For more than 100 years, Palm Springs has been California’s chicest desert getaway, transforming from a turn-of-the-century wellness retreat to a hotspot for Hollywood stars to a playground for world-renowned poolside lounging, tennis courts, and cocktail hours. And that’s not to mention the design legacy of the desert destination. The midcentury ushered in an era of design innovation, as celebrated architects followed the jet-set crowd to the desert and turned Palm Springs into a hub of modernist experimentation. Many of those buildings still stand today and are now home to some of the city’s most stylish stays.
Today, it’s not only the Hollywood elite who come to play in Palm Springs. Visitors run the gamut between retirement-age snowbirds from the north to party-hard Los Angelenos looking for a quick weekend getaway. While there’s no shortage of spectacular hotels to choose from, boutique hotels bring something a little more unique and personalized to the scene. To keep things focused, we’ve narrowed our list to properties with 50 rooms or fewer. That means you won’t find larger favorites like The Saguaro or the Ace Hotel & Swim Club on this list—but you will find a curated selection of one-of-a-kind hotels that define the city’s distinctive spirit. Here are 23 of the best boutique hotels in Palm Springs to choose from ahead of your next visit.
What is the best area of Palm Springs to stay in?
If you’re looking to be in the heart of the action, downtown Palm Springs is the best area in town. Up and down the two main roads here, Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive, are restaurants, bars, shops, and museums like the Palm Springs Art Museum—and it’s all walkable. The one thing lacking in downtown Palm Springs is space and privacy, which you’ll find in the surrounding neighborhoods. That said, most boutique hotels are built around serene courtyards that serve as oases. You can also stay in adjacent neighborhoods to take advantage of the walkability: we recommend the historic Tennis Club Neighborhood.
How we choose the best hotels in Palm Springs
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
Top amenities: Spectacular spa, adults-only space, red light masks Location: Downtown Palm Springs Best for: Wellness-minded stays
While most luxury hotels in Palm Springs offer a spa, none incorporate the experience into every aspect of the stay quite like Terra does. All guests at Terra can enjoy the detoxifying Himalayan salt sauna, invigorating cold plunge pool, and immersive rain room with soothing thunderstorm sounds. Check into Terra and you’re in for a peaceful, private stay with a welcome focus on wellness. This adults-only hotel is the perfect place for those who feel overstimulated and drained by city living and are looking for a truly rejuvenating trip. The dreamy rooms are filled with wellness-themed goodies and amenities like outdoor soaking tubs, firepits, and a cold plunge. Take your stay to the next level by adding an Ayurvedic spa session, a stint with a red light mask, or a juice cleanse. —Maddy Sims
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Top amenities: Large amount of space, two pools, croquet lawn, 13 acres of land Location: Melody Ranch Best for: Imagining your life as a Hollywood star
Both the most luxe and largest property in Palm Springs at 13 acres, the sprawling Jonathan Adler–designed, Hollywood Regency–style hotel is posh, kitschy, whimsical, and service-centric all at once. Located on the very south end of town on a nondescript stretch of Palm Canyon Drive across from a car dealership group, once you make it through the gate and up the curling driveway you’ll feel truly transported. Formerly the estate of Western movie star Gene Autry, the Parker is hands down one of the area’s most unique places to stay. Though the entire property is huge by Palm Springs standards, it still manages to feel private and exclusive thanks to the sprawling layout, spread out structures, and hidden hangouts at every turn, including a croquet lawn, Pétanque courts, firepit seating areas, and two pools. Though you’ll need a car or Uber to get anywhere else noteworthy, you may prefer to hunker down here for your entire stay. —Lizbeth Scordo
Top amenities: Plush lobby, breakfast in bed, wellness tonics, mountain views, firepit Location: Tahquitz River Estates Best for: Adults-only solitude with impeccable mountain views
