With over 350 days of glorious sunshine per year, Palm Springs isn’t just a destination—it’s a desert dreamland. Picture this: sparkling pools, mid-century architecture that’s straight out of a retro postcard, world-class events that make social calendars quiver, arts and culture galore, and a food scene so vibrant stretchy pants are a must.
Palm Springs is a top favorite destination for many, with countless treks made to this sunny oasis over the past twenty years. It’s a special spot on the planet, and if visitors haven’t experienced it yet, they’re missing out.
Ready to pack bags for Palm Springs paradise? Read on to uncover the best hotels in Palm Springs. Whether seeking boutique hideaways or grand resorts, this list has it covered. Curated options for every budget ensure everyone can live their best desert life without breaking the bank. Kid-friendly? Check. Pet-friendly? Absolutely. Bikes for exploring town? You betcha. Dive in and discover the next luxurious haven among the best hotels in Palm Springs.
For those planning their next trip to this sunny oasis, the best hotels in Palm Springs offer the ultimate retreat. So, what are you waiting for? Book a stay at one of the best hotels in Palm Springs and soak up the sunshine!
Table of Contents
Discover the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
Ace Hotel & Swim Club: The Pinnacle of Cool Among the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is the epitome of cool in a city that practically invented it. Once a mid-century modern gem with a Denny’s attached (because who wouldn’t want pancakes with their poolside vibes?), this 179-room oasis has been transformed into one of the best hotels in Palm Springs. With its lively pool scene and a spa that whispers relaxation, the Ace delivers a unique blend of fun and chill.
Guests will find two expansive pools where the vibe is buzzing but not in-your-face, complete with DJs for special events and holidays. King’s Highway, the on-site restaurant, dishes out top-notch California cuisine in a diner setting that somehow feels just right. And when it’s time to unwind, the adjacent Amigo Room is perfect for a post-dinner cocktail or a daytime drink, depending on how lively the evening has been.
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is conveniently located downtown, just a short 3.3-mile jaunt from the airport. With rates starting from $136, it offers free self-parking and pet-friendly accommodations for those with furry companions (under 25 pounds, with a $25 per day fee). It’s a place where form meets function in a delightfully quirky way—though light sleepers might question the choice of white window coverings against the relentless desert sun. Despite this, the Ace remains a standout choice among the best hotels in Palm Springs, blending effortless style with a touch of retro charm.
Also available at Hotels.com
Sparrows Lodge: Where Vintage Hollywood Meets Modern Zen in the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
If you’re hunting for one of the best hotels in Palm Springs that oozes vintage charm with a side of modern relaxation, look no further than Sparrows Lodge. Originally known as Castle’s Red Barn and a favorite haunt for Hollywood’s elite in the 1950s, this retro gem has been lovingly restored to capture that same chic, laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself reminiscing about old Hollywood while sipping a cocktail by the pool.
Sparrows Lodge is all about keeping it low-key with its cool, rustic appeal. With a hand-painted sign featuring two sparrows, this adults-only retreat lets you escape the hustle and bustle while still feeling incredibly stylish. Rooms are adorned with exposed beam ceilings, concrete floors embedded with pebbles, and pillow-top mattresses swathed in sumptuous Italian linens. Bathrooms are a quirky delight, featuring rain showers and some with horse troughs as unique bathtubs—because why not mix a little rustic with your luxury?
The property also boasts a communal barn, a fire pit for those cozy evenings, and a vegetable garden that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally stepped into an art gallery of relaxation. Speaking of art, the on-site collection includes pieces by Ruscha, Kelly, Katz, and Baldessari. Guests can borrow a Sole townie bike to pedal around town, though don’t expect TVs or phones in the rooms (because who needs them when you’re in one of the best hotels in Palm Springs?).
Located in South Palm Springs, just 2.8 miles from the airport, Sparrows Lodge offers free self-parking and welcomes dogs under 40 pounds (with a $100 per stay fee). Rates start from $219, and while the resort fee is part of the package, the experience is worth every penny. It’s been graced with the World’s Best Awards in 2022 and 2023, proving it’s not just a place to stay but a stylish statement in the world of the best hotels in Palm Springs.
Also available at Booking.com
Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows: A Glitzy Gem Among the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
Step into a world where Hollywood’s golden age meets modern glam at the Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows, one of the best hotels in Palm Springs. Originally a mobster’s playground in 1936 and a saloon for Humphrey Bogart and Marilyn Monroe, this chic, adults-only retreat has been dazzling guests since its reimagining in 2007.
Set across three lush acres, this boutique oasis revolves around a sparkling central pool that practically screams “come mingle.” Rooms are decked out in mosaic tiles and colorful fabrics, with Frette linens, fireplaces, and claw-foot bathtubs for that extra touch of opulence. The Purple Palm restaurant, conveniently off the pool, is perfect for a post-swim bite. And let’s not forget the recently redesigned spa, ideal for unwinding in style.
Located in the Design District, just 3 miles from the airport, the Colony Palms is a prime example of the best hotels in Palm Springs. Rates start at $238, with $35 for parking and a $150 pet fee for your two dogs (up to 40 pounds). Be sure to keep it down between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.—the only thing louder than the pool scene is the envy of anyone not staying at one of the best hotels in Palm Springs.
