palm springs where to stay
Palm Springs: Where to Stay – The Definitive Guide to Comfort, Style, and Sun
Palm Springs is the perfect mix of laid‑back charm, desert grandeur, and endless sunshine. From its art‑deco streaks on Main Street to its world‑class golf courses and the whisper‑quiet dunes of the Indian Canyons, the city has something for every traveler. But nothing can beat the right place to spend a night: a cozy room that feels like your own oasis, a spa that melts your stress away, or a quirky boutique vibe that feels like a piece of local history. Whether you’re a wellness seeker, a couple on a romantic getaway, a family in need of space, or a solo traveler looking for the next great Instagram shot, there’s a place to stay in Palm Springs that’s perfectly suited to you.
Below is our comprehensive, up‑to‑date guide to staying in Palm Springs—a curated list of accommodation categories, specific properties, their key highlights, and practical tips so that you can pick the perfect base before you hit the desert.
1. Luxury Resorts & Spa Experiences (For the “I‑am‑here‑to‑slay” traveler)
If your budget brims and you want a stay that feels like a 5‑star spa retreat, look no further. The luxury market in Palm Springs has refined the culture of desert‑style pampering into an unmistakable, world‑class experience.
| Property | Approximate Nightly Price (USD) | Where It Stands Out | Must‑Try Amenity |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ritz‑Carlton, Palm Springs (formerly “The Ritz”) | $250‑$480 | A beachfront‑style experience in the desert; stunning Sunday brunch on the patio. | Hand‑washed linen and a signature “Palm Springs SPA” menu |
| The Parker Palm Springs | $260‑$620 | Boutique glamour with a historic twist – a former cinema‑turned‑hotel with great story line. | Hand‑crafted, in‑house cocktails & a cool roof‑top pool |
| W Palm Springs | $200‑$500 | Design‑savvy, couture‑style rooms that are photo‑ready for your Instagram feed. | Bottle‑service bar in the antechambers, “Parlour” for indoor relaxation. |
| The Saguaro Palm Springs (formerly “Curran Gardens”) | $370‑$610 | Eco‑luxury with a focus on spacious, lavish rooms styled with retro and boho aesthetics. | Indoor bottling “Skywalk” pool, huge ice bar, private garden lounge. |
| The Desert Sham (private, high‑end estate) | $400‑$700 | A boutique resort vibe, with an unrivaled pool experience that mimics water‑landings at the Coachella Valley. | Private tennis courts, exo‑cultural gallery and resort‑wide yoga classes. |
Why Pay Premium?
Luxury stays typically come with round‑trip transfers, concierge services, complimentary breakfast (or charcuterie spread), and access to exclusive club rooms. All these factors (plus the obvious alchemy of supreme comfort and unique styling) put luxury options at a premium. Spend your extra dollars on everyday spa or poolside experiences and enjoy a memory‑making stay.
2. Boutique Hotels & Character‑Enriched Stays (For the “I‑am‑in‑love‑with‑history” traveler)
If you want to soak in the soul of Palm Springs—a city that proudly flaunts its retro architecture and its heyday glamour of the 1950s and ’60s—there are multiple boutique treasures waiting for you.
