Where to Stay in Palm Springs: Best Hotels & Stylish Airbnbs

How many times can one visit Palm Springs? For me, there’s never enough. This desert city is one of my favorite go-tos for both a relaxed and upbeat escape. After a dozen-plus trips, I’ve put together a guide on where to stay in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs is our go-to for guaranteed warm weather and pool time most of the year. As a Northern California native, I’ve taken dozens of trips down to the desert with my friends and my partner. Most of the year you can get in the pool, and there is so much to do beyond that. There were five years in a row where my best friend and I took an annual trip down to Korakia Pensione, a quiet property a few blocks off downtown.

I absolutely love the Palm Springs downtown area. The streets are full of restaurants, bars, and design shopping with eclectic shops and vintage boutiques. Downtown is great because you get what I call a “cosmopolitan” experience, and couple it with a really easy resort or hotel stay. Plus, being close to the San Jacinto mountains and destinations like Joshua Tree means you can get outdoors whenever you want.

After staying at over six properties in the downtown area, I’ve rounded up my favorites alongside some of the newest hotel openings I’ve been keeping my eye on. This guide covers the best hotels in Palm Springs as well as a curated selection of private vacation rentals, because renting a house is one of the best ways to stay here, especially for a group trip.

Read on for my complete guide on where to stay in Palm Springs.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in Palm Springs:

Palm Springs is compact, so wherever you stay, you’re never far from the action. Downtown along Palm Canyon Drive is my go-to recommendation for first-timers.

1. Downtown / Palm Canyon Drive, the heart of the action with the best restaurants, bars, and walkability
   Thompson Palm Springs ($$$), Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel ($$ / Where I Stayed), Casa Cody ($$), or a 2 Bedroom Industrial Loft in Warm Sands
2. Warm Sands, a quieter residential pocket just south of downtown, perfect for a slower pace with pool time
   Korakia Pensione ($$$ / Where I Stayed), Les Cactus ($$), Terra Palm Springs ($$), or a 2 Bedroom Spanish Colonial in Warm Sands
3. Uptown Design District, a hip stretch of galleries, vintage shops, and a social hotel scene
   ARRIVE Palm Springs ($$ / Where I Stayed), Yara Hotel ($$)
4. Movie Colony / South Palm Springs, old Hollywood heritage with mid-century architecture and quieter resort grounds
   Parker Palm Springs ($$$), Hermann Bungalows at L’Horizon ($$$$), Sparrows Lodge ($$$ / Where I Stayed), Holiday House Palm Springs ($$), Colony Palms Hotel ($$)
5. Renting a House, one of the best ways to stay in Palm Springs, especially for groups
   3 Bedroom Krisel-Designed Glass Cabin, 1 Bedroom Bungalow with Private Pool and Spa, 1 Bedroom Haring House with Mountain Views

Best Hotels for Couples in Palm Springs

These are my top picks for a romantic or quiet couples stay in Palm Springs.

1. Korakia Pensione ($$$ / Where I Stayed), for the best Mediterranean-inspired escape with old-world romance, privacy, and no-tech tranquility
2. Sparrows Lodge ($$$ / Where I Stayed), for the best rustic-chic lodge with a Michelin-recommended restaurant
3. Hermann Bungalows at L’Horizon ($$$$), for the best modern mid-century bungalow experience with mountain views

Travel Tips

1. Rent a Car — If you plan to explore beyond downtown or visit Joshua Tree, a rental car is the way to go. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
2. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

I’ve written quite a bit about Palm Springs over the years. For more on what to do while you’re there, check out my guide to incredible things to do in Palm Springs. I also have a full guide to the 20 best restaurants in Palm Springs and my hip guide to the city. Planning a day trip? Don’t miss my guide to Joshua Tree.

The Complete Guide on Where to Stay in Palm Springs

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Palm Springs Planning Tips Before You Arrive

Hotel or Vacation Rental?

When choosing your accommodation, your first decision is whether to book a hotel or a vacation rental. Both have their perks and downsides.

