage—people like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. It’s a small detail, sure, but it’s those little things that make the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage feel less like a corporation and more like a host.
Wellness that actually feels like wellness
The spa here is huge. 24,000 square feet huge.
They call their signature treatment the "Spirit of the Mountains." It’s not just a massage; they use desert herbs and mineral salts. It’s supposed to "balance" you, but mostly it just makes you feel like a very relaxed puddle.
One thing people overlook is the fitness center. It has these massive windows. Usually, hotel gyms feel like an afterthought in a basement, but here, you’re on the treadmill looking out at the mountains. It makes the cardio slightly less miserable. Honestly, even if you aren't a "spa person," getting a day pass to use the plunges and the relaxation lounges is the move.
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Realities and "The Ritz" Expectations
Let’s get real for a second. Is it perfect? No.
Sometimes the service hits a snag when the hotel is at 100% capacity during Coachella or the BNP Paribas Open. You might wait an extra ten minutes for your car at valet. And yeah, the resort fees are a thing. You’re paying for the "privilege" of the WiFi and the bikes, which can feel a bit cheeky when the room rate is already high.
Also, it’s a family-friendly resort. This is a pro for some, a con for others. They have the Ritz Kids program, which is great for parents who want an hour of peace, but it means there will be children at the main pool. If you want silence, head to the adult-only pool on the Mirage wing. It’s quieter, more "chill," and has better views of the valley anyway.
Beyond the Bluff: What’s Nearby?
You shouldn't just stay at the hotel, though it’s tempting. You’re seven minutes away from Sunnylands, the former Annenberg estate. It’s where presidents go to have "summits" and where you can walk through some of the most beautiful gardens in the country.
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If you want to hike, the Indian Canyons are about 20 minutes away. It’s a total shift in landscape—giant palm oases and waterfalls in the middle of the dry desert. It’s spectacular.
- Joshua Tree National Park: About a 45-minute drive. Go for the boulders, stay for the sunset.
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Rotates as it goes up the mountain. It’s about 15 minutes away and drops you in a pine forest where it’s often 30 degrees cooler.
- El Paseo: The "Rodeo Drive of the Desert" is just down the road in Palm Desert for high-end shopping.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, don't just wing it.
- Book The Edge early. Like, weeks in advance if you’re coming on a weekend. Those window tables are the first to go.
- Check the "Candlelight" schedule. They often host these string quartet concerts in the ballroom or on the lawn—Vivaldi or ABBA covers by candlelight. It’s a vibe.
- Request the Mirage Wing. It’s closer to the adult pool and generally feels a bit more secluded than the Spring wing.
- Go for the Club Level if you can swing it. The lounge has food and drinks all day. If you’re a heavy coffee drinker or like a glass of wine before dinner, it actually ends up saving you money compared to buying everything à la carte at the bar.
The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage isn't the newest kid on the block anymore, but it doesn't need to be. It has that "perched on a cliff" confidence that's hard to beat. It’s where you go when you want the desert to feel like an event, not just a destination.