The best boutique hotels in Palm Springs, California bring colour, great dining options, and epic pools to the desert

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 | Downtown

Hotel: Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Location: 701 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Neighbourhood: South Palm Springs
Rooms: 173 rooms and suites
Style: Mid-century modern design with bohemian, desert-inspired interiors
Family-friendly: Yes, with family room options and a dedicated family-friendly pool
Wellness: Feel Good Spa offers massages and other treatments; fitness facilities are also available
Pool: Two outdoor swimming pools and a hot tub
Dining: King’s Highway diner, The Amigo Room cocktail bar and poolside food and drinks
Best for: Social stays, couples, creative travellers and poolside weekends
Prices starting from: Approximately US$180 per night, depending on room and season

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 its 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 or Book through Booking.com

2. Les Cactus | Warm Sands

Hotel: Les Cactus
Location: 555 South Warm Sands Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Neighbourhood: Warm Sands
Rooms: 27 rooms across four categories, from Petite rooms to Le Suites
Style: Restored 1930s property with French-inspired retro décor and desert character
Family-friendly: No, guests must be aged 21 or over
Wellness: Massage room, hot tub and outdoor relaxation areas
Pool: Saltwater outdoor swimming pool
Dining: Daily continental breakfast, complimentary snacks and a selection of drinks; no full-service restaurant
Best for: Couples, adults-only breaks and relaxed poolside stays
Prices starting from: Approximately US$150 per night, depending on room and season

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 rooms 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 or Book through Booking.com

3. Trixie Motel | Little Tuscany

Hotel: Trixie Motel
Location: 210 West Stevens Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Neighbourhood: Little Tuscany
Rooms: Seven individually themed suites, each with a kitchenette and patio
Style: Maximalist retro design with bold colours, playful murals and distinctive themed interiors
Family-friendly: Best suited to adults and groups; check the property’s current guest policies before booking
Wellness: No dedicated spa or fitness centre
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with colourful umbrellas and loungers
Dining: No on-site restaurant; suites have kitchenettes and the hotel recommends nearby restaurants
Best for: Design enthusiasts, pop-culture fans and colourful group getaways
Prices starting from: Approximately US$300 per night, depending on room and season

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 | Downtown

Hotel: The Saguaro Palm Springs
Location: 1800 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Neighbourhood: South Palm Springs
Rooms: 245 rooms, including suites
Style: Colourful contemporary design inspired by the desert’s wildflowers and landscape
Family-friendly: Yes, with family accommodation and resort activities
Wellness: Fitness facilities, wellness classes and outdoor activities
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with cabanas and a lively poolside scene
Dining: El Jefe Desert Cantina serves Mexican-inspired cuisine and drinks
Best for: Groups, social weekends, pool parties and colourful resort stays
Prices starting from: Approximately US$150 per night, depending on room and season

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 a 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 or Book through Booking.com

5. Colony Palms Hotel | Downtown

Hotel: Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows
Location: 572 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Neighbourhood: Movie Colony, near the Uptown Design District
Rooms: 57 rooms and suites
Style: Historic 1930s Spanish Colonial architecture with Moroccan and Art Deco-inspired details
Family-friendly: No, adults-only property
Wellness: Full-service spa with massages, facials, body treatments and a hot tub
Pool: Heated outdoor swimming pool with cabanas and mountain views
Dining: The Colony Club serves Californian cuisine, with a poolside bar
Best for: Couples, adults-only luxury and stylish poolside escapes
Prices starting from: Approximately US$370 per night, depending on room and season

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 or Book through Booking.com

6. Palm Springs Rendezvous | El Mirador

Hotel: Palm Springs Rendezvous
Location: 1420 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Neighbourhood: El Mirador
Rooms: Individually themed rooms inspired by American icons and Hollywood history
Style: Retro desert motel design with vintage photographs, colourful interiors and themed suites
Family-friendly: Suitable for guests seeking a relaxed boutique motel stay; confirm room occupancy and policies directly
Wellness: In-room whirlpool tubs in selected suites and outdoor relaxation areas
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with a hot tub and courtyard seating
Dining: Breakfast is available; no full-service restaurant
Best for: Retro design, film history and intimate desert getaways
Prices starting from: Approximately US$150 per night, depending on room and season