This uber-intimate hotel in a quiet South Palm Springs neighborhood is home to just 14 rooms. It has a 21-and-over guest policy and no onsite restaurant, so there are rarely more than a couple dozen people on property at any given time. The guest rooms in the renovated 1950s complex feature blond wood-paneled walls, onyx-hued stone countertops, and platform beds. Most even come with private patios and hammocks where you can nibble on the continental breakfast delivered to your room each morning. The lobby feels like a glam living room with its shag rug, slump stone walls, fireplace, plush L-shaped sofa, mirrored ceiling, and proper bar that offers both classic cocktails and a menu of intricate wellness tonics for combating that desert dehydration. The property’s mountain views are visible from both the scattered seating and firepit on the main grassy courtyard, and the pool (cleverly equipped with two shallow ends) and hot tub area. —Lizbeth Scordo
Top amenities: Central location, full kitchens, large suites, privacy, stylish decor Location: Downtown Palm Springs Best for: Spending time together as a family with children of all ages
An excellent option for those looking for stylish accommodations with tons of space—many of the suites have multiple bedrooms, en suite baths, and luxe full kitchens—throw in a central location and onsite restaurant and the Drift is a very well-rounded property. Set along Indian Canyon Drive, the property feels surprisingly private and a world away from just about everything—yet still in a super central location from which it’s easy to walk to restaurants, shops, local museums, and even hikes. Rooms are as sizable as they are stylish and equipped with living areas and shiny kitchens that have just about everything you need: Think full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, and electric ranges, as well as an island with bar seating and plenty of glasses, plates, and cookware. While many boutique properties in town are adults-only (21-plus), children of any age are welcome here. —Lizbeth Scordo
Top amenities: Adults-only restaurant with firepits, Frette bedding, Le Labo toiletries, weekend yoga classes, indoor-outdoor spa Location: Deepwell Estates Best for: Enjoying the midcentury architecture or the rays by the pool
With 25 bungalows and one Residence (the former home of Hollywood producer Jack Wrather) spread across three acres, L’Horizon might more accurately be called a boutique resort than a boutique hotel. And yet, it’s an intimate one where the staff will quickly learn your name. Amenities include a pool and poolside bar that serves drinks and bites to the cabanas; the adult-only So-Pa restaurant; and an indoor-outdoor spa that offers yoga classes on the weekend. Acclaimed midcentury architect William F. Cody designed the hotel in 1952, and each of the 25 accommodations retains his original design ethos, with the addition of contemporary upgrades like Nest thermostats, Nespresso machines, Tivoli speakers, and Apple TVs. Though there’s no need to ever leave the property during a weekend visit, L’Horizon is located less than a mile from downtown Palm Springs, and there are a number of restaurants within walking distance.
Top amenities: Del Rey for dinner and cocktails (priority reservations for guests), free rental bikes, helpful virtual concierge, welcome beer or cocktail at check-in Location: Tahquitz River Estates Best for: Relaxing by day, going hard at night
The historic Villa Royale has an eclectic design style that blends Spanish Revival architecture with bold art and a touch of glam—particularly in the sultry restaurant and bar Del Rey, outfitted with velvet seating, wood-paneled walls, a marble bar, and a wood-burning fireplace. (Guests receive priority reservations, and they should absolutely take advantage of that.) The 38 rooms are spread across the terracotta-roofed, whitewashed buildings built in 1947, which are separated by lushly landscaped courtyards and two pools. The property’s aesthetic continues into the accommodations, though they certainly have a midcentury bent.
Top amenities: Rosé speakeasy, text concierge service to order pool towels and drinks to your lounger, a clubhouse lounge with all-day snacks and coworking space Location: El Mirador Best for: Rosé all day
There are two things that stand out about Fleur Noire: its floral wall murals and its rosé speakeasy. Artist Louise Jones, also known as Ouizi, is responsible for the colorful exterior paintings, while artist Ellie Cashman designed the floral wallpaper seen in each of the hotel’s 21 rooms. As for the rosé bar, it lies behind the pink French doors—and you can order from dozens of rosé bottlings, as well as a menu of other wines, beers, and spirits. Guests can even text hotel staff to deliver drinks to the firepits or poolside loungers. Though there’s no on-site restaurant, guests are served a free continental breakfast in the clubhouse each morning.