• Hotels — The best choice if you want service and amenities like in-room dining, on-site restaurants, and a full hotel experience. You’ll be at the whim of whatever the hotel vibe is, so choose carefully. Some hotels lean into a party scene on weekends, while others are more laidback and quiet.
• Airbnbs — Great if you have a group, want privacy, and your own space. There are some phenomenal properties with pools that are well-located in the city center and can be more affordable than a hotel. The downside is no service amenities like food or daily room cleaning.

Travel Tip: Many of the hotels in downtown Palm Springs are adults-only, so if you have kids, be sure to confirm before booking.

Getting to Palm Springs

Driving

From Los Angeles, the drive to Palm Springs is about 2 hours. From San Diego, it’s 2.5 hours. Once you’re out of the city, the road flattens into a straight desert drive.

Flying

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is wonderful and has nonstop flights from all over the country. The airport is small, easy to navigate, and only 2 miles from downtown. Honestly, PSP is one of my favorite airports to fly in and out of.

Getting Around Palm Springs

The downtown area is walkable, so if your hotel is on or just off Palm Canyon Drive, you can get around on foot. A lot of the hotels include free bikes as well. For longer distances, you’ll need to call an Uber or rent a car.

Travel Tip: The best way to explore California is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in California, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.

Palm Desert or Palm Springs?

Palm Desert and Palm Springs are very different experiences. Palm Springs is the downtown, artsy area with loads of restaurants and nightlife, and it’s walkable. Palm Desert is farther east in the valley, about 25 minutes away, with a few large resorts geared toward golf and family travel. My vote? Palm Springs.

What Is the Best Area of Palm Springs to Stay In?

Somewhere near downtown is the best choice. Palm Springs is quite small, so while there are different pockets, you’re never far from anything. My recommendation? Stay close to the restaurants.

Best Time to Visit & Weather in Palm Springs

Palm Springs weather can be extreme. I’ve seen snow on the mountain peaks in winter, and I’ve felt the desert sun at its peak in mid-August. Here’s what to expect:

• Winter — Surprisingly cool yet sunny. Highs range from 57–75 °F (14–24 °C), and the crowds are low.
• Spring — A great time to visit. The weather warms up, pools feel perfect, and the desert is in bloom. Expect the biggest crowds during Coachella and Modernism Week. Temperatures gradually climb from the 70s into the mid-80s °F (21–29 °C).
• Summer — Very hot. A pool is a must, and any outdoor activities need to happen early morning. I’ve been several times in summer and don’t mind it, as long as I’m poolside all day. Averages often hit 100–108 °F (38–42 °C). Hotel rates drop significantly.
• Fall — Still warm enough to swim, but cool enough for hiking and golf. September starts hot (80–90 °F / 27–32 °C) and gradually cools to the 70s °F (21–26 °C) by November.

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My Quick Guide to Palm Springs Hotels & Airbnbs

Here’s my rapid-fire guide to where to stay depending on your group and style, for both hotels and Airbnbs. Below this list you’ll find further details and more options.

Best Hotels for Couples and a Quiet Stay

1. Korakia Pensione ($$$ / Where I Stayed), for a Moroccan-accented hideaway in the Tennis Club neighborhood with two saltwater pools, courtyard breakfasts, nightly outdoor films, and mountain views at the foot of San Jacinto
2. Sparrows Lodge ($$$ / Where I Stayed), for an adults-only ranch retreat in south Palm Springs with cabin-style rooms, a communal fire pit, no TVs, and The Barn Kitchen serving refined farm-to-table California cooking
3. Casa Cody ($$), for a thoughtfully restored 1920s adobe inn in the Tennis Club district with two mountain-view pools, bougainvillea-filled gardens, and a walkable location just blocks from Palm Canyon Drive

