Planning a trip to Palm Springs? The gorgeous desert city is filled with brilliant places to bed down. Here’s where to stay in Palm Springs, area by area.
Make the two hour drive from Los Angeles and you’ll find the gorgeous small city of Palm Springs.
This city began as a desert resort where celebrities fled the busyness of Hollywood and college students could enjoy their vacations, but now its appeal has spread world-wide…
…And I can’t say I’m surprised.
With around 350 days of sunshine, impressive hiking trails, and luxe pool resorts, it’s a no-brainer that Palm Springs is so popular with tourists and locals. That’s before I even dive into the brilliant nightlife and fantastic culinary offerings this city has.
Have I tempted you to visit yet? Thought so.
Well, you’re going to need somewhere to sleep. Read on to discover the best places to stay in Palm Springs…
Best Places to Stay in Palm Springs: At a Glance
| Best Hotels in Palm Springs – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Palm Springs Accommodation | Les Cactus |
| Best Luxury Hotel in Palm Springs | The Colony Palms Hotel |
| Best Hotel for Couples in Palm Springs | Fleur Noire Hotel |
| Best Stylish Hotel in Palm Springs | The Weekend Palm Springs |
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Fear not, there are excellent accommodation options in Palm Springs for budgets big and small. I’ve found some epic places to stay, from the city centre to the quieter suburbs.
Downtown Palm Springs: Best Area for First-Time Visitors
Heading to PS for the first time and not sure where to start? It’s a great idea to stay in Downtown Palm Springs if it’s your first time in this city.
You’ll find the area has a variety of mid-range and high end hotels, some of the best restaurants, and it’s close to Palm Springs’ biggest attractions.
And, while Downtown is not a very big area, it fits a lot into it, including the Palm Springs Art Museum, Architecture and Design Center, and Walk of the Stars. Oh, and it’s the starting point for many Palm Springs hikes, as it’s a short drive or walk to the picturesque Indian Canyons.
Sold? I thought you might be.
Downtown Highlights
- For the best views of Coachella Valley, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. You’ll rise over 6000 feet and be able to explore Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
- Take this Legends and Icons Tour to explore Palm Springs in a truly unique way. You’ll see the houses of famous celebs, including Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. It’s also a great way to learn about the Cahuilla Indians and the enchanting canyons of the surrounding areas.
Suggested Hotels in Downtown
- Les Cactus – This quirky boutique hotel is perfect for a little getaway. With its saltwater swimming pool, hot tub, and hammock garden, this place is like an oasis in a desert. It’s got spacious rooms and what’s more, it’s dog-friendly (with a non-refundable cleaning fee of $100).
- The Saguaro – Located on South Palm Canyon Drive, this hotel could not be more central. Besides this obvious advantage, The Saguaro is perfect for fun-loving people. It’s got colourful decor, Mexican restaurant El Jefe, a classic American diner, and happy hour perfect for a poolside drink.
Uptown Palm Springs: Best Area for Couples
Planning a romantic escape and wondering where to stay in Palm Springs? Uptown is another great suburb.
It’s even better for couples as there are many farm-to-table restaurants, cocktail bars, and adults-only hideaways along North Palm Canyon Drive – date night is sorted.
This area is home to the Uptown Design District, with brilliant indie shops, mid-century modern art, and antique stores.
Uptown Highlights
- Visit the Shag Store to see incredible art by local artist Josh Agle, known as Shag. The Pop Art movement of the 80s and 90s inspires his art.
- Eat delicious food at Cheeky’s (classic burger joint), Boozehounds (dog-friendly), Jake’s (brilliant for brunch), or MidMod Café (perfect for vegans/vegetarians)
Suggested Hotels in Uptown Palm Springs
- The Palm Springs Hotel – This is a brilliant option for a stylish stay. All rooms are creatively designed by the design house ModShop by Room Service, with features such as locally-designed art and colourful furniture. Lastly, they have a great pool area with a hot tub and sun loungers.
- Fleur Noire Hotel – This adults-only hotel is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed stay. It is a beautiful boutique option decorated with floral wallpaper, but it’s hardly kitsch. It’s got a great Japanese restaurant on site called Sandfish Sushi. This is open for dinner, which is great if you don’t want to go through all the effort of walking to find somewhere to eat.
- L3 Oasis Hotel – This hotel is perfect as a mid-range option price-wise. It’s got two pools, one heated and one salt water. This is great if you need a dip after a long day of sightseeing or hiking in the nearby canyons. They’ve also got spacious rooms with coffee, tea, and a snack shop if you’re craving a treat.
Historic Tennis Club: Best Area for Nature Lovers
One of the quieter neighbourhoods of Palm Springs is Historic Tennis Club. As the name suggests, this is one of Palm Springs’ oldest suburbs, full of history.
But don’t underestimate the area; what it lacks in size, it makes up in personality.
