The best boutique hotels in Palm Springs bring colour, great dining options, and epic pools to the desert
Hotels, motels, but no Holiday Inns.
While New York has its spectacular architecture and Miami brings the international vibes, just a short drive from L.A., Palm Springs has always been a resort town. Beloved by many a celebrity, both past and present, this city in the Sonoran Desert of Southern California is the epitome of Desert Modernism, with Mid-Century Modern touches favoured right across town. Featuring a blend of old and new, our list of the best boutique hotels in Palm Springs will make sure that your vacation is one for the memory books. Dive in.
The best boutique hotels in Palm Springs
1. Ace Hotel & Swim Club
The Ace Hotel is much more than just a place to stay, managing to roll a swim club, spa, and restaurant into one desert-themed, sustainable residence. Envisioned by LA based design firm Commune Design, the hotel was inspired by classic desert road trip movies, national parks and the TV series MASH. Bedrooms have a desert glamping feel, with white shuttered wardrobes, macramé wall hangings, and locally made wooden furniture. Bigger suites also have living spaces, biodegradable mattresses and vinyl players.
The entire hotel is solar powered, from their cosy eateries to the two huge swimming pools. Spa offerings include a couples massage and a massage inside a traditional yurt, after which you may need a bite to eat in their western themed King’s Highway Diner, or a stiff drink at The Amigo Room.
Fall in love with Ace Hotel & Swim Club
2. Les Cactus
If the name isn’t enough to pique your interest, then maybe its backstory will. This gorgeous little 27-room boutique hotels was actually named after a 60’s French rock n’ roll song by Jacques Dutronc.
Offering just four different types of room from Petite to Le Suite, each comes with complimentary snacks and bathroom amenities from Los Angeles-based brand: Further.
Unsurprisingly, it’s the saltwater pool and hot tub that people flock to. There are also bikes available and an outdoor firepit for cosy nights with friends and fam.
Explore Les Cactus
3. Trixie Motel
You may have watched this property unfold on its eponymous Amazon TV show. Showstopping colours and fun interiors are what the Trixie Motel is all about, renovated by the equally eccentric RuPaul’s Drag Race Star, Trixie Mattel. The design aim was simple – “put the motel in drag”, and this is exactly what you’ll find in the bright pink, blue and green suites. Each room is unique, with comfortable beds laden with patterned bedding, wall murals, and plants, as well as a breakfast bar, walk-in wardrobes and a barbie-pink shower.
The pool, only available to guests, features cotton candy-coloured umbrellas and comfy deck chairs, perfect for social media moments. The motel also has its very own shop, with pink tees, bikinis and souvenirs. Although you won’t find dining options on-site, the motel has plenty of local suggestions in its famous Palm Springs neighbourhood, such as Birba, HeyDay and Seymour’s.
Find out more about Trixie Motel
4. The Saguaro Palm Springs
If your favourite colour is rainbow, then you need to make a beeline for The Saguaro Palm Springs. Featuring boldly coloured boxed architectural design, this trendy hotel has a thing for colour, and we are all about it; from the yellow beach umbrellas to the colour blocked rooms and suites.
Book a cabana, complete with dedicated server, and park up for hours of sun fun. DJ sets, Drag Brunches, and live music hangouts are all on the menu. And if you really want to get fed, El Jefe Restaurant has an all-day menu full of everything from guac to grilled cheese and a bunch of vegan noms.
Learn more about The Saguaro Palm Springs
5. Colony Palms Hotel
The Colony Palms has always been a renowned hotel; however it recently underwent a stylish redesign by Steve Hermann, owner of the nearby L’Horizon Hotel. Now entirely adults-only, the hotel has kept its original 1930s features and relaxed poolside with cabanas perfect for enjoying the view over the San Jacinto Mountains.
Rooms combine plush grey and black furnishings with touches of gold, clawfoot tubs and your own minibar. Rain showers, Le Labo toiletries and Italian linen come as standard, naturally. The spa is a green oasis, offering massages, wraps and scrubs in its six treatment rooms. Meanwhile, the hotel’s signature restaurant The Colony Club has an inside-outside feel and serves fresh Californian dishes such as tuna carpaccio and pan roasted sea bass.
Find out more about Colony Palms Hotel
6. Palm Springs Rendezvous
Palm Springs Rendezvous is a retro little hotel and when you step inside, you won’t know where to look first. Quentin Tarantino stayed here during the filming of Kill Bill, and they’re very proud of the stars who’ve walked through the door here. Each room is themed on famous American icons – choose from Rebel without a Cause, Route 66, or Pretty in Pink.
All are individual and quirky, exuding a desert motel vibe, with green, pink, or yellow walls and film star portraits on the walls, but the California King beds, loveseats and whirlpools in the suites elevate this to luxury status. The central open-air pool has a hot tub, firepit and private courtyard seating area, as well as plenty of deck chairs where you can kick back for the day.
Learn more about Palm Springs Rendezvous
7. Del Marcos Hotel
Del Marcos Hotel, known as ‘The 1947 Desert Oasis’ was originally designed by architect William F. Cody, and the building, made from local stone and redwood, has drawn people back ever since. All rooms are built in a U-shape around the central pool area and feature minimalist white linen, wooden floors and bright pops of orange on the pillows, lamps and sofas. Rooms come with coffee makers and fridges, while the spacious Eames Suite and deluxe rooms have terrazzo flooring, tiki bars and private patios.