Best Hotels for a Group of Friends

1. Parker Palm Springs ($$$ / Where I Stayed), for a playful, Jonathan Adler-designed estate on 13 acres with multiple pools, clay tennis courts, a full-service spa, and two on-site restaurants just south of downtown
2. Yara Hotel ($$), for a whitewashed 10-room adults-only retreat in a revived 1930s Spanish-style inn with a heated saltwater pool, poolside cocktail bar, included breakfast, and a low-key bohemian atmosphere in South Palm Springs

Best Hotels for Families and a Kid-Friendly Stay

1. Avalon Hotel & Bungalows ($$$), for a stylish Spanish-style retreat in downtown Palm Springs with three pools, private bungalows, manicured gardens, and Chi Chi for poolside dining
2. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs ($$ / Where I Stayed), for a modern seven-story hotel in the heart of downtown Palm Springs with a rooftop pool and bar, multiple restaurants, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the San Jacinto range, and pickleball courts next door

Best Airbnbs in Palm Springs

1. 3 Bedroom Krisel-Designed Glass Cabin, for the best mid-century architecture with floor-to-ceiling glass and mountain views
2. 2 Bedroom Industrial Loft in Warm Sands, for the best one-of-a-kind stay in a converted warehouse with a private pool
3. 1 Bedroom Haring House with Mountain Views, for the best mountain views and eclectic character in a private desert setting
4. 2 Bedroom Historic Cliff May Home with Pool, for the best family-friendly home with mid-century pedigree and a fenced yard
5. 1 Bedroom Bungalow with Private Pool and Spa, for the best romantic retreat built for two with a private pool and spa

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Best Areas & Neighborhoods in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is compact, and you’re never more than a 10-minute drive from anything. But after a dozen-plus trips, I can tell you that each pocket of the city has its own personality. I always tell first-timers to base themselves along Palm Canyon Drive in the downtown core. From there, you can walk to restaurants, bars, and shops without needing a car. But depending on what kind of trip you’re planning, other neighborhoods might be an even better fit.

Downtown / Palm Canyon Drive

This is the heart of Palm Springs and my go-to recommendation. Palm Canyon Drive runs straight through the center of town, lined with restaurants, vintage boutiques, and eclectic shops. Walkability is the biggest draw here. Hotels like the Kimpton Rowan and Thompson Palm Springs put you right in the middle of it all, and you can easily walk to dinner or grab coffee without a car. The energy picks up on weekends, especially along the main strip.

Uptown Design District

Just north of downtown, the Uptown Design District is where the design shops, galleries, and more independent restaurants are. The vibe is a shade quieter and more creative. ARRIVE sits right in this area, and the bikes they lend out are perfect for exploring the surrounding blocks. I love this area for anyone who wants to be close to downtown but not directly on the main drag.

Warm Sands

South of downtown, Warm Sands is one of the most residential and relaxed neighborhoods in Palm Springs. Les Cactus is in this neighborhood, and the pace is noticeably slower. The streets are quiet, the properties feel more private, and you’re still just a short walk or bike ride to Palm Canyon Drive.

Movie Colony

Named for the Old Hollywood stars who built homes here in the 1930s and ’40s, The Movie Colony is one of the most beautiful residential neighborhoods in Palm Springs. The streets are wide, the mid-century architecture is stunning, and you’ll see some of the most photographed homes in the desert. Korakia Pensione sits on the edge of this area, tucked just a few blocks from downtown. Movie Colony is ideal if you want a quiet, residential feel with serious design character.

The Greater Coachella Valley: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells

Head east on Highway 111 and you’ll hit a string of resort communities spread across the valley. Palm Desert is about 25 minutes from downtown Palm Springs and leans toward golf resorts and family-friendly properties. Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells are even farther out, with large-scale resorts like the Ritz-Carlton and the Grand Hyatt. These towns are quieter, more spread out, and you’ll need a car for everything. I prefer staying in Palm Springs proper for the walkability and the dining, but if golf or a big resort experience is the priority, the valley towns deliver on that.

