From a Romantic Weekend Away to a Lively Vacay, There’s Something for Everyone in Palm Springs
From sun-kissed skies to hidden oases, Palm Springs is the optimal choice for a week-long staycation. Sure, Palm Springs is known for its art scene, resort culture and rolling emerald golf courses, but it is also home to some of California’s best boutique hotels. From impeccable pools to ritzy midcentury modern architecture, these eccentric hotels will give you the mental repose you need. Whether you’re pining to join in on the sprightly downtown scene or you’re yearning for a soothing spa retreat, there is something for everybody in Palm Springs.
Azure Sky Hotel
For the Traveler in Need of Relaxation
Originally built in 1959, this exclusive hotel caters to adults and promises a serene stay where you can unwind and escape your everyday worries. Out of the 14 rooms provided, 12 are equipped with kitchenettes and outdoor hammocks, giving you a sense of seclusion you won’t find at a chain hotel. Make your way through its midcentury modern hallways and utilize outdoor amenities, like a 4,500-square-foot pool, Jacuzzi, two courtyards and lounge seating scattered throughout the property. The best part? As you check in, you can enjoy a premium cocktail by the cozy fireplace, which is accented with custom woodwork and vintage lighting.
PERK: Guests can enjoy a cocktail by the fireplace as they check in.
🥈Runner Up: Le Maison Hotel
Trixie Hotel
For a Fabulous and Fun Time
Taking “pretty-in-pink” to a whole new level, the all-new Trixie Hotel is a stunner that was brought to life by partners Brian Firkus (aka drag superstar Trixie Mattel) and producer David Silver. Situated in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, this fabulous boutique property is a bachelorette’s desert dream. All seven rooms and suites are uniquely designed with their own distinctive themes and custom-made furnishings. Notable highlights include the Queen of Hearts room, which features a captivating wall-to-ceiling mural as well as a heart-shaped headboard. Another standout option is the Oh Honeymoon Suite, a generously sized accommodation adorned with a charming bee motif, vibrant patterns and warm hues of yellow and orange. Outside, the pink-and-white pool area features comfortable loungers and shaded umbrellas for guests to relax. If you’re feeling peckish, the lounge serves snacks, and you can also enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a glass of wine.
PILLOWS: Every room’s pillows match the unique and colorful theme! Think everything from “pink flamingos” to “70s flower power.”
🥈Runner Up: BelleVue Oasis
Santiago Resort Palm Springs
For the LGBTQ+ Crew
There’s no doubt that the desert is an oasis for the LGBTQ+ community, and Santiago Resort is one of the premier gay boutique hotels in Palm Springs. This sophisticated resort caters to both social butterflies and those of us who enjoy some solitude, as they offer both group activities and solo spa packages. Take a dip in the property’s expansive, heated saline swimming pool or hitch a ride off one of their resort-owned townie bicycles that you can check out. Santiago Resort is also located close to downtown Palm Springs, where you can relish in LGBTQ+ friendly nightclubs, super-hip cocktail bars and swanky restaurants. Santiago Resort also boasts two brother properties: Twin Palms Resort and Descano Resort. All three are fabulous!
POOL and PERKS: Santiago Resort has the largest outdoor pool of any boutique hotel in town. Added perk: breakfast and lunch are included with your stay along with a cantina that is open for snacking 24/7 at all three resorts.
🥈Runner Up: Twin Palms Resort
Triangle Inn Palm Springs
For the Nakedly Confident
Drop your robe because you won’t need it at Triangle Inn Palm Springs! This clothing-optional resort is an award-winning gay hotel where you can truly delight in the al fresco lifestyle. Choose among the eight tasteful suites that feature all the comforts of home—think fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, large bathrooms, plush bedding, private reading libraries, and flat screen TVs. Each morning, breakfast is served poolside, and in the afternoon, you can attend a mixer and mingle with other guests. So whether you choose to bask on the enormous sundecks all day or explore the lush gardens at the resort, disrobe and dive into what Triangle Inn Palm Springs has to offer.
PERK: Clothing is optional—no swimsuit necessary!
🥈Runner Up: Canyon Club Hotel
Talavera Palm Springs
For the Couple Seeking Romance
There’s no better place to luxuriate on a romantic weekend than at Palm Springs’ Talavera. This retreat is the perfect place to spice things up, where you have the option to stay in one of their eight cozy suites. Each one is decorated with antiques from around the world and features a private patio and Jacuzzi with stunning mountain views. The hotel grounds are small but mighty and feature lush greenery, bohemian accents and a serene sense of old-school charm. Downtown Palm Springs’ dapper restaurants and trendy shops are within walking distance, so you and your beau can easily saunter downtown for date night.
PERK: Talavera is also just a short drive to the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where you can take the tram car up the cliffs of Chino Canyon and explore hiking trails, observation decks, restaurants and a museum at the top!
🥈Runner Up: Ingleside Inn
El Cid Palm Springs
For the Stylish & Design-Savvy Traveler
Looking for a stylish sanctuary for you and your friends? At El Cid Palm Springs, you can relax on your own terms and enjoy this boutique hotel all to yourselves! Each room at El Cid Palm Springs features polished concrete floors, leather and reclaimed wood accents and bohemian and midcentury furnishings, perfect for design-obsessed travelers. Snap photos poolside in one of the black and white cabanas or sip frozen negronis around the outdoor firepit. This boutique hotel will even arrange group yoga sessions or private chef service for you and your crew!
POOL: The 40-foot commercial-size pool at El Cid is surrounded by chic black and white cabanas and loungers, lush greenery and views of the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains. Sit down to breakfast, lunch or dinner in the poolside dining cabana!
🥈Runner Up: Orbit Inn
