This place is a nice antidote to the larger, less personal hot springs spas in the area. Warning: it is located in a residential area, so don't think you're lost if you're trying to find it among private homes. It is a little off-the-beaten path in that way. It's pretty special, and though I've only used it as a day-spa, I can definitely see myself staying there for a weekend.

I love the movie selection, the lounge area which always has Casablanca playing, the mint tea, the hand-washing ritual, the Aladdin's tent in the garden, the infrared sauna, etc., etc. Great service. Good massage (I tried the Moroccan Rain, and LOVED it. My friend's treatment was less satisfactory).

All in all, a winner.

I really enjoyed this lovely little motel conversion. The Creative room designs are a bit kitsch, but that's the fun of it. Would highly recommend!

This is the standard to which all specialty lodging should aspire: quality, value, offbeat charm, sumptuous yet funky rooms, unique ambience, and first-class service.

Owner Bruce Abney has carved a little world unto itself in the middle of nowhere. Or what seems like the middle of nowhere, compared to the rest of the Coachella Valley’s desert resort cities.

The city of Desert Hot Springs is working hard to rehabilitate both its infrastructure and civic image. Through the grace of nature, namely hot mineral springs flowing underground, DHS has found its niche in the “Spa Zone”. Outward appearances notwithstanding, there are world-class spa resorts here, and the El Morocco is one of them.
Amenities include a massive DVD library (many have autographed covers; Hollywood loves this place, too) free snacks, common areas open 24 hours including the cozy lounge where “Casablanca” is always on the television, the kitchen where you can make coffee, the heated pool (around 92 degrees) and the gorgeous outdoor curtained natural mineral spa. Breakfast is included. Spa services are of course extra.

Our room, number 107, the “Sultan’s Playpen”, has a seven-foot round bed, a TV and DVD player, and a shower big enough for two. The amenities in the bathroom are cleverly presented, q-tips are housed in a vintage silver shoe. The vibe is low-key and sensuous. You may or may not wish to even leave the room!

A great place to forget the outside world!

Tip: if you are visiting in early February, check the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce website. Each year they put on an amazing event called the “Spa Tour”, where for twenty bucks you can spend an evening on a very well-organized tour of dozens of local spas.

This was our second stay at El Morocco and it was just as good as the first. Everything about this place indicates that the owners really care that you have a good time. Things are clean and the staff are wonderful. As well, the rooms are nice and the beds comfortable. This time we were even upgraded, free of charge, to a room with a kitchenette. We also stayed mid-week, so it felt like we had the place all to ourselves, most of the time. Palm Springs is nearby and the International Film Festival and street vendors were in full swing, so there was plenty to do within twenty minutes. Not that you have to do anything; for staying in and just hanging out is just plain relaxing. A light breakfast is provided and a "happy hour", as well. All in all, a great bargain. The only minus, and it is rather small, is that Desert Hot Springs is really not much to look at, but hey nothings perfect...