The Saguaro Palm Springs

The queens were beautiful and charismatic, the performance was great, and the crowd had wild energy. I loved the quick intros and shout-outs for guests celebrating a bachelorette or birthday. The people made it a positive experience, though the venue has plenty to improve. At about $94 per person before tips, the price felt high for one entree and bottomless mimosas made with cheap bubbly. Appetizers and dessert cost extra, and churros were the only dessert on the menu. They could at least offer complimentary churros. The food could be much better, even knowing people don’t come to a drag brunch for the food. The extra shishito peppers were smothered in too much sauce. The avocado toast with eggs looked like a college student’s quick breakfast. The chicken Caesar had a sufficient portion of protein, but otherwise it was a small bowl of creamy lettuce, a few carrot shavings, and two pieces of hard bread. The blue acrylic plates and bowls felt like fast food. The server did a good job refilling the sparkling wine, but orange, pineapple, and cranberry juice were offered only at the beginning. Staff said earplugs were available, then never came around to check or ask if anyone wanted them. The room was small and got extremely loud. I left with a headache and ringing ears.

I stayed at The Saguaro Palm Springs for four nights this week, and the experience was deeply disappointing. The property felt worn down and neglected, and the colorful, fun look in the photos didn’t match what I saw in person. The pool area looked tired, and the towels were frayed and smelled strongly of bleach. I booked a larger balcony room facing the pool, thankfully after being advised to do so. The location and size were decent, but the sofa/daybed in the main living area was broken and unusable. For a four-night stay, I couldn’t sit comfortably to relax or watch television, which was unacceptable. At the front desk, staff seemed indifferent to guests coming and going. There was no welcome or sense of hospitality, which set the tone right away. I tried to eat at the on-site restaurant twice, but service was so inattentive and disorganized both times that I left before ordering. Don’t let the photos fool you. Palm Springs has much better options at similar prices, and I wouldn’t return.

Our New Year’s Eve wedding at The Saguaro was an absolute blast. Mark, the event manager, was attentive, easy to work with, and cool about helping us make last-minute changes because of the weather. Ramon was the ultimate wedding bartender, with great drinks flowing all night and a real part-of-the-party feel. Those two helped make it the party of the year, and the whole staff were friendly and helpful. The venue was so fun, and the ceremony and reception spaces were perfect. El Jefe is a great spot for dinner and drinks, and the pool and hot tubs are the place to be all day. Can’t wait to come back next time we’re in town!

As the mother of the groom, I was at The Saguaro for our son and daughter-in-law’s New Year’s Eve wedding. Even with the rain, everything turned out just right. Mark Tinor was wonderful to work with. He made adjustments on the fly, set up a tent, and provided umbrellas for guests. Before the wedding, he helped us arrange an early check-in. During the reception, he checked in regularly to make sure we were happy with the food and service. The food was SO GOOD, among the best I’ve ever had at a wedding reception. The front desk staff were pleasant and helpful, too. When we needed help setting up the reception room, they sent a handyman right away. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. I highly recommend The Saguaro for a wedding or vacation.