Top amenities: Moroccan tea, two saltwater pools, private yoga classes and meditation sound baths, nightly outdoor movies, indoor-outdoor spa, complimentary bike rentals Location: Tennis Club Best for: Romantic getaways
Korakia Pensione just might be the most romantic hotel in Palm Springs. The property is comprised of two villas: the Moroccan villa and Mediterranean villa, each adhering to its namesake region’s architecture and decor styles, both in the 28 guest rooms and the public spaces. Walk through the keyhole-shaped double doors and you’ll be whisked away to Morocco, then cross the street and you’ll find yourself in Greece. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, Moroccan tea service in the afternoon, and a serene indoor-outdoor spa (plus in-room treatments if you’d prefer.) If you find yourself sick of the ubiquitous midcentury architecture of Palm Springs, Korakia Pensione is the perfect hotel for you—looking around the property, you’d have no idea you were still in California. But impressively, Korakia Pensione is just a few blocks away from downtown Palm Springs, making it perfectly accessible to all of the destination’s highlights.
Top amenities: Rustic-American restaurant Barn Kitchen that focuses on regional specialties, temperature-controlled massage tent, Grown Alchemist toiletries Location: Deepwell Estates Best for: Retro summer camp vibes
Sparrows Lodge expertly blends a touch of Old West rusticity with Palm Springs’ signature midcentury style. The adult-only hotel originally opened as Castle’s Red Barn in 1952 by actor Don Castle, catering to his Hollywood pals, and the country theme still holds strong today. The original barn is now the social hub of Sparrows Lodge, where you’ll find the lobby, the bar, and the California cuisine restaurant Barn Kitchen. The 18 rooms and two suites are split between poolside accommodations and garden-facing ones, each featuring wood-paneled walls and lofted ceilings, and most feature steel horse trough bathtubs.
Top amenities: Latin-inspired restaurant Azúcar, clawfoot tubs, firepits Location: Downtown Palm Springs Best for: R&R for couples
Opened as the Hispanic Hotel in 1933, La Serena Villas underwent a head-to-toe renovation in 2016 by its new owners Kelly and Lars Viklund, Palm Springs hoteliers who filled the Spanish Revival-style property with antiques they collected on their world travels. (The couple sold the property to the Kirkwood Collection in 2023.) It’s quite romantic, so it’s no surprise that many of the guests in the 18 rooms are couples looking for a little R&R. During the day, lounge by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment. In the evening, have margaritas or dinner at the Latin-inspired restaurant Azúcar before moving to the fire pits on the accommodations’ private patios.
Top amenities: Art collection featuring David Hockney and Roy Liechtenstein, complimentary continental breakfast, bikes Location: Downtown Palm Springs Best for: Design lovers
Just off downtown Palm Spring’s main drags, Holiday House is a decor-lover’s dream—the interiors of this 1950s property were redone in 2017 by acclaimed designer-to-the-stars Mark D. Sikes. Its blue and white patterns pair with a stellar art collection featuring works by David Hockney and Roy Liechtenstein. As is standard in Palm Springs, the hotel’s social scene revolves around the pool, which has a shuffleboard court on the lush lawn. You can order dishes to your lounger from the hotel’s breakfast and lunch restaurant, The Pantry, which is open to guests and the public alike.
Top amenities: Lobby restaurant and bar with an all-day menu, two pools, massage room Location: Tennis Court Best for: Drinking mezcal margaritas made with freshly picked fruit from the property’s trees
Despite being a go-to spot for celebrities and pro athletes, Casa Cody still somehow feels like a hidden gem. Located just a stone’s throw from the center of Palm Springs, this historic property feels exceptionally private and quiet given its prime location. The 30 rooms—varying from traditional hotel rooms to private standalone cottages—are scattered throughout the one-and-a-half-acre property, separated by expansive lawns, charming stone paths, citrus trees, and two turquoise pools (complete with resort-level chaises and umbrellas). Founded in the 1920s, it’s the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, and oozes old-Hollywood glamour without any stuffiness. Grab a handcrafted cocktail from the bar or a meal from Harriet’s Bar & Lounge, and take in panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, or enjoy a traditional massage or energy-restoring Reiki session in the private spa treatment room. —Maddy Sims
Top amenities: Ice cream shop, California cuisine restaurant, evening events like drag queen bingo and DJ sets Location: Uptown Design District Best for: Solo travelers looking to mingle
Arrive Palm Springs is a contemporary property (it was built in 2015) that doesn’t go all-in on the midcentury theme—though it does nod to it with its butterfly roof, a midcentury hallmark. The decor, though, is more millennial minimalism meets grandma-chic, with plenty of tech throughout the hotel: text-to-order room service, automatic shades in the room, and Apple TVs, for instance. (The Arrive brand, now part of the Palisociety hospitality group, was founded by an early Facebook employee.) The travelers who are drawn here are undoubtedly social types, ones who are ready to mingle over poolside ping-pong, play drag queen bingo, and dance the night away to DJ sets.