To combine mingling with relaxation, the saltwater pool is the perfect place to plant yourself beneath an umbrella and enjoy the mountain views. You can enjoy a continental breakfast in your room, but for a taste of Mexico, head to Azucar, the restaurant at Del Marco’s neighbouring sister hotel, for dishes such as swordfish tacos and crab stuffed peppers.
Find out more about Del Marcos Hotel
8. Two Bunch Palms
Two Bunch Palms takes the prize for being Palm Springs most sustainable wellness retreat. The first carbon-neutral resort in the USA, it’s known for its mineralised waters which flow into the pools around the property. The rooms in this adult only resort mix beach and desert décor, with wooden accents, billowing white curtains and rustic-coloured furnishings. Rooms also come with organic linen, a Bose sound systema and hot springs access.
The Desert Spa houses three 40-degree hot pools, plus nine treatment suites with teak soaking tubs, massages and wraps. For some early morning wellness, try sunrise yoga and a glass of fresh cucumber water in the grotto. There are two dining options to choose from, The Restaurant, which serves seasonal So-Cal inspired dishes and Twines, a communal sensory experience with the likes of miso glazed Hamachi and za’atar crusted salmon.
Discover more about Two Bunch Palms
9. Sands Hotel and Spa
This palm tree lined, striped cabana touting hotel designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard fuses Miami and Morocco, despite being in the chic neighbourhood of Indian Wells, California. Each of the 46 rooms has plush king-sized beds and Diptyque toiletries, while some suites have outdoor bathtubs, full sized minbars and soaking tubs. The entire hotel is built like a Middle Eastern palace, with hidden nooks to relax in, accented by gold fixtures and jewel-toned furnishings.
The spa also provides a menu of replenishing options using Moroccan ingredients, such as the Royal Rhassoul Body Treatment and Sands Body Scrub. The bright blue outside pool is lined with kitsch black and white striped deck chairs and cabanas for you to relax on with a drink from the brightly tiled bar. The Pink Cabana, both a bar and restaurants, whips up a delicious three meals per day. Try the chorizo shakshuka for breakfast, yellowfin tuna at lunch and Alaskan halibut in the evening.
Read more about Sands Hotel and Spa
10. Avalon Palm Springs
The Avalon Hotel and Bungalows looks unassuming from the outside, but inside offers opulent living spaces, gardens, courtyards, pools and more. The lavishly decorated rooms are a favourite haunt of Hollywood’s rich and famous; white-themed with delicate chandeliers, open fires and glass furniture. Rooms are supplied with Davines toiletries, king sized beds and balconies or terraces, to afford you views over the pool and nearby mountains.
There are three sparkling pools at Avalon, the Chi Chi pool, with fire pits, a hot tub and bar, The Regency – adults only and with comfy daybeds, and Presidio, a secret, secluded pool with private cabanas and surrounded by tall hedges to deter prying eyes. Chi Chi Restaurant is perfect for a poolside green juice and a light charcuterie board, but as the sun goes down, head to Melvyn’s at Ingleside Inn. A glamorous, chandelier lit space which has served the likes of Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe, don’t miss the signature wagyu burger and Melvyn’s martini.
Read more about Avalon Palm Springs
11. Desert Riviera Hotel
Desert Riviera has long been on the hotel scene, designed in 1951 by Herbert W. Burns, and this small but perfectly manicured garden property attracts guests from around the world. The entire hotel remains very much mid-century, with retro artwork and furniture, from the brown tiled floors to the rainbow striped bedding. All rooms have direct access to the central pool, king beds, mini fridges and a satisfying continental breakfast included.
The pool, heated to 30 degrees year-round, is a buzzing, lively area where you can meet other guests or relax alone, whether in a gently swinging hammock or on a complimentary pool float. While there’s no spa, the hotel more than makes up for it with its own hot tub, free bicycles, small library with board games and fresh popcorn every afternoon. There’s no onsite restaurant, but all rooms have kitchenettes and you can enjoy a drink around the cosy outdoor firepit or make use of their barbecue and pizza oven.
Learn more about Desert Riviera Hotel
12. Sparrows Lodge
Designed to feel like a 21st century desert ranch following a recent redesign by interior designer Claire-Marie Rutledge, Sparrows Lodge used to be the go-to hideaway for the rich and famous (and it still is). The twenty rooms are all open and airy, with roaring fires, cowhide chairs and horse-trough bathtubs. You’ll also be treated to your own SMEG fridge, Grown Alchemist toiletries, and rental bicycles.
The outdoor pool with hot tub is the place to be, with guests gathering here on warm desert nights to roast s’mores over the firepit, while the open-air massage tent is perfect for a vacation from your vacation. The Barn Kitchen, which opens its French doors each day for an alfresco dining experience, serves Coachella inspired meals such as Ranch Pork Ragu and Drunken Pork Chops.
Read more about Sparrows Lodge
13. The Parker Palm Springs
The Parker was renovated by Palm Springs design legend Jonathan Adler, who took the original mid-century features and added his signature pottery, sculptures and brightly coloured furnishings to give it a new lease of life. Rooms range from the cosy Estate to the vast Gene Autry Residence, all of which retain a mid-century feeling: plain white walls, patterned linens and photos of Hollywood actors on the walls.
The junior suite also comes with its own golden poofs and a party shower. The hotel houses its own spa, The Palm Springs Yacht Club, where you can take a dip in the pool or choose from a long menu of treatments. With not one but five eateries, you’re spoilt for choice, however we recommend Norma’s, serving great brunch options on the terrace, or Counter Reformation, the glitzy, twenties themed cocktail bar.
Discover more about The Parker Palm Springs
But wait, there’s more…
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