| Property | Approximate Nightly Price (USD) | Unique Story | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ace Hotel, Palm Springs | $170‑$310 | A former private home turned hotel known for its hammered‑metal furniture; currently offers chic art installations. | The main lobby is a cool art gallery; pop‑up bar on the roof. |
| P.J.’s Guest House & Store | $140‑$245 | The charming retreat of a 1940s craftsperson, offering a farmhouse feel with vintage décor. | Inside/outside farm‑to‑table meals, community greenhouse. |
| South Coast Hotel | $145‑$265 | A retro pool‑side hotel that dates back to the 70s – a paradise for vintage lovers and Pool-on-the-Beach fans. | Long‑standing 18th‑floor courtyard, sync‑’with‑sun set club. |
| Desert Star Inn | $140‑$250 | Short‑former strip‑corner hotel tied to the history of “the Glades” entertainment – an intriguing cultural story. | Indigo-themed courtyard & indoor martini lounge. |
| Rialde Luxury Suites | $200‑$430 | Ranch‑style suites with desert views, integrating Herman’s antique furnishings. | In‑suite jacuzzi, huge private balcony with stunning 2‑hour sunset view. |
The “Boutique Get‑away” Vibe
Boutique hotels thrive on atmosphere. Their décor is often atypical – ranging from a raw industrial loft to a museum‑like gallery. In most of these hotels, you’ll find a layered collection of trophies from the film era or works of world‑renowned artists. The story never gets old. The fact that these everyday buildings host game nights, arts events, and music performances adds depth to your trip.
3. Mid‑Range Hotels (~$120‑$220/night) (For the “Haven‑on‑a‑budget-minus‑two‑month‑trip” traveler)
If you need a stylish but more affordable re‑accommodation, don’t worry – there are plenty of mid‑range hotels that round off your dream holiday without blowing the bank. These hotels define the Palm Springs vibe with two key amenities—a comfortable room and an experience that isn’t too shabby.
| Property | Approximate Nightly Price (USD) | Location | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gramercy Lodge & Spa, 7555 Sunset Boulevard | $130‑$215 | Overlooking Pueblo Boulevard – good for golf fans. | Spa & pool overlooking iconic desert dunes. |
| Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs, 245 Paradise Rd | $115‑$195 | Mid‑city location opposite International Drive, excellent connectivity with Airbnb and Costco. | Modern furnishings and cuisine in the on‑site restaurant. |
| Homewood Suites, 1321 O.C. Smith St | $140‑$225 | Awestruck location — all rooms have a 1‑ball (free‑goal door). | Kitchenette for self‑meal preparedness. |
| Courtyard by Marriott, Palm Springs, 411 SGrand Falls | $110‑$195 | A touristic location that is great for going to the west side of Palm Springs. | Rooftop pool and a loan‑based gym that touts “luxury and convenience.” |
| MGM Grand’s on the River, 731 W Desert City | $145‑$220 | Iconic desert garden venue, ideal for couples. | Shady barbarian and lazy zip with a razil v the backdrop of ancient-lights corridor. |
Why Go Mid‑Range?
Mid‑range hotels are the backbone of many travelers’ experiences. They provide solid room design, essential amenities, and frequent discounts. As the budgets nowadays are running lower, the mid‑range offers unique guest experiences.
4. Budget‑Friendly and Family‑Centric Options (~$100‑$180/night) (For the “We‑only‑want‑this‑and‑this” traveler)
If you’re a youth explorer or only on a tight budget, you’ll love the many affordable accommodations that don’t sacrifice the Palm Springs vibes.
| Property | Approximate Nightly Price (USD) | Place & Notes | Click‑to‑Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Suites, Palm Springs, 7012 W Desert Hills | $90‑$150 | 24‑hour front desk; good for families. | [Explore](https://www.comfortsuites.com/ ) |
| Midway Hotel | $110‑$160 | Sea‑startern in a vintage style booked on all major travel sites. | |
| Holiday Inn Express, Palm Springs, 5903 Palm Desert | $100‑$150 | ||
| Airbnb and VRBO | $90‑$160 | Entire home or single rooms—often available for large families or groups. |
Extras to Remember
- For families: Look for “room umbrella” options with two‑night exclusives; request “home‑style” rooms which come with fully‑furnished kitchens.
- Be mindful of new “smart‑subset” hotels that are starting to grow. Book early to avoid steep rooms.
