By: Heather Dickey
With its retro-chic vibe, swanky pools, and palm-lined boulevards, Palm Springs beckons as an alluring escape from the everyday. This desert oasis has long lured travelers with its endless sunshine, vibrant arts scene, and plethora of exceptional hotels—many of them legendary midcentury modern gems that capture the city’s signature aesthetic.
For design-driven travelers and devotees of understated elegance, Palm Springs offers a treasure trove of sophisticated hotels marked by striking architecture, fashionable decor, and an array of upscale amenities. From intimate boutique hideaways to sprawling resorts, these properties seamlessly blend midcentury style with contemporary comfort. Their common thread? An elevated sensibility that whispers rather than shouts.
Keep reading for my curated list of the top 10 hotels in Palm Springs for your next stylish desert getaway. These chic retreats promise laidback luxury, Instagram-worthy design, and delightful details sure to delight the discerning traveler.
The Parker
With its whimsical Jonathan Adler decor and sprawling grounds dotted with lawn games, the Parker Palm Springs transports guests to a modern-day Palm Springs playground. Lodge in one of the property’s bright and airy rooms or choose a private villa with your own firepit and outdoor tub. Don’t miss classics like the fig-and-burrata salad at the on-site Mister Parker’s restaurant or a treatment at the Palm Springs Yacht Club spa. From croquet to bocce ball, you’ll never run out of activities at this 13-acre hipster paradise.
Read more about our stays at the Parker Palm Springs here.
The Parker Palm Springs: 4200 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States. +1 760-770-5000. parkerpalmsprings.com
L’Horizon
A serene retreat just steps from the bustle of downtown Palm Springs, L’Horizon seduces guests with its low-key sophistication. Bask in the sun beside the adults-only pool or unwind in your stylishly appointed bungalow complete with a secluded outdoor tub. Sip cucumber cocktails at the al fresco bar before indulging in locally sourced California cuisine at SO.PA restaurant. With personalized service and amenities like yoga classes and e-bikes, L’Horizon is the ultimate laidback luxury hideaway.
Read our review of L’Horizon Hotel & Bungalows here.
The L’Horizon Hotel and Bungalows Palm Springs: 1050 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States +1 760-323-1858. Visit L’Horizon Hotel here.
The Saguaro
Make a splash at this wildly colorful hotel that embodies Palm Springs’ playful spirit. With pops of neon hues across rooms and common areas, The Saguaro is bright, bold and unabashedly Instagrammable. Sip rainbow-hued cocktails poolside or unwind on your patio overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. Work up an appetite with beach volleyball, ping pong and poolside yoga before heading to El Jefe for Mexican eats and late-night margaritas. For a lively, social stay, you can’t beat The Saguaro.
The Saguaro Hotel: 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States. +1-760-323-1711. Book your stay at the Saguaro here.
La Quinta Resort & Spa
Revel in old Hollywood glamour at this legendary retreat where celebrities once mingled poolside. With 41 pools, 23 tennis courts and a world-class spa, the sprawling La Quinta Resort has amenities galore. Stroll the lush grounds past swanky cabanas and swaying palms before dining at one of the property’s five restaurants. Retire to your hacienda-style casita with views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and awake to sunrise yoga classes on the lawn. For the ultimate Palm Springs classic, La Quinta charms with nostalgic elegance.
La Quinta Resort & Club: 49-499 Eisenhower Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253, United States. +1-760-564-4111. Visit the glamorous La Quinta club here.
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
Experience laidback luxury at this intimate adults-only hotel on Palm Canyon Drive. Lively pool parties give way to peaceful nights in your midcentury-inspired bungalow, complete with a patio, fireplace and soaking tub. Savor Mediterranean flavors at Chi Chi Restaurant or browse art exhibits in the hotel’s gallery. From the morning yoga classes to nightly wine hour, Avalon’s programming makes guests feel instantly at home. For an exclusive Palm Springs stay, this boutique gem hits the mark.
Avalon Hotel: 415 S Belardo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States. +1-760-318-3012. Visit the Avalon here.
The Kimpton Rowan
Make waves at the Kimpton Rowan, Palm Springs’ newest lifestyle hotel shakes up the scene with its rooftop pool, chic decor and lively energy. Unwind in your urban-cool room before heading to the seventh-floor pool deck for fabulous views and craft cocktails. Refuel at the trendy 4 Saints Restaurant before mingling with locals over drinks at the buzzy rooftop bar. With its central location and happening social scene, the Rowan is Palm Springs’ newest it-spot.
HOT TIP: “It’s a great spot to entertain guests in the evening but an unparalled delight when dining poolside during the day.” – MC
Read more about our stays at the Kimpton Rowan here.
