From Mid Mod to Moroccan, These Staycation Spots Are Perfect for a Desert Escape
No matter where you are in Southern California, a midweek escape to Hollywood’s desert playground is always a good idea. This oasis of modernism is famous for its pools, sprawling resorts, golf courses, creative vibes and glamorous Hollywood history.
Palm Springs attracts all kinds of visitors, from design and architecture aficionados to sunbathers and wellness enthusiasts. The city is always brimming with character as new boutique hotels and poolside restaurants pop up every season. While weekends may be popular, visiting midweek has clear advantages: lower hotel rates, fewer people, and easier access to reservations. The quieter atmosphere also makes for a more relaxed experience. It’s the closest you’ll get to living like a local. Here’s a selection of our favorite boutique hotels in Palm Springs to help you plan your ideal weekday retreat.
The Muse Hotel
The Muse offers an intimate retreat with nine uniquely designed suites, creating a sense of exclusivity that is rare even in Palm Springs. Each room at The Muse is themed after a famous “muse,” featuring playful decor like feather chandeliers, floral wallpaper and bold patterns. These unique details make the hotel feel less like a cookie-cutter resort and more like a personalized escape. The beautiful courtyard is designed for lounging, complete with a pool, swings and an outdoor fireplace, perfect for unwinding after a day in the sun.
Each suite has its own style, from vibrant mid-century modern touches to more minimalist and serene vibes. The hot tub offers a spot for soaking under the desert stars, making a midweek visit here extra special, as the quieter atmosphere allows you to savor every moment without the rush of weekend crowds. The Muse also shines in its attention to detail, offering curated experiences like private dining and mixology classes, providing guests with a personalized touch that larger hotels often lack. Midweek, you can take full advantage of these experiences, as availability is higher, and the poolside ambiance is calm and serene.
Lucille Palm Springs
Lucille Palm Springs, named after the beloved actress Lucille Ball, is a celebration of Palm Springs’ Hollywood past. This Spanish-style hideaway was fully revamped in 2023, breathing new life into its seven cozy bungalows. Each bungalow is equipped with its own private patio and kitchenette, giving guests the feeling of staying in their own desert home. The hotel’s grounds are lush, featuring towering palm trees, blooming flowers and beautifully maintained walkways that contrast with the arid desert landscape.
The quiet midweek atmosphere at this boutique hotel in Palm Springs allows you to fully enjoy the peaceful surroundings without feeling overwhelmed by other guests. Lucille’s prime location also means you are within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs, where you can explore galleries, shops and restaurants. A personal concierge is available for guests, ensuring that every detail of your stay is attended to, whether you want to book a spa appointment or arrange a guided tour of Palm Springs’ famous modernist homes. A stay during the week not only promises more personalized attention but also guarantees a quieter, more intimate experience, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the desert and the privacy of your bungalow.
Hotel California
Tucked off Palm Canyon Drive, Hotel California is a 14-room hideaway known for its homelike atmosphere. The private courtyard features a perfectly heated pool and Jacuzzi, making it the ideal place to relax under the desert sun. Midweek, the quieter atmosphere allows you to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings, whether you’re lounging poolside or firing up one of the outdoor grills.
Guests have access to complimentary bikes, which are perfect for exploring the nearby shops and galleries, and with fewer tourists around during the week, you can enjoy a leisurely ride through the streets of Palm Springs. The hotel’s proximity to popular dining spots means that grabbing a table at nearby restaurants like Mr. Lyons Steakhouse is far easier on weekdays. Hotel California’s staff pride themselves on providing personalized service, and without the weekend rush, you’ll find that they’re even more attentive to your needs, whether you’re borrowing a movie from their library or asking for local recommendations.
Ingleside Estate
Ingleside Estate is a 1950s-inspired boutique hotel in Palm Springs that offers a glimpse into the city’s glamorous past. The estate’s 30 rooms are stylish and luxurious, ranging from spacious suites to private villas, and each one offers a unique design and layout. The expansive pool deck is a central feature of the estate, surrounded by lush greenery and plenty of lounge chairs for soaking up the sun. Midweek stays offer more opportunities to relax poolside in peace, with fewer guests competing for prime spots.
One of the estate’s highlights is its restaurant, Melvyn’s, a dining destination once frequented by Old Hollywood icons like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. With fewer diners during the week, it’s easier to book a table and enjoy the restaurant’s classic dishes in a more intimate setting. Ingleside Estate also boasts fire pits, hammocks and a serene courtyard where you can sip cocktails and enjoy the quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a midweek escape in Palm Springs.
The Skylark
For those looking to step back in time, The Skylark offers a taste of Palm Springs’ retro glory. This restored 1950s motel features 28 rooms with classic midcentury modern decor, but with all the modern amenities you’d expect from a boutique hotel. The large central pool is the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring, and with fewer guests midweek, you’ll have more space to enjoy a peaceful swim.
The new on-site restaurant, Lost Property, is open morning to night and serves up coastal-inspired bites, like oysters, baked egg dishes, fresh salads and decadent toasts. And visiting midweek means less waiting time and more opportunities to chat with the friendly staff. The Skylark’s location right off Highway 111 also makes it a convenient base for exploring Palm Springs’ many attractions, including the nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, where midweek visits guarantee fewer crowds and more opportunities to soak in the stunning mountain views in peace.
THE WESCOTT
THE WESCOTT is an Art Deco-inspired bed and breakfast that takes pride in being a quiet, adults-only oasis. This Palm Springs hotel is designed to feel like your own private mansion, with complimentary breakfast and happy hour daily. Midweek stays at THE WESCOTT are especially peaceful, as the smaller number of guests allows for a more personalized experience. The hotel’s beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with a sparkling pool and private cabanas, are perfect for unwinding in the sun. With its central location, THE WESCOTT offers easy access to Palm Springs’ shops and restaurants, but without the weekend rush, reservations are easier to come by, and the slower pace lets you truly appreciate the laid-back desert lifestyle.
By choosing a Palm Springs midweek getaway, you’ll not only enjoy better rates and fewer crowds, but you’ll also have the chance to explore Palm Springs at your own pace. Whether you’re looking to lounge by the pool, indulge in spa treatments or experience some Hollywood history, these boutique hotels in Palm Springs are the perfect places to unpack your bags.
Andreas Hotel & Spa
Step into a European-style retreat at Andreas Hotel & Spa, a historic property with 25 luxurious rooms. Its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, combined with modern touches, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. A midweek visit to Andreas means more chances to enjoy the spacious pool and its surrounding fireplaces, which offer cozy relaxation spots after sundown.
The full-service spa is one of the hotel’s biggest draws, offering an array of treatments like the Vital-C Facial and Desert Orange Blossom Buff. Booking spa treatments is much easier during the week, and with fewer guests around, the spa offers a truly tranquil experience. The hotel’s location in the heart of downtown Palm Springs means you’re steps away from some of the best Palm Springs restaurants, like Grand Central, Zin American Bistro and Farm. And a midweek stay means less competition for dinner reservations, making it easier to explore the local food scene at your own pace. The charming courtyard also transforms into a peaceful sanctuary with blooming flowers. Plus, without the buzz of weekenders, it’s easier to truly relax.