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The Best Hotels in Palm Springs

I’ve stayed at a lot of hotels in Palm Springs over the years, and these are the ones I’d actually recommend. Each one has a different vibe, so it really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after.

Korakia Pensione

Vibe: Bohemian-romantic oasis with Moroccan and Mediterranean courtyards, secret gardens, and saltwater pools.
Budget: $$$ (boutique luxury)
Best For: Couples, a friend’s getaway, or solo travelers

Of all the hotels in Palm Springs, I have returned to Korakia Pension the most. Tucked a few blocks from the main street, the Korakia feels like you’ve been whisked away to Morocco. The bungalow-style rooms each have their own character, with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and chic, eclectic decor. Two sides make up the property: the Moroccan and the Mediterranean. I’ve always stayed on the Moroccan side, and my favorite bungalow is the Aegean Suite.

I’ve gone here several years in a row on a friend’s getaway, with a group, and with my partner. The vibe is quiet, relaxing, and genuinely zen. With all of the incredible decor, the property feels like a destination in and of itself. You begin your day with breakfast on-site, and you can have lunch or dinner by the pool, too.

Sparrows Lodge

Vibe: Rustic-chic ranch retreat with outdoor fire pits, communal spaces, and laidback lodge character.
Budget: $$$
Best For: Couples or friends, *adults only

Sparrows Lodge is one of my favorite secret spots in Palm Springs. The property is tucked discreetly behind its front walls, so hidden you could drive right past and never know it’s there. That’s what I love about it. I stayed here a while back, and the adults-only vibe is ideal for lounging by the pool with a book in hand. In 2022, Sparrows completely overhauled all of its rooms with a rustic-chic interior design across every cabin, earning a Michelin key in the process.

The other thing I love about Sparrows Lodge is its restaurant, The Barn. A Michelin Guide-recommended spot right on the property, The Barn does American cuisine with a fresh, rustic twist. Think grilled fish and pork racks, heirloom tomato salads, and hamachi crudo. With only 20 rooms, Sparrows feels a world away from downtown.

Casa Cody

Vibe: Historic adobe property with citrus groves and a quiet garden-pool setting.
Budget: $$
Best For: Couples or adults

The most charming new hotel in Palm Springs has to go to Casa Cody. This is top of my list for my next return trip. I’m absolutely smitten with the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, the elegant details, and the design throughout. Casa Cody is also the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, founded in the 1920s by female pioneer Harriet Cody, a cousin of Buffalo Bill. With 30 unique accommodations and two outdoor pools, the property is a beautiful boutique stay.

Casa Cody hosts regular events like pop-ups, music nights, and seasonal activities, so there’s always something going on. They even do a “dive-in” movie night, projecting a film right by the pool so you can swim and watch. The property also has a wellness suite where you can book treatments like Reiki and massages on-site.

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel

Vibe: Modern downtown hub with a rooftop pool and bar, stylish interiors, and an energetic social scene.
Budget: $$
Best For: Couples, friends, or families with older kids or babies (I wouldn’t recommend toddlers, as the pool area is more lively).

One of the newer builds in downtown Palm Springs, the Kimpton Rowan hits the mark for everything Kimpton is known for, like upbeat service and consistent amenities. I stayed here a few years ago and loved the rooftop pool, which overlooks the San Jacinto Mountains. The other highlight not to miss is their rooftop restaurant, 4 Saints. The food is elevated and easily some of the best in the valley.

The Kimpton Rowan’s atmosphere is definitely more lively and energetic. The hotel is considered kid-friendly, but I’d lean toward older kids for this one.

Parker Palm Springs

Vibe: Legendary Palm Springs grande dame with whimsical design, sprawling grounds, and a luxe spa.
Budget: $$$
Best For: Adults, couples, friends, and families (if the family pool is open)

Is there a more iconic hotel than the Parker Palm Springs? The Parker is one of my go-tos for an elevated stay in the valley, and the quintessential Palm Springs resort feel is strong here. The property sprawls over 13 acres with three distinct pools, and the whole place leans into luxury without taking itself too seriously. My most recent stay felt ever-so chic. I loved how many outdoor spaces there are to enjoy, from the croquet fields to the fire pits.

