Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert and the base of the majestic San Jacinto Mountains. You can take in the view from the mountaintop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar which transports visitors two and a half miles high along stunning cliffs on a ten-minute journey which rotates to showcase the stunning vistas.
Just a couple hours from Los Angeles, Palm Springs became known as Hollywood’s playground with film industry moguls, celebrities and the Rat Pack lived and played in Palm Springs. Stars including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, and others lived in this exclusive destination. Visitors can take a Celebrity Tour to learn more about the Hollywood glamour of Palm Springs.
Palm Springs offers the perfect desert oasis with dry sunny weather, summers are hot with temperatures over 100 degrees so it’s an ideal winter destination. There are plenty of stylish hotels, a burgeoning art scene, a diverse culinary scene, shopping, and an abundance of mid-century cool.
Choose one of these hip hotels for your Palm Springs stay.
Cool Hotels in Palm Springs
Ace Hotel – Epitome of retro-cool
This funky motel turned hotel and swim club exudes a hip but relaxing vibe. The hotel features two outdoor pools and an outdoor fireplace, fitness center, and a full-service spa. A resort fee covers amenities including bike rentals and swim club access. There is also a lively bar and the hotel restaurant, King’s Highway, is a hip roadside diner that was formerly a Denny’s and hosts bingo and trivia nights.
The Parker – Stylish Mid-Century Modern
This luxurious resort is the former ranch of American performer Gene Autry.
Rooms are bright and playfully decorated and options include classic rooms, suites, and villas. Wandering the grounds gives the feel of being on someone’s personal estate with beautiful gardens where guests can enjoy a round of croquet, a lemonade stand, or play tennis on one of the clay courts. The resort features 3 pools – a saline pool, a family-friendly pool, and an adults-only pool
There’s a full-service spa dubbed The Palm Spring Yacht Club and two onsite restaurants – Mister Parker’s Bistro – an elegant dining room and Norma’s – for comfort food and all-day breakfast in a diner atmosphere.
The Saguaro – Colorful with the buzzy pool scene
The recently refreshed rooms are still colorful and kitschy. Guests can choose from a pool, mountain, garden, or courtyard view. Each room has a private balcony. The hotel has a fun vibe with a lively pool scene with weekend DJs and parties. The pool bar offers breakfast, lunch, snacks, and delicious frozen cocktails. The hotel’s restaurant, El Jefe, serves Mexican street food in a stylish cocktail bar.
Sparrows Lodge – Modern rustic for adults only
Sparrows Lodge was originally built in 1952 by actor Don Castle and his wife Zetta. It served as one of the original getaways for the Hollywood elite. It was restored in 2013 but retains many of the original buildings with modern updates. Guests will enjoy a modern rustic vibe throughout the 20 guest rooms and communal spaces including the Barn Kitchen – serving breakfast and lunch, outdoor fire pit and vegetable garden. The rooms provide modern luxuries including rain showers and AC but televisions and phones are not provided to add to the retreat feel of the property.
The Rowan – Serene oasis with rooftop pool
The light-filled modern rooms at the Rowan provide a serene desert retreat with stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountain. The decor reflects the beauty of the desert with creamy neutrals and calming hues. The rooftop pool offers stunning vistas, cabanas for rent and refreshments from the poolside bar, The High Bar. Restaurants include 4 Saints – the rooftop dining experience featuring shareable plates with an emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine and Juniper Table for fresh breakfast fare. Amenities include a daily evening wine reception, free bicycles, yoga mats and plush bathrobes.
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows – Luxe mission-style hideaway
This gorgeous Spanish-style property features romantic studios and villas with luxurious comforts. The property has 3 pools and Estrella spa – a hacienda-style spa with outdoor cabanas. The lawn offers croquet, table tennis or cornhole. Chi Chi restaurant on site offers fresh California cuisine.
The Hideaway – Adults-only getaway with mountain vistas
The Hideaway is a mid-century modern property offered for adults only. Guests can enjoy free cruiser bikes, garden with a fire pit, an outdoor saltwater pool with sun loungers, and stunning mountain views. Rooms have views of mountains or pool with patios. Continental breakfast is included in the room.
Movie Colony – Modernist boutique hotel
A study in modernism and minimalist architecture, this hotel captures vintage style with modern luxuries. This boutique hotel was built in 1935 and retains its historic glamour. Rooms over private terraces or patios with mountain views and city skyline. Just steps from the urban experience of downtown. The hotel has an outdoor pool and hot tub and continental breakfast is served.
The Westcott – Timeless Art Deco in the heart of Palm Springs
This boutique hotel boasts mountain views, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub and glamorous retro style. The Westcott serves a homemade extended continental breakfast every morning. Guests can also enjoy a free happy hour with appetizers and cocktails from 4-5 pm included in the resort fee.
Triada Palm Springs – an autograph collection hotel
The hotel is located in a Spanish-style hacienda in the Movie Colony District near shops and restaurants. This polished property features bright airy rooms, all with mountain views. There are also 2 outdoor pools, a hot tub, health club, and on-site restaurant, Iluminara, which serves California Cuisine for lunch and dinner.
Korakia – Gorgeous Moroccan-inspired retreat
This romantic resort sits on 1.5 lush acres with olive trees, bougainvillea, and citrus blossoms. The property includes bungalows, guesthouses, gardens, and pools. The Moorish influence is apparent throughout the property from the wooden doors, handmade furniture, fountains, and afternoon Moroccan tea service. The amenities at this property abound from a complimentary breakfast served in a Moroccan courtyard, stylish cruiser bikes, weekend yoga classes, massage services, and 2 saltwater pools. In the evening, the property exudes romance with lanterns and candles lit throughout the grounds and classic movies every night.
Hotel Alcazar – Classic Palm Springs
This 34-room boutique hotel is a serene oasis in the middle of the buzzy Uptown Design District. The rooms are modern and sleek with all-white decor, plush Italian linens and private patios. Deluxe rooms feature a fireplace and two-bedroom suites are also available. The resort fee includes parking, loaner bikes, morning coffee and pastries. There are an outdoor pool and two restaurants – a cafe serving casual fresh cuisine and an Italian restaurant and bar.
Palm Springs Rendezvous – Retro bed and breakfast
This kitschy retro motel turned B&B features 10 hip rooms with 1950’s themed decor, mid-century mod furnishings and retro decor in each unique room. Some rooms offer a separate sitting area and whirlpool tubs. All rooms have free WI-FI, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Breakfast includes premium coffee, tea, fruit smoothies, a fruit course, and hot entrée served daily. A massage studio is located on-site, and couples massages are also available. Free parking is provided.
Three Fifty Hotel – An adult boutique hotel
A 10 room boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Palm springs. This hotel is a mid-century modern gem, designed by famed architect Herbert W. Burns and built in 1950. All rooms face poolside and feature stylish and bright decor, exposed beam ceilings, and room service. A restaurant and spa are available next door at sister property, La Serena Villas.
La Serena Villas – Romantic Spanish colonial
This gorgeous property is situated on an acre of gardens in the heart of downtown with views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The stylish bungalows are designed in Spanish Colonial style and feature patios with fire pits and outdoor tubs. Upgraded rooms provide plunge pools, living rooms, and kitchenettes. The hotel restaurant, Azucar, serves contemporary cuisine with a focus on fresh local ingredients. The restaurant boasts a rooftop deck where boho-chic meets hipster cool – a great spot to enjoy a cocktail and appetizers with breathtaking mountain views. The hotel has an outdoor pool and Whispers Spa.
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