The original 1963 road sign announces this mid-century day spa in faded glory and towering iconic typography. A hotel was built around the hot springs in 1970, forming the central courtyard that remains unchanged today. Privately owned, the hotel is a favorite hang for locals who grew up enjoying the pools and the diner. Guests stroll around the grounds in their beachwear and the atmosphere, despite stained carpets and chipped paint, is completely relaxed.

Famous for its restorative waters, Desert Hot Springs is a town in the Coachella Valley between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. The town itself is fairly residential with few attractions besides the famed mineral waters, but can be a peaceful escape for travelers. There's not much within walking distance of the hotel, but it's about 20 minutes to Palm Springs' shopping, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Though set in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park, the nearest park entrance is still a good 45-minute drive, and Coachella is about 35 minutes away. The airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and Los Angeles is two hours away.

The hotel's 50 rooms are clean and simple, with dated decor that departs from the retro aesthetic of the hotel. Typical budget furnishings and carpets are paired with some eclectic mismatched chairs. Most rooms have mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves, while suites have small kitchenettes. Many need updating, with stained couches, carpets, broken cabinet handles, and some have older tube TVs. The bathrooms have average shower/tub combos and double vanities for extra space. Rooms that overlook the courtyard from the small patios or balconies can get noisy late at night (the pools are 24-hour). 

Three-bedroom villas are also available for larger groups or families looking for more space. These are situated adjacent to the hotel, and each has a private yard with a barbecue grill and hot tub. One of them even offers a pool with a waterfall and an additional hot tub.

The hotel's main draw are its eight pools fed by natural mineral waters, which rise at 140 degrees from 300-foot deep aquifers, before being cooled down to between 90 and 104 degrees depending on the pool. The pool courtyard is 24-hour and lifeguards are on duty until 11 p.m. Day passes (and week passes) are available, bringing in plenty of locals to use the pools. The full-service spa offers a wide list of treatments, including massages, facials, and various beauty treatments. The Sunshine Café has an old-fashioned counter and stools and serves inexpensive diner food, and the decades haven't changed the lounge bar much either. The bar doubles as a small venue with regular live entertainment and karaoke nights. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.