The Parker has its very own vibe, with a Hollywood-esque energy, thanks in large part to its Jonathan Adler-designed interiors. The entire property sits well protected behind lush gardens and a grand front entrance, giving the whole place an exclusive feel. One of my favorite Palm Springs addresses is actually on the property: Counter Reformation, a speakeasy-style wine bar with small bites and bar seating only. I still think about the foie gras macaroon.

Avalon Hotel & Bungalows

Vibe: Downtown Spanish-style boutique hotel with lush gardens, multiple pools, and a serene atmosphere.
Budget: $$$
Best For: Families and friends

The Avalon Palm Springs pairs mid-century design with laidback luxury across a collection of bungalow-style suites. The several-acre property backs up to the San Jacinto range and features three charming courtyards, each with a heated pool. As one of the few downtown Palm Springs hotels often marketed as “family-friendly,” the Avalon is my pick for those traveling with littles.

Lawn games and cruiser bikes are available on the property, and there’s ample space for kids to run around. The spacious suites, like the one-bedroom, have an apartment-style layout with separate living rooms and private outdoor patios. The whole setup makes for an easy family stay, and you’re close to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which is my favorite thing to do in Palm Springs with kids.

Les Cactus

Vibe: Vintage and upbeat, with quiet spaces
Budget: $$
Best For: Adults only

With just 27 rooms, Les Cactus is one of the smaller adults-only properties in the area. The style is all pops of color and eclectic design, which fits right in with Palm Springs. The property’s name was inspired by the 1960s French rock-and-roll song “Les Cactus,” and room names like “Le Suite” and “Petite” are a nod to that.

Les Cactus sits in the quieter Warm Sands neighborhood, so the pace here is slower and more relaxed. The heated saltwater pool is a nice touch, especially if you’re visiting in the shoulder season when temperatures dip.

Hermann Bungalows at L’Horizon

Vibe: Ultra-luxury mid-century retreat with private bungalows and a spa focus
Budget: $$$$
Best For: Couples, adults only

If you’re looking for the most elevated luxury property in Palm Springs, the Hermann Bungalows at L’Horizon is it. I’ve been on this mid-century modern property before for a meal, and I can tell you the space is as serene and chic as it looks in photos. The bungalows sit adjacent to the L’Horizon Resort and Spa, and the whole setting feels incredibly private given how close it is to downtown.

The design draws on Palm Springs’ mid-century character with a modern edge. Think walnut walls, Venetian terrazzo floors, bespoke furnishings, and high-end vintage details throughout. There are 24 individual bungalows, which is great if you don’t want to share a wall with a neighbor. Some come with a jacuzzi and fireplace, and all have floor-to-ceiling windows. The zero-edge pool is the focal point of the property, and a private outdoor bar serves drinks with the option to order food from SO•PA restaurant on L’Horizon’s grounds.

ARRIVE Palm Springs

Vibe: Sleek, social, contemporary desert cool energy.
Budget: $$
Best For: Friends, *adults only

ARRIVE is one of the liveliest hotels in Palm Springs, built around social spaces like the pools and outdoor fire pits. Know that you’re in for a good time. I stayed at ARRIVE on my last trip to Palm Springs, and there’s a never-ending list of things to do on the property and nearby. For those who want a more energetic hotel close to it all, this midcentury modern spot is it.

The rooms at ARRIVE are spacious suites with modern touches and cheerful wallpaper above rose velvet beds. The whole hotel feels playful, a real ode to the fun side of Palm Springs. It’s one of those hotels to go to with a group of friends, walk to most of uptown, and still have plenty to do on-site. Cartel Roasting Co and Shop(pe) Ice Cream are both on the property. And don’t miss the first-come, first-served bikes, a great way to do your own mini-tour of Palm Springs.

