Palm Springs offers a sunny desert escape far removed from the urban sprawl – indeed, Condé Nast Traveler notes the city “feels like a completely different world” with its iconic midcentury-modern style and mountain backdrop. Approximately 1 million tourists stay in Palm Springs hotels each year, attracted by roughly 350 days of sunshine and events like Coachella and the BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells tennis). With such demand, choosing the best hotels in Palm Springs means weighing style, amenities, location and value. This guide highlights the top Palm Springs hotels for 2025 – from luxury and boutique properties to family resorts, downtown inns, and budget stays – ensuring you find the perfect desert best hotels in palm springs

Details about best hotels in palm springs

Luxury & Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs

Palm Springs’ hotel scene includes glamorous resorts and intimate boutique hideaways. High-end guests often seek luxury accommodations with pools, spas and distinctive design. Condé Nast Traveler explains the city’s offerings are “as wide-ranging as the area’s visitors”, spanning serene boutique inns to sprawling resorts. For example, Korakia Pensione is “a bastion of low-key luxury” with a Moroccan-Californian aesthetic and lush courtyards. Another new standout is Thompson Palm Springs (opened Oct 2024) – a 168-room hotel with bungalow-style suites, museum-quality art and a “flashy rooftop pool”. Nearby L’Horizon Resort & Spa is a reimagined 1950s boutique where each bungalow mixes modern and vintage decor; it even offers guests-only poolside massages for “quiet indulgences”. Other top luxury picks include The Parker Palm Springs (celebrity favorite with 13 acres and world-class spa), Casa Cody (old-Hollywood glamour near downtown) and The Colony Palms Hotel (a historic inn with romantic Villa Royale suites). In short, Palm Springs’ luxury and boutique hotels combine retro-chic design with modern comforts, making for unforgettable stays best hotels in palm springs

• Thompson Palm Springs – 168-room resort with bungalow suites, rooftop pool, and art-filled public spaces.
• L’Horizon Resort & Spa – Adults-only oasis; redesigned 1950s bungalows blend midcentury style with modern luxury (guest-only pools, spa services).
• Korakia Pensione – Moroccan-inspired boutique compound with lush grounds and two pools; a “low-key luxury” hideaway.
• Parker Palm Springs – Iconic 13-acre estate with luxury rooms, villas, gardens, and a holistic spa (often rated among the city’s best) best hotels in palm springs
• Casa Cody – Classic 1936 inn with Art Deco style and a private, courtyard pool – a favorite of celebrities seeking privacy and retro charm best hotels in palm springs

Hotels for Couples & Romantic Escapes

Couples visiting Palm Springs often look for privacy, spa services, and adult-oriented amenities. Several Palm Springs hotels cater specifically to romantic getaways. For example, the new Thompson Palm Springs added an Upper Stories tower – an adults-only section with its own private pool exclusively for guests 18+. Nearby, L’Horizon Resort & Spa remains strictly 21+ (often cited as one of the best hotels for adults in Palm Springs) with a quiet ambiance. Just outside the city, the historic La Quinta Resort & Club (Palm Desert) completed a top-to-bottom renovation; it features a “sleek new pool complex reserved for adults” perfect for honeymooners and spa weekends. Other romantic favorites include Sensei Porcupine Creek (a Zen-like spa resort with mountain views) and Two Bunch Palms (a thermal spa retreat in nearby Desert Hot Springs) best hotels in palm springs

• Thompson Palm Springs (Upper Stories) – Newly opened tower with 40 luxurious suites and an 18+ private pool.
• L’Horizon Resort & Spa – Upscale adults-only resort; features exclusive pools, complimentary spa treatments and stylish, secluded bungalows best hotels in palm springs
• La Quinta Resort & Club (Palm Desert) – Legendary Golf Resort; its renovated adult pool complex offers a secluded oasis.
• Sensei Porcupine Creek – Wellness resort north of Palm Springs with spa treatments, serene pools, and a focus on relaxation.
• Terra Palm Springs – Formerly a gay men’s resort, now a stylish wellness hideaway; it boasts a Himalayan salt sauna, cold plunge, and therapeutic pool best hotels in palm springs

Family-Friendly Hotels in Palm Springs

Palm Springs also has many family-oriented resorts. These hotels focus on pools, on-site activities and spacious accommodations. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa (Rancho Mirage, just south of Palm Springs) is a top family pick: it has a 2-acre water park called “Splashtopia” with slides, a lazy river and splash zones. The Omni proudly markets itself as family-friendly – “Kids can make a splash in the waterpark” right on property. Other popular family resorts include the Westin Rancho Mirage (with golf, tennis and multiple pools), the Desert Palms Hotel & Villas (villa suites with kitchenettes, adjacent pools), and the vast La Quinta Resort & Club (kids’ camp and 41 pools across its grounds). Many Marriott and Hilton properties in the area also offer family packages. For budget-conscious families, good options include Best Western Plus Las Brisas (water park on site) and Courtyard Palm Springs (indoor/outdoor pool) best hotels in palm springs

• Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa – 410-acre resort; features Splashtopia water park (lazy river, slides) and golf courses.
• Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa – 270-acre family resort with 4 pools, golf, kids’ activities and babysitting services.
• La Quinta Resort & Club (Palm Desert) – Historic, hacienda-style estate with vast lawns, 41 pools, kids’ tennis lessons and a kids’ club best hotels in palm springs
• Desert Palms Hotel & Villas – Family suites with full kitchens and multiple pools; quiet atmosphere near downtown.
• Residence Inn by Marriott – Suite-style rooms (with kitchens), free breakfast, and two pools – a good value for families best hotels in palm springs

Palm Springs Hotels with Pools & Spas

One of Palm Springs’ calling cards is its swim-and-spa culture. Many of the best hotel pools in Palm Springs are large, beautifully landscaped and set against mountain views. For example, the historic Riviera Resort & Spa is famous for its two large resort pools and sandy “beach” area. The Parker Palm Springs (though not cited above) is known for its greenery-shaded pools with hot tubs. The newly opened Thompson has both a dramatic rooftop pool and a second level pool overlooking Palm Canyon Drive. After recent renovations, La Quinta Resort & Club added that “sleek new pool complex” with private cabanas for adults. Many hotels also emphasize their spa amenities. At Terra Palm Springs, guests enjoy a state-of-the-art spa with Himalayan salt rooms, rain showers and hot-and-cold tubs. Sensei Porcupine Creek and Two Bunch Palms similarly focus on wellness pools and hot springs. In short, whether you seek a party pool or a quiet spa plunge, Palm Springs’ top hotels deliver best hotels in palm springs

• Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs – Iconic resort with two sprawling pools, poolside bar, and the largest spa in the city (Salon Sante).
• Thompson Palm Springs – Rooftop pool with sunset views and a second outdoor pool; both with lounge seating and bar service.
• Terra Palm Springs – Wellness resort (former CCBC); features a heated pool and comprehensive spa (Himalayan salt sauna, cold plunge) best hotels in palm springs
• L’Horizon Resort & Spa – Adults-only; two mineralized pools plus an open-air spa offering massages by the poolside.
• Arrive Palm Springs – Modern hotel with a large central pool, outdoor games and a lively social atmosphere.
• The Saguaro Palm Springs – Colorful Art Deco style; two festive pools known for DJ parties and vibrant décor best hotels in palm springs

Many Palm Springs hotels boast scenic pools or water parks for guests. The historic La Quinta Resort (pictured) recently added an exclusive adult pool, and family resorts like Omni Rancho Las Palmas feature multi-acre water parks best hotels in palm springs

Downtown Palm Springs Hotels

Downtown’s hotel scene is vibrant and walkable. Several well-regarded hotels line Palm Canyon Drive and nearby streets. A notable newcomer is the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs (opened 2021) – a 240-room boutique hotel with a 15th-floor rooftop pool and restaurant. For midcentury flavor, the Holiday House (a 1960s motor lodge converted into a hotel) and Avalon Hotel (Spanish-Mediterranean style) are popular. Trendy spots include the Ace Hotel & Swim Club (a hip resort known for DJs and the indie scene) and The Triada (luxury condo-hotel with suites and amenities). These downtown stays keep you steps from art galleries, shops and restaurants. As Time Out observes, Palm Springs hotels range from “massive resorts to cozy bungalows and boutique hotels with plenty of character” – a blend well represented in the city center.

• Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – Luxe high-rise with a rooftop pool and bar, and on-site spa (located on Museum Way).
• Holiday House – Brightly colored, retro-chic 1960s motor lodge with pool and cabanas on Palm Canyon Drive.
• Avalon Hotel Palm Springs – Spanish-Mediterranean resort (1935) with gardens, white-washed buildings, and a quiet pool courtyard best hotels in palm springs
• Ace Hotel & Swim Club – Funky boutique resort with a rock-and-roll vibe; features a central pool, on-site library and restaurant.
• Arrive Palm Springs – Modern downtown hotel with a central pool, open-air bar and communal lounge (blocks from the main drag) best hotels in palm springs

Affordable & Budget-Friendly Hotels

Even in a famously stylish city, Palm Springs has options for budget travelers. Time Out’s guide recommends “the nicest and most affordable hotels” – modest 2–3 star properties that still offer charm. Many of these retro-inspired motels and inns come with clean rooms and a pool without the high price tag. The Skylark Hotel (Art Deco style) is often cited as the top cheap hotel; it combines midcentury flair with modern amenities at a wallet-friendly rate. Other good value choices include Desert Park Inn (simple but colorful motel with pool), Best Western Plus Las Brisas (3-star resort feel with water slides), and chain options like Motel 6 or Days Inn in nearby Cathedral City. Staying at a budget motel in Palm Springs may sacrifice some luxury, but it leaves more spending power for dining, palm-tree-lined walks, and local adventures best hotels in palm springs

• Skylark Palm Springs – Retro-modern boutique on East Palm Canyon; Time Out’s #1 pick for cheap stays.
• Desert Park Inn – Colorful vintage motel; offers a heated pool and kitchenette rooms at modest rates.
• Best Western Plus Las Brisas – Family-friendly value; two water slides, lazy river and golf putting green on-site.
• Hacienda Hotel, Ca – Budget motel in Cathedral City; clean rooms and a small pool, half-hour to downtown.
• Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs – Island-themed property (often on sale); includes pools and free shuttle to downtown.