The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States +1-760-904-5015. rowanpalmsprings.com
The Willows
Step back in time at this vintage-chic B&B situated in a renovated 1920s Mediterranean mansion. With just eight rooms, The Willows wows with intimate ambiance and amenities like afternoon tea, nightly wine reception and a gourmet breakfast served on the patio. Each room overflows with character, from four-poster beds to antique soaking tubs. Stroll the lush grounds or unwind poolside in this peaceful Palm Springs retreat seemingly worlds away yet just minutes from downtown.
HOT TIP: “The banquettes in the back offer the best seat in the house.” – HD
The Willows Historic Hotel: 412 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States. +1-760-320-0771. Visit the Willows here.
Hotel California
Live out your California dreaming at this legendary hotel along Palm Canyon Drive. A meticulous renovation preserved the property’s vintage details like terrazzo floors, stone fireplaces and pine ceilings. Unwind by the pool before drinks and dinner at the on-site restaurant CW’s Bar & Grill, a neighborhood favorite. With its laidback atmosphere and prime locale, Hotel California offers easy access to downtown paired with retro desert charm. Feel the good vibrations at this mellow home-away-from-home.
Hotel California: 424 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States. +1-760-322-8855. Visit the Hotel California here.
The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage
Experience desert luxury at its finest at this elegant Ritz-Carlton retreat tucked at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Laze by the serene pool, play a match on the tennis courts or indulge in a treatment at the 27,000 square-foot spa. Refined rooms boast mountain views and balconies along with luxe amenities. Savor Mediterranean flavors at The Edge Steakhouse or craft cocktails at the lively Bar. For a quintessential Palm Springs splurge, the Ritz-Carlton sets the gold standard.
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage: 68900 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, United States. +1-760-321-8282. Visit the Ritz-Carlton here.
The Ace Hotel
Embrace Palm Springs’ signature midcentury style at this buzzy retro-chic hot spot. Whether you relax fireside in the lobby or mingle poolside with a craft cocktail, Ace Hotel seamlessly blends social buzz and serene desert vibes. Guest rooms feature minimalist decor with vinyl records and locally made bath products. Dine al fresco at the King’s Highway restaurant before unwinding with a treatment at the Feel Good Spa. For offbeat design and a hip clientele, Ace Hotel hits the mark.
The Ace Hotel: 701 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States. +1-760-325-9900. Visit the Ace here.
Ingleside Estate
Escape to this luxurious Mediterranean-style inn nestled in the historic Tennis Club neighborhood. The Ingleside Inn charms guests with its elegant but relaxed ambiance, from the lobby’s stone fireplace to the vine-covered courtyard and fountain. Savor continental cuisine at the on-site Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge, beloved by locals. Work on your backhand with a match on one of the property’s private tennis courts or lounge poolside surrounded by lush gardens. For an intimate Palm Springs retreat with old-world charm, the Ingleside Inn is a sophisticated choice.
The Ingleside Estate: 200 W Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States. +1-760-325-0046. Visit the Ingleside Estate here.
The Colony Palms
Experience the glamour of Old Hollywood at the legendary Colony Palms Hotel. This Spanish Colonial-style property has been welcoming stars since the 1930s and still retains its vintage charm. Guest rooms boast four-poster beds, ornate tiled baths and a terrace or patio overlooking the serene grounds. Sip cocktails by the pool before indulging in steak and seafood at the iconic Purple Palm Restaurant. With complimentary cruiser bikes, yoga classes, and free entrance to the Palm Springs Art Museum, Colony Palms provides the ultimate insiders’ Palm Springs experience.
The Colony Palms Hotel: 572 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262. colonypalmshotel.com
With its legendary midcentury gems, chic boutique hotels, and trendsetting new properties, Palm Springs offers extraordinary variety when it comes to stylish places to stay. These hotels speak to the city’s cool factor, from retro renovations to contemporary design statements. For your next excursion, choose one of these sophisticated retreats where laidback desert living meets subtle luxury. You’re certain to return home refreshed, inspired and already planning your next Palm Springs getaway.
Excerpt: Make your next Palm Springs getaway unforgettable by staying at one of these chic, design-driven hotels celebrated for their subtle luxury and cool factor. From intimate boutique hideaways to sprawling resorts, these stylish properties offer laidback luxury in an idyllic desert setting.
Meet Your Guides
Heather Dickey is the Editor-in-Chief of The Itinerary and owner of hospitality branding studio, The Soigné Company. She is based in London and Los Angeles.
Matthew Colucci is the owner of The Modernist Travel, a luxury travel advisory based in Palm Springs, California specializing in upscale destinations worldwide.