5. Vacation Rentals – Entire Homes & Unique-Location Options (For the “We’d‑love‑our‑own‑place” traveler)
If your group is hungry for more privacy, unique architecture, or a kitchen that can feed a large group, look for full‑home rentals. They also keep your money in a pocket so that you don’t have to worry about a completely pricey hotel.
| Property (Area) | Approximate Nightly Price (USD) | Unique Selling Proposition | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Palm Springs Desert Get‑away” (Starfire Estates) | $200‑$350 | ||
| “Beverly Moogan & Surfers Palm Desert” | $180‑$280 | ||
| “Dreamy Desert Farmhouse” (Cerritos Avenue) | $220‑$420 | ||
| “Exotic Waddle” | $125‑$259 |
Tips for Renting
- Always read the guest by check‑out details, especially security deposit and cleaning charges.
- Choose a location near the “South Coast” for easy access to nightlife; or the “Indian Canyons” for a deep‑dive into nature.
- Use the “Super‑host” filter on Airbnb or VRBO.
6. Shaping Your Stay by Location
Downtown Palm Springs (Palm Canyon Drive)
Inhabit the city’s heart. Keeps the rhythm at the heart of the city—shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Stay on the downtown wing of Ace Hotel or Tuscany.
Palm Desert (West Palm Springs area)
A nicer place if you want to stay away from crowds, but still near shops, downtowns, and the Desert’s big hotels. Many $70‑$150 hotels are in Palm Desert.
Indian Canyons
If you love the outdoors and scenic views, stay near the Indian Canyons (approx. 10‑minute drive from downtown). Many vacation rentals will take you into the Indian Canyons for a line water drop.
Near the Airport
The only way you can find a Hotel 15 miles away from the Palm Springs International Airport, be it Best Western Plus Desert Oasis or Hyatt Place Desert Oasis. If AirTravel is huge: The Intercontinental at Internationalbies.
7. Planning & Booking: Pro Tips
Book Early: The desert’s winter/winter months (February to April) plus the summer (June to early September) are peak. Reserve your space before 45 days in advance to secure the lowest price.
Check the “Deal”: Resorts often offer deals that include brunch, spa credits, or complimentary transportation (e.g., the Fairmont’s & Acap paradise includes a dedicated shuttle to value events).
Loyalty Programs: Book through Marriott (for A Palace), Hilton (for The Garden Inn), or Accor (for best press) and track your points.
Research the Neighborhood:
- For volley and scenic details: Book an Airbnb right at the tip of the canyon.
- For “art‑deco vibes”: Stay at the
Ace Hotel, most prime downtown hotels. - For a golf honeymoon or training: Book a hotel that’s adjacent to a championship course such as
Sierra Sky.
- Look for “BreakfastIncluded”: The low cost hotels have great breakfast options, which can significantly upgrade your value.
8. The Final Word: Where to Stay?
In Palm Springs, there is a very wide depth of accommodation options. Whether you want the extravagance a Luxury Resort can provide, the quirky, intimate vibe a boutique hotel offers, the convenience of a mid‑range comfortable hotel or the close familiarity of a budget‑friendly or Airbnb home – the city is ready to give you an unforgettable vacation. Each property stands out in its own category.
A quick recommendation for each traveler type:
| Traveller | Best Category | Top Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury lover | Luxury Resorts | The Ritz‑Carlton, The Parker Palm Springs |
| Antique collection | Boutique Hotels | Ace Hotel, P.J.’s Guest House & Store |
| Budget‑smart | Mid‑Range Hotels | Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard by Marriott |
| Family or group | Budget & Vacation Rental | Comfort Suites, Airbnb in Indian Canyons |
| Non‑boxes | Condo/Vacation & Flexible | Entire home near Palm Desert/Indian Canyons |
The right place to stay sets the tone for your entire trip. Reading a few comments from previous stays (online reviews aid you), looking at how the property matches your own budget, is keeping a strong sense of style.
Where to stay? Your unique story, and exactly who you enjoy. We hope this guide helps you tailor your Palm Springs adventure to fit your style and get you out soon, ready to soak in the desert glow! ✈️☀️🌵