A mix of palm trees, sun and cool pools makes for relaxing stays at Palm Springs hotels. Budget spots like the Skylark and Las Brisas are stylish yet affordable, while luxury resorts splurge on amenities. (Photo: lounge chairs beside a hotel pool in Palm Springs.) best hotels in palm springs

Palm Springs Area Resorts & Spas

Many top “Palm Springs” hotels lie just outside the city proper in nearby Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage. Don’t miss these if you’re willing to drive a bit. La Quinta Resort & Club (Palm Desert) is often included on “best Palm Springs area” lists; in addition to its new adult pool, it has 41 total pools and an 23-hole golf course. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort (Cathedral City) offers sprawling lagoon pools and waterslides. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is a 5-star mountain-top resort with a 16-treatment-room spa. Even newer small properties like Terra Palm Springs (see above) sit on the northern edge of town. In short, the broader Coachella Valley has resort hotels for every taste – all within easy reach of Palm Springs’ attractions best hotels in palm springs

• La Quinta Resort & Club (Palm Desert) – Legendary resort; 400 acres, 41 pools (including adult-only section), golf and tennis.
• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort (Cathedral City) – Large family resort; features lagoon pools, lazy river, tennis and kids’ activity center.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage – Five-star hilltop resort; boasts panoramic views, Spanish-Colonial architecture, and a 16-room spa.
• Miracle Springs Resort Spa (Desert Hot Springs) – Historic spa hotel with 30 mineral pools, popular for day-use and massage treatments.

FAQs

• Q: Which is the best hotel in Palm Springs?
  A: Among Palm Springs’ best hotels, standouts include Parker Palm Springs (for luxury and style), Thompson Palm Springs (for new design and pool scene) and L’Horizon Resort & Spa (for adult-only luxury). Parker and Thompson are often rated top for couples and trendsetters, while family visitors may prefer resorts like Omni Rancho Las Palmas best hotels in palm springs
• Q: What are the best hotels in Palm Springs for families?
  A: Families love resorts with waterparks and kid-friendly amenities. The Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage is a top pick (kids’ water park, pools). Other good family hotels include the Westin Rancho Mirage (pools, kids’ camp) and Desert Palms Hotel (suite-villas). These properties offer activities that keep children entertained best hotels in palm springs
• Q: Which Palm Springs hotels have the best pools?
  A: Many top hotels offer standout pools. The Riviera Resort & Spa is famous for its large, curved pools. The Parker Palm Springs and Thompson both have stylish pool areas. La Quinta’s renovated adult pool complex is a highlight. For spa enthusiasts, resorts like Terra Palm Springs and the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage feature high-end spa pools and treatments.
• Q: Are there affordable or cheap hotels in Palm Springs?
  A: Yes. Time Out recommends several inexpensive hotels that still feel upscale. Affordable favorites include the retro-styled Skylark Hotel and budget motels like Desert Park Inn. These offer clean rooms and pools without luxury frills. Booking early or visiting off-peak can also yield lower rates at bigger resorts.
• Q: What about LGBTQ+-friendly hotels in Palm Springs?
  A: Palm Springs is very LGBTQ-friendly. Numerous gay-owned or gay-oriented hotels and resorts cater to LGBTQ travelers. For example, the All Worlds Resort is an all-male resort with seven pools and four jacuzzis. Others include Inndulge Resort (men’s clothing-optional) and Santiago Resort. Many mainstream hotels (like Ace Hotel, L’Horizon) are also very welcoming.
• Q: When should I visit Palm Springs for the best hotel deals?
  A: Spring and fall are prime times (pleasant weather, many events) but also busy. Summer brings extreme heat and thus lower prices and more availability. Checking for hotel package deals or visiting during local events (like Coachella) can secure better room rates while still offering enjoyable weather and amenities.

Palm Springs’ lodging caters to every taste – from the luxe boutique with tranquil courtyards to the family resort with splash parks. By understanding what each property offers (pools, spas, location) you can pick the best hotel in Palm Springs, CA to suit your 2025 vacation. Whether you crave retro glamour, modern amenities, or budget-friendly simplicity, the right hotel will make your Palm Springs getaway truly memorable.

Sources: Expert travel guides and local resources have informed this guide (including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, City of Palm Springs, and official hotel websites).