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 or Book through Booking.com

7. Del Marcos Hotel | Tennis Club neighbourhood

Hotel: Del Marcos Hotel
Location: 225 West Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Neighbourhood: Historic Tennis Club neighbourhood
Rooms: 17 rooms and suites
Style: Historic 1947 Desert Modernist architecture by William F. Cody, with minimalist interiors
Family-friendly: Adults-oriented property; check the current minimum-age policy before booking
Wellness: Saltwater pool and outdoor relaxation areas; no full-service spa
Pool: Outdoor saltwater swimming pool with mountain views
Dining: Continental breakfast is available; guests can visit Azúcar at the nearby La Serena Villas for a full restaurant experience
Best for: Architecture lovers, couples and intimate mid-century modern stays
Prices starting from: Approximately US$250 per night, depending on room and season

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 or Book through Booking.com

8. Two Bunch Palms | North Palm Springs

Hotel: Two Bunch Palms
Location: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240, USA
Neighbourhood: North Desert Hot Springs, near Palm Springs
Rooms: A collection of guest rooms across the Grotto, Olive Grove and Desert areas
Style: Relaxed desert retreat with natural materials, organic linens and understated interiors
Family-friendly: Selected room types accommodate up to four guests; check age policies and access restrictions before booking
Wellness: Desert Spa, mineral hot springs, massage treatments, yoga and meditation spaces
Pool: Mineral-water pools and hot spring soaking pools
Dining: The Restaurant serves seasonal Southern Californian cuisine; Twine offers a communal dining experience
Best for: Thermal wellness, spa retreats and adults seeking a restorative desert escape
Prices starting from: Approximately US$250 per night, depending on room and season

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 | Indian Wells

Hotel: Sands Hotel & Spa
Location: 44985 Province Way, Indian Wells, CA 92210, USA
Neighbourhood: Indian Wells, near the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
Rooms: 46 rooms, including two suites and a presidential suite
Style: Moroccan-inspired interiors blended with mid-century design and colourful furnishings
Family-friendly: No, registered guests must be aged 18 or over
Wellness: Moroccan-inspired spa with massages, facials and body treatments
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with striped loungers and cabanas
Dining: The Pink Cabana serves Mediterranean cuisine with Moroccan influences
Best for: Couples, spa breaks and design-led desert escapes
Prices starting from: Approximately US$200 per night, depending on room and season

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 restaurant, 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 or Book through Booking.com

10. Avalon Palm Springs | Tennis Club neighbourhood

Hotel: Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs
Location: 415 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Neighbourhood: Historic Tennis Club neighbourhood
Rooms: 54 guest rooms and 13 villas, including suites and private bungalows
Style: Spanish-style architecture with Hollywood Regency-inspired interiors by Kelly Wearstler
Family-friendly: Yes, with family accommodation and bungalow options
Wellness: Spa, fitness facilities and wellness treatments
Pool: Three outdoor swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, plus hot tubs
Dining: Chi Chi serves Californian cuisine; Melvyn’s at the neighbouring Ingleside Estate offers classic dining
Best for: Couples, families and stylish stays close to downtown
Prices starting from: Approximately US$250 per night, depending on room and season

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 or Book through Booking.com

11. Desert Riviera Hotel | Downtown

Hotel: Desert Riviera Hotel
Location: 610 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Neighbourhood: Warm Sands, South Palm Springs
Rooms: 10 rooms, each with direct access to the central pool area
Style: Restored 1950s mid-century modern design with colourful retro furnishings and garden surroundings
Family-friendly: More suited to adults and couples seeking a quiet boutique stay; confirm current age policies before booking
Wellness: Hot tub, garden relaxation areas and complimentary bicycles; no dedicated spa
Pool: Heated outdoor swimming pool, open year-round
Dining: Continental breakfast is included; rooms have kitchenettes, and barbecue facilities are available
Best for: Couples, longer stays and relaxed poolside breaks
Prices starting from: Approximately US$160 per night, depending on room and season

