Desert
Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels in Palm Springs
The best boutique and luxury hotels in Palm Springs, from the Parker and L’Horizon to adults-only Sparrows Lodge and Two Bunch Palms, plus when to book.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 2 min read
Palm Springs boutique and luxury hotels grouped by trip type, with neighborhoods and booking times.
In This Guide
- Best Areas to Stay in Palm Springs
- Luxury Resorts in Palm Springs
- Boutique and Adults-Only Hotels
- Palm Springs Hotels With a Pool Party Scene
- Old Hollywood Hotels in Palm Springs
- Hot Springs Retreat: Two Bunch Palms
- Staying Down Valley: Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells
- How to Choose a Palm Springs Hotel
- When to Book a Palm Springs Hotel
- FAQ
Best Areas to Stay in Palm Springs
Downtown Palm Canyon Drive and the Uptown Design District have the restaurants and shops. The Movie Colony and Warm Sands are quieter, and everything is within 10 minutes.
Luxury Resorts in Palm Springs
Peak pricing runs February through April.
Parker Palm Springs
Jonathan Adler design, lawn games, a spa and Norma’s for brunch. Good for groups.
L’Horizon Resort & Spa
A restored William F. Cody estate with bungalows around a pool.
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
Three pools and gardens, south downtown.
Boutique and Adults-Only Hotels
Few rooms, so weekends book early.
- Sparrows Lodge: Rooms with private patios and a barn-style dining room. Adults only.
- Korakia Pensione: Moroccan and Mediterranean-style villas.
- The Colony Palms Hotel: Historic hotel with a pool courtyard.
Palm Springs Hotels With a Pool Party Scene
DJs and pool parties, mostly spring weekends.
- Ace Hotel & Swim Club: Converted motel with the Amigo Room bar.
- Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs: Downtown rooftop pool and bar.
Old Hollywood Hotels in Palm Springs
Ingleside Inn, with Melvyn’s restaurant, dates to the town’s 1930s movie-star era. Architecture tours peak during Modernism Week in February.
Hot Springs Retreat: Two Bunch Palms
An adults-only mineral spring retreat in Desert Hot Springs, 20 minutes north, with a grotto pool. Spa motels in town are cheaper.
See my natural hot springs guide and the California hot springs hub.
Staying Down Valley: Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage sits on a bluff. La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton has dozens of pools.
Sands Hotel and Spa in Indian Wells is a smaller design hotel near El Paseo, 30 minutes from downtown. See my Borrego Springs and Palm Desert resorts guide.
How to Choose a Palm Springs Hotel
Joshua Tree is an hour away. My desert loop road trip links it with Anza-Borrego.
- Couples: Sparrows Lodge, Korakia Pensione or L’Horizon
- Groups: Ace Hotel & Swim Club or Kimpton Rowan
- Families: Parker Palm Springs or a Rancho Mirage resort
- Wellness: Two Bunch Palms
When to Book a Palm Springs Hotel
Modernism Week (February) and Coachella and Stagecoach (April) are priciest; book 3 to 6 months ahead. Summer tops 105 degrees and is cheapest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Palm Springs?
Downtown and the Uptown Design District. The Movie Colony and Warm Sands are quieter.
Are there adults-only hotels in Palm Springs?
Yes, including Sparrows Lodge and Two Bunch Palms.
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs?
October to April. February to April is peak season; summer is extremely hot but cheapest.
Is Palm Springs a good base for Joshua Tree?
Yes, the West Entrance is about an hour away. For sunrise hikes or stargazing, stay in the town of Joshua Tree.
Which Palm Springs hotels have hot springs?
Most in town are regular heated pools. Two Bunch Palms and spa motels in Desert Hot Springs have mineral pools.
Destination guide
My Palm Springs hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
