Few places in the world do luxury hotels like Palm Springs – after all, it has long been the Southern California playground for Hollywood’s rich and famous, a short hop from manic Los Angeles. You’re almost guaranteed al fresco dining in your cabana by the pool, with a view of the San Jacinto Mountains and immaculate gardens filled with native desert blooms and, of course, palm trees. Opt for a chain hotel packed with amenities, or go for a more intimate experience at a boutique hotel.
Amin Casa
Hotel, Luxury
In a great spot near downtown and just below the San Jacinto Mountains is Amin Casa. This was once the home of Hollywood star Gloria Swanson, who is said to have hosted Joseph Kennedy, father of President John F Kennedy, with whom Swanson had a notorious affair. You can stay at her original residence, which has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, or at four private bungalows or a pool-studio suite. The tailored gardens are gorgeous and there’s an intimate feel as the whole resort accommodates a maximum of 14 guests (adults only). The pool is heated and there’s an outdoor jacuzzi.
Colony Palms
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel
A Palm Springs staple since 1936, set just one block from the Design District, Colony Palms retains many features of its original Spanish Colonial architecture, with arched entryways, covered ceilings and original ceramic floor tiles. The accommodation features Moroccan fabric headboards, Spanish tiles and hardwood floors, and includes rooms, suites and casitas (little chalets dotted throughout the grounds where you get a private patio with a soaking tub or fire pit). There’s a spa too, and the esteemed Purple Palm restaurant – be sure to try the spiced beef empanadas with tomatillo salsa fresca, guajillo chili and chimichurri.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Hotel
This desert-modern boutique hotel, formerly a motel with a Denny’s next door, is up there with the hippest places to stay in Palm Springs. A range of colorful LPs neatly spaced out on shelves greet you at the reception desk, and there’s more of that bohemian vibe in some of the rooms, which have old vinyl and record players to enjoy. There are also two big pools, a vintage photo booth and lots of communal fireplaces to relax around. Check out the Amigo Room bar, with live music, DJs and bingo.
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Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
Hotel
There are a lot of amazing hotel pools in Palm Springs, but very few rooftops with mountain views to rival those of the Kimpton Rowan. The hotel is right by downtown but still feels tranquil, not least when you’re sipping on a co*cktail at the High Bar next to that pool, or enjoying the ceviche of the day. There’s a wellness element too, with in-room spa services and yoga classes from Power Yoga Palm Springs at a discount for guests.
Arrive Palm Springs
Boutique Hotel
If you’re driving into Palm Springs from the north, you’ll hit Arrive just as Palm Canyon Drive splits in two north of downtown. You won’t be able to miss it either, with its striking orange-brown facade constructed in 2016 in homage to the mid-century modern aesthetic of Palm Springs. It’s all arranged around a community space including a pool, fire pits, cabanas, ping-pong tables and a bocce ball court. The light-filled rooms are studios or patios – with the latter you get your own outdoor space and a poolside lounger reserved for you every morning. It takes its coffee very seriously too – there’s an artisan Cartel Coffee Lab café attached.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Chain Hotel, Luxury
The location of Rancho Mirage is a big selling point, up in the hills on Frank Sinatra Drive, just south of Palm Springs and with astonishing views across Coachella Valley. It’s worth being a little removed from the city for that desert-oasis feel and great hiking right on your doorstep. If all you want to do is kick back by the pool – there are two of them – in a VIP cabana, you certainly can. There’s also a luxury spa with holistic therapies and indigenous ingredients and the Edge Steakhouse, with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in that view, or the Air Pool Bar by the water for sushi, burgers, tacos and co*cktails.
Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Resort, Spa Hotel
Like the Ritz-Carlton, this is another real getting-away-from-it-all option, situated further southeast along Route 111. The desert views are of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and three swimming pools – hot, cool and a quiet option. You can take a shuttle service to the Indian Wells Golf Resort if you fancy a round. Try a Miramonte Bloody Mary the morning after a few too many local craft beers – it comes with a kosher salted rim garnished with black-pepper maple bacon, dill pickle and a steamed shrimp.
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows
Boutique Hotel
There’s a real Beverly Hills vibe at Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, with its immaculate grounds, Spanish-style studios and no fewer than three pools, surrounded by cabanas and private villas – all of which makes sense when you learn there’s a sister Avalon Hotel in Hollywood. You’ll never get tired of floating servers proffering coconut-water co*cktails, and there’s croquet, table tennis or cornhole on the lawn, plus free yoga and meditation classes.
Want to cool off from the Cali heat? Book into one of the best hotels with pools in Palm Springs now with Culture Trip. Alternatively, check into one of the best boutique hotels.
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I am a seasoned traveler and hospitality enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in luxury hotels and travel destinations. My passion for exploring the world and experiencing diverse cultures has led me to gather extensive information on various hotels and boutique accommodations.
In the article about Palm Springs hotels, the writer highlights several luxurious options, each with its unique charm and offerings. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned:
-
Amin Casa Hotel:
- Location: Near downtown and below the San Jacinto Mountains.
- Historical Significance: Once the home of Hollywood star Gloria Swanson.
- Accommodation: Two bedrooms and two bathrooms in the original residence, four private bungalows, or a pool-studio suite.
- Intimacy: Maximum accommodation for 14 adult guests, creating an intimate atmosphere.
- Amenities: Heated pool and outdoor jacuzzi.
-
Colony Palms Boutique Hotel:
- Established Since 1936: A staple in Palm Springs since this time.
- Architecture: Retains original Spanish Colonial features, including arched entryways and ceramic floor tiles.
- Accommodation: Rooms, suites, and casitas with private patios featuring soaking tubs or fire pits.
- Dining: Purple Palm restaurant offering spiced beef empanadas.
-
Ace Hotel & Swim Club:
- Transformation: Desert-modern boutique hotel, formerly a motel with a Denny’s next door.
- Ambiance: Bohemian vibe with colorful LPs, old vinyl, and record players in some rooms.
- Attractions: Two large pools, vintage photo booth, communal fireplaces, and the Amigo Room bar with live music and bingo.
-
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel:
- Rooftop Experience: Boasts one of the few rooftops with mountain views.
- Tranquil Setting: Located near downtown but still offers a serene atmosphere.
- Wellness: In-room spa services and discounted yoga classes for guests.
-
Arrive Palm Springs Boutique Hotel:
- Location: Striking orange-brown facade constructed in 2016, paying homage to mid-century modern aesthetic.
- Community Space: Includes a pool, fire pits, cabanas, ping-pong tables, and a bocce ball court.
- Room Options: Light-filled studios or patios with outdoor spaces and poolside loungers.
-
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage:
- Location: Situated in the hills on Frank Sinatra Drive with stunning views across Coachella Valley.
- Amenities: Two pools, luxury spa with holistic therapies, and the Edge Steakhouse.
- Dining Experience: Air Pool Bar by the water offering sushi, burgers, tacos, and co*cktails.
-
Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa:
- Location: Southeast along Route 111 with views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
- Pools: Three options - hot, cool, and a quiet pool.
- Shuttle Service: Available to the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
-
Avalon Hotel and Bungalows:
- Atmosphere: Beverly Hills vibe with immaculate grounds and Spanish-style studios.
- Pools: Three in total, surrounded by cabanas and private villas.
- Activities: Croquet, table tennis, cornhole, free yoga, and meditation classes.
This detailed overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the unique features and offerings of each hotel, catering to different preferences and tastes of travelers seeking a luxurious experience in Palm Springs.