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 or Book through Booking.com

12. Sparrows Lodge | Downtown

Hotel: Sparrows Lodge
Location: 1330 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Neighbourhood: South Palm Springs
Rooms: 20 rooms, including poolside rooms, garden rooms and suites
Style: Rustic desert ranch design with exposed wood, stone floors, fireplaces and handcrafted furnishings
Family-friendly: No, guests must be aged 21 or over
Wellness: Open-air massage tent, outdoor relaxation areas and hot tub
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with a hot tub and firepit
Dining: The Barn Kitchen serves seasonal Californian and American dishes
Best for: Couples, adults-only escapes and relaxed design-led stays
Prices starting from: Approximately US$250 per night, depending on room and season

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 or Book through Booking.com

13. The Parker Palm Springs | Canyon Sands

Hotel: The Parker Palm Springs
Location: 4200 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Neighbourhood: Canyon Sands, South Palm Springs
Rooms: 144 rooms and suites across a 13-acre estate
Style: Mid-century architecture with bold, eclectic interiors by designer Jonathan Adler
Family-friendly: Yes, with family accommodation and accessible facilities
Wellness: Palm Springs Yacht Club spa, fitness facilities, tennis and wellness treatments
Pool: Three outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs
Dining: Norma’s, Mister Parker’s and Counter Reformation, alongside additional bars and dining venues
Best for: Luxury escapes, design enthusiasts, families and full-service resort stays
Prices starting from: Approximately US$700 per night, depending on room and season

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 or Book through Booking.com

14. Fleur Noire | El Mirador

Hotel: Fleur Noire Hotel
Location: 1555 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
Neighbourhood: El Mirador
Rooms: 21 casitas, bungalows and suites
Style: Restored mid-century property with floral murals, expressive interiors and colourful design details
Family-friendly: No, this is a 21-and-over property
Wellness: Poolside relaxation and outdoor social spaces; no dedicated spa
Pool: Heated outdoor swimming pool with cabanas
Dining: Complimentary breakfast and La Boisson, a speakeasy-style rosé and champagne bar
Best for: Couples, creative travellers and adults-only design breaks
Prices starting from: Approximately US$200 per night, depending on room and season

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Palm Springs that is adults-only, then Fleur Noire is an excellent choice. Located in the El Mirador neighbourhood, its close enough to walk to Downtown and to explore all that this desert retreat has to offer.

This is a floral paradise, with each of the 21 on-site casitas, suites, and bungalows decked out with vibrant murals by artist Louise Jones. Head to La Boisson, the resident rose champagne bar for a drink, bliss out by the pool, or chat with friends (old and new) around the fire pit.

Learn more about Fleur Noire or Book through Booking.com

15. L’Horizon Resort & Spa | Deepwell Estates

Hotel: L’Horizon Resort & Spa
Location: 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
Neighbourhood: Deepwell Estates, South Palm Springs
Rooms: 49 bungalows, each with a private patio
Style: Mid-century modern architecture by William F. Cody, with contemporary luxury interiors
Family-friendly: No, adults-only property for guests aged 21 and over
Wellness: The Spa at L’Horizon offers massages, facials and body treatments across four treatment rooms
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with mountain views and private cabanas
Dining: SO•PA serves seasonal Californian and European-inspired cuisine; poolside dining is also available
Best for: Couples, romantic escapes and luxury design-focused stays
Prices starting from: Approximately US$450 per night, depending on room and season

This adults-only getaway is an exercise in designer detailing. Guests can expect exquisite mid-century modern architecture, in fact William F. Cody is behind the design, so it’s no surprise that the hotel was a beloved celebrity hangout in the 50s/60s.

Nowadays, 49 bungalows offer chic interior spaces, private patios, and luxe Frette linens and Le Labo toiletries.

Offering mountain views, the small-yet-perfectly-formed resort has four treatment rooms where you can relax in expect hands. Don’t miss out on a booking at SO•PA, the on-site al-fresco restaurant which serves a selection of European delights.

Find out more about L’Horizon Resort & Spa or Book through Booking.com

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