This neighbourhood is full of hotels that range in cost from budget-friendly to luxury stays. And it’s perfect for those who want to explore the area’s beautiful nature, as it’s a starting point for many hiking trails.
Historic Tennis Club Highlights
- For design enthusiasts, check out Frey House. It’s part of the Palm Springs Art Museum collection. This house belonged to Alfred Frey, a famous architect who created desert modernism.
- Start at the North Lykken Trail and walk to the nearby canyons for incredible views.
- There are delicious options for food here, including Antigua (great for casual and group dining) and Spencer’s (upmarket bistro eating).
Suggested Hotels in Historic Tennis Club
- Avalon Hotel and Bungalows – This is one of the best places to stay in this neighbourhood. There are huge bungalows if you’re in a bigger group, free bicycles to explore the city, three pools to relax in, and Estrella Spa, where you can get anything from a pedicure to a full body massage.
- Palm Mountain Resort and Spa – For a tranquil stay with spacious rooms, consider this hotel. It’s across the street from Mercado Plaza, a shopping mall, and is close to the famed Palm Canyon Drive. Get a room with a balcony for exquisite views of the San Jacinto mountains. There are also fire pits for cold desert nights, a snack bar if you get hungry, and a pool for warm days.
Old Las Palmas: Best Area for History Buffs
Old Las Palmas is one of Palm Springs’ most versatile neighbourhoods. It’s got galleries, eateries, and plenty of entertainment options. You’ll find parts of North Palm Canyon Drive in this area and get to stay close to most of the accommodations in this part of town.
Old Las Palmas is famous for various historical buildings, such as the Liberace House and the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, where Elvis and Priscilla Presley briefly lived in the late 1960s. Other famous celebs that lived here include Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, and Judy Garland.
Old Las Palmas Highlights
- This is a brilliant place to go shopping – start at The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five. Here you can buy unique art, clothing, furniture, and other home decor.
- Old Las Palmas is a brilliant starting point if you’re keen to embark on a self-guided tour of celebrity homes.
Suggested Hotels in Old Las Palmas
- The Colony Palms Hotel – For a luxurious stay, The Colony Palms Hotel is a fantastic choice. You’ll appreciate the thoughtfully-designed decor and the cooling green hues, which make for a relaxing stay. This hotel has been around since the 1930s but remains popular due to its comfortable beds, poolside dining, and fantastic spa offerings.
- The Weekend Palm Springs – This is the place for you if you love mid-century modern design (which I do – swoon). Rooms are kitted out in neutral tones with red, yellow, and blue accents. You’ll love the comfortable white Frette linen, the private patios perfect for napping or reading, and the kitchenette equipped with a coffee machine, fridge, toaster, and microwave.
Tahquitz River Estates: Best Area for a Little Bit of Everything
Nestled between Downtown Palm Springs and the suburb of Historic Tennis Club, you’ll find the neighbourhood of Tahquitz River Estates. If you can’t choose between art, history, romance, and nature, this is an excellent place to stay.
This area features a mix of Spanish Revival, Mid-Century modernism, contemporary houses, and several hotels. It’s a very stylish area (get your camera at the ready) with various Cal-Mex restaurants and steakhouses, giving it a village-like vibe.
It’s also situated nearby the various canyons in the area, such as the Tahquitz Canyon. Oh, and in case you were wondering – the neighbourhood takes its name from the Indigenous American spirit Tahquitz by the Cahuilla people.
Tahquitz River Estates Highlights
- An outstanding way to learn about desert plants is by visiting Moorten Botanical Garden. They also have a cactarium, which has a variety of rare plants and cacti.
- Tahquitz Canyon is nearby – here you can explore various trails, witness incredible rock art, and visit the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center to learn more about the Cahuilla Indians and the land you are on.
- Foodies will enjoy the brilliant culinary options in the area. El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana (for traditional Mexican offerings) and Miro’s Restaurant (upscale European dining) are some of the best.
Suggested Hotels in Tahquitz River Estates
- Hotel California – This homely boutique hotel is fantastic for a comfortable stay. Most rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers, but there’s also a shared kitchen and BBQ grills, perfect if you want to enjoy a nice home-cooked meal.
- Dive Palm Springs – 1960s French Riviera inspires this adults-only hotel. It’s a charming space with cane furniture, bright orange, blue and pink tiling, and a unique interior design. It’s full of natural beauty with a koi pond, an orchard, and beautiful tall palm trees framing the property.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs: Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your Palm Springs Accommodation
- It’s no secret that using booking.com is the best way to secure the bargain prices for accommodation bookings. I’d advise you to book a few months in advance, especially if you’re visiting in winter, as it gets very busy and rates get more expensive.
- For adventure seekers heading to Palm Springs, I cannot recommend the San Andreas Fault Jeep tour enough. You’ll learn about plate tectonics, the area’s history, and Cahuilla Indian culture as you scour the desert in a cool Jeep. What’s not to love?
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