The Insider’s Guide to Palm Springs When the Crowds Are Gone And The Rates Are Delicious
Summer in Palm Springs hits different when you’re living it from the pool. Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels curates a collection of small, character-driven boutiques across the desert where the vibe is intentional and the aesthetic is everything. Through the end of September, their annual Summer Splash program unlocks serious savings across nearly two dozen independently owned properties: think free nights, room upgrades and rates that drop 30 to 50 percent from spring peaks. The whole city is a cooling machine dressed in mid-century modern architecture and neon signs, and right now, it’s never been more affordable to live inside it. The only thing left to do is pick your pool.
1. The It-Girl Hotel That Started It All
If you follow anyone with a good eye on Instagram, you already know The Skylark. Developers built this 28-room boutique in 1955 and restored it to its mid-century peak in the Uptown Design District. The rooms overlook a pool framed by the San Jacinto Mountains, the kind of view that makes you feel like you’re in a film. Mornings come with a complimentary hot breakfast that justifies getting up early: fresh waffles, yogurt, fruit and coffee, served daily from the Breakfast Lounge. The pool is open 24 hours, and hotel rates feel suspiciously good for this level of design. Guests are welcome to BYOB and bring their own food.
Skylark
1466 N Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.322.2267
2. Think Pink, Very Pink
Trixie Motel doesn’t need an introduction. It’s done the rounds on every “most Instagrammable hotels” list since drag superstar Trixie Mattel and her partner David Silver opened it in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. It features seven themed rooms, including the Queen of Hearts, the Atomic Bombshell and the Oh Honeymoon Suite with its bee motif. There’s also a pool area replete with pale-pink loungers and matching fringed parasols, and the Barbara Bar, a lobby bar that serves cocktails and snacks daily. Summer here is a revelation. Guests who visited in August have reported having the property to themselves, floating in the pink pool under palm trees at night like the main character in a stylish dream.
Trixie Motel
210 W Stevens Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.808.0014
3. Florals? For Summer? Groundbreaking.
At Fleur Noire, the murals hit you first. Internationally renowned artist Louise Jones, a.k.a. Ouizi, painted sweeping, oversized floral scenes across the exteriors of this 21-room adults-only boutique. Think secret garden energy, but make it desert. Inside, each casita or bungalow has its own look, courtesy of bold wallpaper by designer Ellie Cashman and mid-century modern touches throughout. The pool runs daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., fire pits glow in the courtyard evenings and the complimentary snack pantry keeps you fed between dips. The pièce de résistance is La Boisson, the hotel’s speakeasy champagne and rosé bar hidden behind pink doors in the clubhouse. And your first glass is on them.
Fleur Noire
1555 N. Indian Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.459.3865
4. Breakfast Is Served (in a Basket)
Named for the Jacques Dutronc rock anthem, Les Cactus is 27 rooms of quiet-luxury boho charm built in the 1930s. The design mixes pink doors, woven hammocks, a grand piano and colorful California details into something that feels like a Slim Aarons photograph come to life. The saltwater pool is the social center, and the complimentary breakfast has developed something of a cult following. Fresh croissants, yogurt, granola, fruit and coffee are all delivered in the cutest basket. (Snapping pics before eating is totally encouraged!) Take it poolside or to the rooftop deck. Then, borrow one of the free bikes for downtown exploring, and enjoy this summer rhythm.
Les Cactus
555 S Warm Sands Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.422.5500
5. For the Group Chat That Finally Got It Together
Limón books as a full property. Six suites, up to 14 guests and a chic mid-century steel building inspired by the color and energy of the 1968 Mexico City Olympics are all yours. Yellow doors, pattern-heavy wallpaper, a community kitchen stocked for a private chef and a pool with mountain views that justifies every group chat debate it took to get here. Guests arrive to a delectable charcuterie board and chilled sparkling wine, and a takeaway breakfast option keeps the morning easy before the day begins. Celebration specialists handle the logistics: transportation, golf, catering, everything. For the bachelorette that needs to be legendary, the reunion that actually happens, or the friend group that needed an excuse, this is it.
Limón
560 S Grenfall Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.203.6475
6. Nine Rooms, Zero Bad Vibes
The Muse is the adults-only boutique in the Warm Sands neighborhood that does exactly what it promises. Expect feather chandeliers, bold floral wallpaper, striped awnings and pops of color in every corner of nine uniquely styled suites, each named after a famous muse. The courtyard pool is ringed with loungers and a pergola strung with swings. There’s a hot tub, an outdoor fireplace and a self-serve bar built for mixing your own cocktails under café lights. It’s small, it’s personal and it’s one of those hotels where the vibe resets the moment you walk in. Easily bought out for a group; equally wonderful solo.
The Muse
537 S Grenfall Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.537.6411
7. The Mid-Century Gem With a Loyal Following
Built in 1951 and repeatedly named one of TripAdvisor’s top small hotels in the country, Desert Riviera has earned every bit of its reputation. This 11-room adults-only boutique sits within lush, manicured grounds with direct views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Every room opens onto the courtyard and comes with a fully stocked kitchenette, welcome basket and beverages on arrival, the kind of details that make you feel like someone actually thought about your stay. The pool and spa are open 24 hours, fire pits glow at night and a complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Complimentary bikes round out the amenities for anyone who wants to explore before the afternoon heat sets in. Summer rates here are some of the most approachable in town for this level of care.
Desert Riviera
610 E Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.327.5314
8. The Adults-Only Dream
Grown-up, gorgeous and gloriously calm. This adults-only (21 and up) mid-century resort was designed in 1952 by William F. Cody and has hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe to U.S. presidents. Today, L’Horizon Resort & Spa is the desert’s most luxurious slow-down: 25 private bungalow-style rooms on three manicured acres, a spa with four treatment rooms, a fresh juice bar and a pool so beautiful it barely feels real. Start your morning at The Spa. Spend your afternoon floating and repeat until checkout.
L’Horizon Resort & Spa
1050 E Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.323.1858
The pool is waiting, the rates are ridiculous and the crowds are somewhere else entirely. Browse the full collection of character-driven boutique stays and find your vibe at palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com. Ready to book? Current Summer Splash deals are live through Sept. 30, with free nights, room upgrades and savings up to 50 percent across the collection. Offers vary by property, so check the fine print and book direct.
