Caliente Tropics, Palm Springs, CA (hotel) - Locating Tiki

K KreepyTiki Member Joined: Mar 18, 2007 Posts: 217	K KreepyTiki Posted posted on Sat, Oct 22, 2011 7:18 PM Yes, the lobby HAS in fact re-located to the Tropics space, though it no longer looks as it does in that photo. I was just there today and spoke with the friendly desk-manager, Michael, who told me that the lobby is now permanently located in what was the former "art gallery" section of the Tropics restaurant, and a very nice looking lobby it is, with red and earth tones predominating, with a variety of tikis and tiki wall-art in abundant evidence, and an overall vibe that is a synthesis of MCM and Tiki, ala Shag. However, there's a cavernous empty feel to the rest of the space, especially where all the restaurant booths sit forlornly empty and unused in an otherwise white, featureless space. And when I asked about the bar (not currently in operation and with what looked like a shower curtain blocking the entrance!), Michael told me the plans were to have it up and running by the first of the year. (Well, we can always hope -- but for WHAT, given the bar's recent history?) Anyway, it's sad that for a place with such a rich history and so much remaining POTENTIAL, it always seems to be limping along with small improvements and changes made at a snail's pace. However, with all its ups and downs over the years, the Caliente Tropics still should not be allowed to die a slow, ignominious death. Of course, in the current economy I suppose it's impressive enough that the place is still open for business at all! Cheers :tiki: :drink:

Yes, the lobby HAS in fact re-located to the Tropics space, though it no longer looks as it does in that photo.

I was just there today and spoke with the friendly desk-manager, Michael, who told me that the lobby is now permanently located in what was the former "art gallery" section of the Tropics restaurant, and a very nice looking lobby it is, with red and earth tones predominating, with a variety of tikis and tiki wall-art in abundant evidence, and an overall vibe that is a synthesis of MCM and Tiki, ala Shag.

However, there's a cavernous empty feel to the rest of the space, especially where all the restaurant booths sit forlornly empty and unused in an otherwise white, featureless space.

And when I asked about the bar (not currently in operation and with what looked like a shower curtain blocking the entrance!), Michael told me the plans were to have it up and running by the first of the year. (Well, we can always hope -- but for WHAT, given the bar's recent history?)

Anyway, it's sad that for a place with such a rich history and so much remaining POTENTIAL, it always seems to be limping along with small improvements and changes made at a snail's pace. However, with all its ups and downs over the years, the Caliente Tropics still should not be allowed to die a slow, ignominious death. Of course, in the current economy I suppose it's impressive enough that the place is still open for business at all!

Cheers :tiki: :drink:

Post #611262 by KreepyTiki on Sat, Oct 22, 2011 7:18 PM