With 350+ days of sunshine each year, Palm Springs is a desert dream filled with sparkling pools, retro mid-century architecture, vibrant arts, and a booming food scene. It’s no surprise that the best hotels in Palm Springs continue to attract travelers year-round. From chic boutique hideaways to sprawling resorts, there’s something for every style and budget. Whether you’re visiting with family, bringing your pup, or exploring on two wheels, the best hotels in Palm Springs offer everything from bike rentals to pet-friendly stays. Ready for poolside lounging, scenic adventures, and desert glamour? This sun-soaked oasis delivers the ultimate retreat.
1. Ace Hotel & Swim Club
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 greatest hotels in Palm Springs, blending effortless style with a touch of retro charm.
2. Sparrows Lodge
Sparrows Lodge, a South Palm Springs gem just 2.8 miles from the airport, blends retro Hollywood charm with modern rustic elegance. Originally Castle’s Red Barn in the 1950s, it has been restored into a chic adults-only retreat. Rooms feature exposed beam ceilings, Italian linens, pebble-embedded concrete floors, and quirky rain showers—some even have horse trough bathtubs.
The property offers a communal barn, fire pit, vegetable garden, and an art collection with works by Ruscha, Kelly, and more. Guests can enjoy the poolside ambiance, borrow bikes, and unwind without distractions—there are no TVs or phones. Dogs under 40 pounds are welcome for a $100 fee. Rates start at $219, including a resort fee. Recognized in the World’s Best Awards 2022 and 2023, this peaceful hideaway is a perfect escape for style-conscious travelers looking for character, calm, and comfort.
3. Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows
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.
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4. Holiday House
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.
5. Dive 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.
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6. Avalon Palm Springs
Avalon Palm Springs, formerly the Viceroy, is a boutique hideaway offering the perfect mix of charm and style. Nestled in downtown, just 2.8 miles from the airport, it features 70 Spanish-style accommodations, including 13 private villas, spread across lush grounds and three serene pools. The main pool area is a photo-ready oasis, while Chi Chi Restaurant and Estrella Spa provide top-notch dining and wellness.
Though family-friendly, quieter vibes are preferred—kids may be gently guided to the designated family pool. The staff is known for being warm and flexible, even comping drinks after minor service hiccups. Rates begin at $137, with valet parking for one vehicle included and self-parking available. Pets are welcome with a $100 fee, 10% of which supports Best Friends Animal Society. Avalon offers a homey yet luxurious escape, making it a favorite among travelers seeking comfort with character.
7. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert is a family-friendly oasis offering fun for all ages. Just 11.5 miles from the airport, the resort features lush grounds with boat-friendly waterways, flamingos, and scenic lakes. Enjoy six dining venues, including Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, plus multiple pools, two golf courses, tennis, volleyball, and a jogging path.
Activities like lawn games and T-shirt tie-dyeing keep kids entertained, while the massive arcade and 38,000 sq. ft. spa (with 48 treatment rooms) cater to all. A serene adults-only spa pool is also available. Rates start at $237, with both valet and self-parking options. Pets are welcome (starting April 2024) for a $150 non-refundable fee and $20 daily cleaning fee. Whether you’re lounging poolside or exploring the grounds, this resort delivers a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation for the entire family.