Terra Palm Springs

Vibe: Boutique hotel with a strong focus on wellness.
Budget: $$
Best For: Adults or friends, *adults only

Terra Palm Springs is the newest luxury boutique hotel in town, and the focus here is natural materials and well-being. With just 13 rooms, privacy is built in. Several spa suites are available, and the wellness offerings are the main draw. It’s the kind of place you go to unwind. The property has a cold plunge, a Himalayan Salt sauna, and a central pool with a hot tub.

The food program was created by respected local chef Michael Beckman, with locally sourced ingredients and functional wellness tonics. They also have low-ABV cocktails on the menu. I love how zen the hotel feels, and I’d happily do a solo, couple, or friends’ getaway here.

Yara Hotel

Vibe: Modern, chic, and design-forward with stylish interiors and curated communal spaces.
Budget: $$
Best For: Adults or friends, *adults only

With just 10 Mediterranean-inspired rooms and suites, Yara feels like a serene retreat that blends Spanish and Mediterranean design with desert calm. All of the rooms open onto a heated saltwater pool, with plenty of spots to lounge. The design is effortless and cool, with airy linens and natural materials throughout. I really appreciated the decor here.

The room to know at Yara is the Surya Suite, which has its own hot tub and private patio. The suite comes with a king bed plus a queen pullout couch, so it works perfectly for a group of friends or two couples.

Thompson Palm Springs

Vibe: Contemporary downtown stay with crisp design and relaxed public spaces.
Budget: $$$
Best For: Adults or friends

The Thompson Palm Springs is one of the newer properties from the Thompson Hotel group, known for modern lines and contemporary style. The property has 168 rooms, including 18 luxury suites with private balconies and city or mountain views. One standout is the Upper Stories section, a separate adults-only tower with 42 guest rooms, five suites, and its own private pool and lounge for a more secluded, elevated stay.

On the property, you’ll find their Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Lola Rose Grand Mezze, with views over the pool and the mountains. And don’t miss the HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room, one of the few tasting rooms in Palm Springs, right inside the Thompson.

Colony Palms Hotel

Vibe: Historic Spanish colonial charm, relaxed pool scene, a touch of Hollywood glamour
Budget: $$
Best For: Adults-only, couples or friends

Quintessential Palm Springs, Colony Palms is one of the most iconic hotel properties in downtown. The Spanish Colonial retreat dates back to 1936 and has a wonderful social gathering area famous for its black and white striped umbrellas. The atmosphere is lively here, with the saltwater pool at the center of it all. The adults-only crowd keeps the energy fun but relaxed.

The interiors are a playful mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean influences, with vibrant tiles, ornate light fixtures, and richly textured fabrics. Lush gardens, fire pits, and a boutique spa round out the property. Colony Palms balances historic charm with modern comfort, and the downtown location puts you right in the middle of everything.

Holiday House Palm Springs

Vibe: Mid-century modern and slow living
Budget: $$
Best For: Adults-only getaway

The equally chic and playful Holiday House has everything from a pool and hot tub to shuffleboard and fire pits. It’s one of those Palm Springs hotels where you go to have a bit of everything, from downtime by the pool to onsite activities. The 28-room boutique hotel earned a Michelin Key award for 2025. That says a lot about how well-rounded this adults-only escape really is.

One of the highlights is the breakfast, exclusively for hotel guests. You’ll have everything from homemade pastries to fresh yogurt with fruit. Holiday House sits in the center of downtown Palm Springs, within walking distance of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. The location is ideal if you want easy access to town while still having a quiet place to come back to.

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The Best Airbnbs in Palm Springs

I’ve done the research and pulled together what I think are some of the best vacation rentals in downtown Palm Springs. Every single one has a pool!

