Palm Springs has plenty of chain hotels at every price point…after all, it’s been a vacation destination for over half a century. But to truly experience Palm Springs, smaller, more independent lodging provides more charm and attention to your needs. In addition to vacation rentals and B&Bs, the valley offers a plethora of boutique hotels and inns, rich with character and brimming with personality. Here are the ten top options for your next visit.
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Ace Hotel, Palm Springs.
1. Ace Hotel & Swim Club
701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
The Ace isn’t just a hotel, it’s an immersive experience. The 167 room mid-century hotel hosts bingo nights, invites guests to meditate in the lobby and offers poolside spa services. With two pools, the hotel upholds its swim club designation. Special events and parties light up the weekends, but there is no mistaking the hotel’s overall chill vibe. Other amenities include a gym, dog park, bar, and two adjoining restaurants.
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Arrive Hotel
1551 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
Opened in 2016, this is one of the newest arrivals on the hotel scene in Palm Springs, but it blends into its surroundings as if part of the landscape. Designed by one of its co-founders, Arrive is a modern architectural work of art. Arrive has the standard complements…. a pool, outdoor fire pits with comfy chairs, and in-room massages. But perhaps its best feature is Ice Cream & Shop(pe). The lobby gift shop serves homemade ice cream daily. A perfect mid-afternoon snack while visiting the hot, sun-soaked valley.
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Korakia Pensione
257 S. Patencio Rd., Palm Springs
Comprised of two historic villas, this boutique inn boasts over ten completely unique suites and bungalows, each in a Mediterranean or Moroccan theme, many with tall wood ceilings, natural stone bathrooms, and large windows overlooking quaint courtyards and lush gardens. Often featured in photoshoots, Korakia makes a perfect romantic hideaway.
- Sparrow’s Lodge
Sparrows Lodge, Palm Springs
1330 East Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92264
The Sparrows Lodge was originally built by Don and Zetta Castle as a personal vacation retreat. Now it serves as a retreat to guests looking for a break from routine life – the rooms don’t have tvs or phones. But they do feature vaulted wood ceilings and private patios.
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Skylark
1466 North Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
Skylark transports guests directly into the mid-1950’s with its carefully restored guest rooms and Danish inspired furnishings. Even the color palette is period appropriate with space age pastels. And making it even more attractive, the hotel is just steps from local restaurants and downtown attractions.
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Twin Palms Resort
1930 S Camino Real #8, Palm Springs
For longer stays, Twin Palms offers fully furnished condo-style suites. Still close to downtown, Twin Palms suits are more of a home-away-from home, with full kitchens for home-y cooking and make-your-own happy hours. When it’s time to venture out, take advantage of the free bicycles available for guest use.
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The Amado
1821 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs
The Amado is small but stylish, with five units including kitchens. Single units can be reserved, or for larger groups, the entire property can be rented. The aesthetic is sleek mid-century, and the amenities boast high-end brand names.
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The Lautner67710 San Antonio St., Desert Hot Springs
The Lautner
For a room that feels like you’re stepping into a stylish, updated yet retro flat, look no further than The Lautner. This self-catered resort is classy and it knows it. The four suits are completely unique, each outfitted with curated furniture and finishes, not to mention the Frette linens.
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The Westcott
530 E Mel Ave, Palm Springs
The Westcott welcomes guests to the ease and glamor of the 1930’s. The guest rooms are comfortably furnished, but the courtyard pool is the star of this small inn. The striped curtains edging the corridors flutter in the breeze while palm trees sway far above.
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Ingleside Inn
200 W Ramon Rd., Palm Springs
Just one block from downtown Palm Springs, Ingleside Inn was originally constructed in 1925 and hosted many celebrities in its early days as an inn. Now the rooms have been updated, and modern guests can order room service from neighboring Melvin’s while still enjoying the hotel’s historic style.
Looking for a more vintage vacation? Check out our list of the Best Vintage Hotels in Palm Springs here.