Top amenities: Kitchenettes with cooktops in most rooms, private in-room hot tubs, electronic check-in via text Location: Tennis Club Best for: An anti-party pool scene
Are you in California or in Bali? It’s hard to tell at Talavera Palm Springs, which has a distinctly tropical vibe, thanks in part to bamboo throughout the property, plus antique wood furnishings and colorful textiles. You might even think you’re in Morocco in the Kasbah Hacienda, Hawaii in the Puka Hacienda, or Mexico in the Coba Hacienda—these are just three of the 11 wanderlust-inspired suites. But then you see the olive and lemon trees and remember you’re right in Coachella Valley and that the downtown neighborhood is just a block away. But this is not a Palm Springs party hotel. There are two pools, but you won’t find DJs blasting music here. Instead, one gets full sun throughout the day for sunbathing, while the other is shaded for those seeking a quiet place to lounge.
Courtesy Orbit In Hotel
Orbit In
Top amenities: Free happy hour Thursday-Saturday, record players in rooms (and an on-site vinyl library), cruiser bikes Location: Tennis Club Best for: Embracing Palm Springs’ midcentury modern architecture and decor
Originally named The Village Manor, the Orbit In was built in 1957 by architect Herbert Burns, who owned the property with his wife, Gayle. The layout of the nine themed rooms remains the same, laid out around the small freshwater pool. And while the interiors have since been renovated, they very much retain the midcentury style, from the authentic furniture by such midcentury designers as Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia, to the vintage record players. A continental breakfast is served daily, and guests are treated to a free happy hour from Thursday to Sunday.
Courtesy Trixie Motel
Trixie Motel
Top amenities: Café and bar, complimentary in-room breakfast, on-site boutique open to the public Location: Little Tuscany Best for: Instagrammable moments
Leave it to iconic drag queen Trixie Mattel (and the man behind her, Brian Firkus) to dream up the most delightfully campy boutique hotel in Palm Springs. Rather than go for cookie-cutter midcentury style, Mattel and her partner, David Silver, fully embraced ’60s camp for the Trixie Motel. The exterior, the lobby lounge, and the pool are all pink everything, while the seven kaleidoscopic guest rooms go all-in on retro themes, from the Pink Flamingo Suite to Atomic Bombshell. Don’t plan on staying the night? Visitors can make a reservation at the small on-site bar and café, shop at the boutique, and peek at Trixie’s Cactus Garden.
Courtesy Ingleside Inn
Ingleside Inn
Top amenities: Historic Melvyn’s Restaurant, access to pools and amenities at sister property Avalon Hotel, 24/7 gym, spa Location: Downtown Palm Springs Best for: San Jacinto Mountain views from the ultra-private pool
The Spanish-style Ingleside Inn has quite the Hollywood pedigree; under the ownership of hotelier Ruth Hardy in the late 1930s into the 1940s, it was an invitation-only retreat for the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, and even Salvador Dalí. Today, it’s the adult-only counterpart to the Avalon Hotel next door, which means that all Ingleside guests have access to the sister property’s more robust selection of amenities, including the Estrella Spa and a 24-hour gym. While the Ingleside Inn has its own pool—with spectacular San Jacinto Mountain views—its main attraction is the fine-dining restaurant Melvyn’s, a favorite of Frank Sinatra.
William MacCollum
The Weekend Palm Springs
Top amenities: Frette linens; L’Occitane toiletries Location: Old Las Palmas Best for: Low-key group or family vacations
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