Also available at Booking.com
Also Read: Can These 6 Best Resorts in Costa Rica Truly Wow You?
Holiday House: A Chic Slice of the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
If you’re hunting for one of the best hotels in Palm Springs, look no further than Holiday House—a downtown gem that makes “ultra-chic” look easy. This 1951 boutique beauty, redesigned by Mark D. Sikes and the Sparrows Lodge team, exudes mid-century vibes with a modern twist. The design features Gio Ponti-inspired tiles in the bar, which could easily be mistaken for an art gallery where you can also enjoy a lively brunch.
Rooms are a haven of style, outfitted with Waterworks bath hardware, oversized showers, custom textiles, and curated artwork by heavyweights like David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein. With no TVs or phones (because who needs them in a paradise?), it’s all about peace and quiet for up to two guests. The resort fee covers a continental breakfast of homemade bread, pastries, fruit, yogurt, and more—a perfect start to your day.
Located just 2.5 miles from PSP airport, this top pick among the best hotels in Palm Springs also includes free parking and welcomes dogs under 40 pounds (with a $100 fee). Non-smoking and full of communal charm, Holiday House is a standout in the realm of the best hotels in Palm Springs.
Dive Palm Springs: The Quirkiest Choice Among the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
For those seeking one of the best hotels in Palm Springs with a quirky twist, Dive Palm Springs is your ticket to an unforgettable stay. Nestled in Deepwell Estates near the Palm Springs Convention Center, this petite boutique hotel offers just 11 rooms but oozes with style. Inspired by the French Riviera of the 1960s, it’s the ultimate getaway for guests 21 and up who appreciate a touch of whimsy.
Dive Palm Springs doesn’t just offer a place to rest; it’s a visual feast. Picture this: rooms adorned with rattan beds, Belgian linen, and furniture from Serena & Lily and Anthropologie. Most rooms boast outdoor patios with oversized daybeds, and the dreamy La Reve room comes with a queen-size brass bed and Christian Lacroix’s custom ceiling mural. The pièce de résistance? The Paris suite, where a 1919 belle époque brass elevator cage has been transformed into a chic queen bed.
Rates start at $254, and while it’s not the most walkable area, Dive Palm Springs is worth the trip. With ample self-parking and a pet-friendly policy for dogs up to 35 pounds (with a $250 deposit), this gem shines brightly among the best hotels in Palm Springs.
Also available at Booking.com
Also Read: 7 Best Hotels in Amalfi Coast for your Perfect Getaway
Avalon Palm Springs: The Chic Retreat Among the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best hotels in Palm Springs that strikes the perfect balance between size and style, Avalon Palm Springs is your dream destination. Once known as the Viceroy, this charming boutique hotel exudes an effortlessly chic vibe that’s inspired many—ahem, even wedding decor. It’s the kind of place where manicured grounds meet a welcoming atmosphere, making it feel like a home away from home.
Avalon boasts 70 Spanish-style lodgings, including cozy studios and 13 private villas, all nestled around three stunning pools. The main pool area is an Instagrammer’s paradise—think jaw-dropping views and enviable shots. The Estrella Spa and Chi Chi Restaurant complete the experience, offering a full suite of amenities for relaxation and dining.
Now, while Avalon is technically family-friendly, keep in mind that if your kids get a bit too boisterous, they might get gently nudged towards the family pool. Fear not, the staff is super accommodating—they once even comped drinks for a minor mix-up!
Located downtown and just 2.8 miles from the airport, Avalon Palm Springs offers rates starting at $137. Valet parking is included for one vehicle, and there’s also self-parking available. Dogs are welcomed with a $100 non-refundable fee per pet, with the added bonus that 10% of the fee goes to the Best Friends Animal Society. This gem is undeniably one of the best hotels in Palm Springs, blending style, comfort, and a dash of whimsy perfectly.
Also Available at Booking.com
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: A Family Wonderland Among the Best Hotels in Palm Springs
If you’re on the quest for one of the best hotels in Palm Springs that caters to every member of the family, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is your all-in-one destination. This sprawling playground isn’t just another luxury stay; it’s an experience packed with amenities that will have everyone—from toddlers to tweens—thoroughly entertained.
The resort’s lush grounds are a mini paradise, complete with serene waterways, a flock of flamingos, and even a lake perfect for tranquil boat rides. With six dining options, including the Japanese steakhouse Mikado, and multiple pools, your taste buds and your tan lines will both be satisfied. The resort also boasts two championship golf courses, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a jogging path for the active bunch. Don’t miss out on tie-dying T-shirts or joining in on organized lawn games—there’s a fun-filled activity for everyone.
Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) will be glued to the massive arcade or indulging in spa treatments at the 38,000 square-foot oasis with 48 treatment rooms. For those seeking a quiet retreat, the spa pool offers a more serene escape—perfect if you’re not a fan of family chaos.
Located in Palm Desert, 11.5 miles from the airport, this hotel starts at $237. It offers self-parking or valet options, and as of April 2024, pets are welcome with a $150 non-refundable fee plus a $20 daily cleaning fee. With its extensive facilities and lively atmosphere, JW Marriott Desert Springs is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Palm Springs for a memorable family vacation.