Best Airbnbs for Families

1. 2 Bedroom Mid-Century House with Pool, for a relaxed mid-century home with a private pool, clean lines, and the kind of quiet desert setting that’s ideal for families
2. 2 Bedroom Historic Cliff May Home with Pool, for a beautifully furnished 1940s home designed by Cliff May, with California king beds, a private pool, and a fenced backyard seven minutes from downtown
3. 2 Bedroom Spanish Colonial in Warm Sands, for a charming 1935 Spanish colonial home with an enclosed garden, pool, hot tub, mountain views, and a quiet Warm Sands location minutes on foot from downtown

Best Airbnbs for a Friend’s Getaway

1. 3 Bedroom Krisel-Designed Glass Cabin, for a 1958 William Krisel home with floor-to-ceiling glass, San Jacinto mountain views, a heated pool, cedar hot tub, and iconic mid-century design throughout
2. 3 Bedroom Mid-Century Home with Mountain Views, for a mid-century home with a big Mediterranean-style backyard, pool, jacuzzi, fire pit, hammock, and mountain views from every angle
3. 2 Bedroom Villa Near Downtown, for a quiet, private villa with a clean modern look, pool access, and a location close enough to downtown to walk but set back from the noise

Best Airbnbs for Couples

1. 2 Bedroom Industrial Loft in Warm Sands, for a one-of-a-kind converted warehouse with open-concept living, a private pool, guest casita, and a walkable Warm Sands location with real historic character
2. 1 Bedroom Bungalow with Private Pool and Spa, for a beautifully remodeled mid-century bungalow built for two, with a private pool, spa, covered patio with a built-in grill, and mountain views from the bedroom
3. 1 Bedroom Haring House with Mountain Views, for an eclectic 1954 home with Keith Haring prints, a salt pool, outdoor bathtub, 12-foot privacy hedges, and some of the best mountain views in Palm Springs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Palm Springs

What is the best area to stay in Palm Springs?

Downtown, near Palm Canyon Drive, is my go-to recommendation. Palm Springs is compact, so you’re never far from anything, but staying close to the restaurants and shops means you can walk to most of what you need. I’ve stayed at properties all over the downtown area, and the convenience is hard to beat.

Do I need a car in Palm Springs?

Not always. If you plan to stay at your hotel and Uber to a few dinners, you can skip the rental. I usually rent a car only if I want to explore the greater valley or hit Joshua Tree. My rule: if I think I’ll need more than 5–6 Ubers, renting is cheaper. Cars are seriously affordable here, especially in the off-season.

Should I stay in Palm Springs or Palm Desert?

They’re very different experiences. Palm Springs is the walkable, artsy downtown with loads of restaurants and nightlife. Palm Desert is about 25 minutes east, with large resorts geared more toward golf and family travel. My vote is Palm Springs every time, especially if you want to be close to the energy and the best hotels in Palm Springs.

Is Palm Springs walkable?

The downtown area is very walkable. If your hotel is on or near Palm Canyon Drive, you can get to restaurants, bars, and shops on foot. A lot of the hotels also include free cruiser bikes. ARRIVE, for example, has first-come, first-served bikes that are perfect for a mini-tour of the area.

What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs?

Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Spring brings warm pool weather and desert wildflowers, though Coachella and Modernism Week draw bigger crowds. Fall is still warm enough to swim but cool enough for hiking. I’ve also visited in summer and loved it, as long as I accepted that the plan was poolside all day. Hotel rates drop significantly in the hotter months.

Which Palm Springs hotels are adults-only?

Several of the best boutique properties in Palm Springs are adults-only. Sparrows Lodge, ARRIVE, Les Cactus, Terra Palm Springs, Yara Hotel, and Hermann Bungalows at L’Horizon all cater exclusively to adults. Many of the downtown hotels lean this direction, so if you’re traveling with kids, confirm the policy before you book.

What are the best Palm Springs hotels for families?

Avalon Hotel & Bungalows is my top pick for families. The spacious bungalow-style suites have separate living rooms, and there’s plenty of lawn space for kids to run around. Kimpton Rowan is another option, though the rooftop pool scene is livelier, so I’d recommend that one for families with older kids. The Parker Palm Springs also works when their family pool is open.

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