Home to alluring architecture, 5-star hotels, luxurious spas, and pristinely manicured golf courses, Palm Springs is one of California’s favorite vacation destinations. Several distinct neighborhoods dot the desert town, so deciding where to stay in Palm Springs will depend on your travel plans.
Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of mountain ranges and palm trees, Palm Springs boasts beautiful views wherever you choose to base yourself. Many of the best hotels in Palm Springs lie within its beautiful downtown, while other areas, like the historic hideaway of Hollywood celebrities known as The Movie Colony or Old Las Palmas, hide a variety of cool vacation rentals, inns, and other interesting lodgings.
Not sure where to pinpoint your accommodations search? Get started with this complete guide to all the best places to stay in Palm Springs, California, including the top-rated areas, neighborhoods, and hotels for travelers.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our California Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best places to stay in Palm Springs, CA
One of nine cities that make up the Greater Palm Springs area, the cosmopolitan desert oasis has something for everyone. Once the proverbial playground of movie stars, Palm Springs is still a posh desert getaway but with so much more to offer.
The pulse of the city is in Downtown Palm Springs, home to art galleries, museums, boutique stores, and top-notch restaurants. If you want to be in the center of the action, then this is the place to be.
The vibrant VillageFest happens every Thursday evening, where you can shop for handmade crafts, enjoy live music, and grab a bite. The Palm Springs Art Museum is a modern art haven, and Palm Canyon Drive comes alive at night with music from bars and nightclubs filling the air.
The historic neighborhood known as the Movie Colony was once a hideaway of Hollywood celebrities. Beautiful vintage architecture, lush palms, and gorgeous greenery make this quiet area ideal if you want to follow in the footsteps of the stars.
If you prefer a tranquil retreat surrounded by captivating architecture, then head to Old Las Palmas. The palm-tree-lined neighborhood offers a quiet escape from the bustling downtown area and is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in town.
Tahquitz River Estates has a cozy, village-like feel and is a great spot to stay if you want to get out into nature. It’s a few minutes from the spectacular Tahquitz Canyon and the Tahquitz Creek Footbridge and Trail and is less crowded than other areas.
Just a mile from downtown Palm Springs, Chino Canyon is a charming neighborhood with swaying palm trees and peach-colored villas. Fondly known as ‘Little Tuscany,’ this quaint neighborhood is your best bet for a peaceful stay in spectacular surroundings.
The best areas to stay in Palm Springs, CA, are:
Downtown Palm Springs
✓ The best area to stay in Palm Springs for shopping and nightlife
Buzzing with energy, Downtown Palm Springs is a lively neighborhood and the beating heart of the desert town. Boutique stores stand alongside eclectic craft stores, and attractions abound, from the famous Springs Walk of Stars to the tranquil Moorten Botanical Gardens.
Among the fun things to do in Palm Springs is to take in some modern art at the Palm Springs Art Museum and see works by Picasso and Warhol. Soak up the beauty of the surrounding mountains with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Wander the streets and admire some spectacular mid-century modern architecture.
Downtown Palm Springs comes alive at night with bustling restaurants and buzzing bars. You’ll find everything from classic Italian restaurants to casual farm-to-table bistros. Tuck into a Steak Sinatra with linguine and clams at Johnny Costa’s Ristorante, a favorite of Ol’ Blue Eyes.
Bars blast live music, and drag shows draw crowds while nightclub patrons spill onto the street to get some air. Don’t miss the weekly Thursday night VillageFest market for handmade arts and crafts, delicious food, and an upbeat vibe.
The bulk of the brand-name hotels in Palm Springs is in this area, from family-friendly resorts with water slides to adults-only hotels with poolside bars and luxury spas.
Old Ranch Inn
Nestled in a beautifully landscaped estate with lush gardens, the Old Ranch Inn is an Old West-style hotel in the heart of the historic Tennis Club area. The adults-only hotel offers luxurious suites with en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, fireplaces, and private patios. Relax at the outdoor pool beneath swaying palms.
Andreas Hotel & Spa
Set in a beautifully preserved Spanish-style building, the Andreas Hotel & Spa features luxurious guest suites and high-end amenities. The adults-only hotel is a short walk from the O’Donnell Golf Club and has a sparkling outdoor pool and deluxe spa. Unwind in warmly furnished rooms with Spanish Revival-style décor and bathrooms with whirlpool tubs.
Korakia Pensione
Housed in two exquisitely restored historic Moroccan and Mediterranean-style villas, Korakia Pensione has a charming Middle Eastern feel. Stylish rooms and suites have romantic four-poster beds, cool wooden floors, and antique furniture. Enjoy yoga classes and bocce ball and explore Downtown Palm Springs on loaner bikes. Cool off in a beautiful swimming pool.
Andalusian Court
Situated just two blocks from the downtown action, Andalusian Court is a chic, adults-only hotel with spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Rustic-chic villas are beautifully decorated with spacious living areas, kitchens, and shaded terraces with hot tubs. Enjoy a heated swimming pool and barbecues beneath starry night skies.
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, an IHG Hotel
Soak up fantastic views of the San Jacinto Mountains from your room at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, an IHG Hotel. A short walk will get you to several eateries and bars, and an outdoor pool with sun loungers is the perfect place to relax. Work out in the hotel gym, followed by pampering in-room spa treatments.
The Movie Colony
✓ The best neighborhood to stay in Palm Springs for Old Hollywood glamor
Home to vintage-glam hotels, beautiful mid-century villas, and stylish restaurants, the historic Palm Springs neighborhood of the Movie Colony still exudes a glamorous Old Hollywood vibe reminiscent of its past. Once home to Hollywood celebrities, the Movie Colony is a tranquil escape from the constant buzz of downtown Palm Springs.
Developed in the 1930s, the illustrious neighborhood was renowned for being the bolthole of movie stars like Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, and Tony Curtis. Today, the Movie Colony is just as glam, with elegant hotels, gorgeous Spanish Colonial Revival homes, and lovely parks and meditation gardens.
Enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities at Ruth Hardy Park, where you can play tennis, work out outdoors, or jog on several picturesque trails. Visit Frank Sinatra’s first desert home, the Twin Palms, renowned for being “party central” during the 1950s.
You’ll find some beautiful, high-end boutique hotels with all the bells and whistles in this neighborhood. The Movie Colony is just a short drive from Downtown Palm Springs, so you can enjoy the vibe of the city and escape to a quiet enclave at night.
Los Arboles
A short stroll from the busy Palm Canyon Drive, Los Arboles offers a stylish and laid-back boutique retreat with vibrant, Mexican-inspired rooms. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy spacious living and bar areas with a fireplace, a whirlpool tub, and a private patio. Work on your tan by the heated outdoor pool and dine alfresco-style on traditional Mexican fare.
Alcazar Palm Springs
Set in the heart of the bustling Uptown Design District, Alcazar Palm Springs is a beautiful Spanish Colonial-style hotel boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens and swaying palms. A huge swimming pool is perfect for cooling off, and loaner bikes are available for exploring. The sleek, individually decorated rooms have all the creature comforts for easy holiday living.
The Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows
Beverly Hills Hotel meets the desert at the luxuriously private adults-only retreat. Set in a gorgeous 1936 stucco building, the Colony Palms Hotel and Bungalows has chic guest accommodations with Moroccan-themed décor. Luxury abounds with claw-foot bathtubs, fireplaces, outdoor whirlpool tubs, and designer Italian linens. Enjoy a fine dining experience at the hotel restaurant.
Old Las Palmas
✓ Recommended place to stay in Palm Springs for mid-century architecture
Aptly named for the abundance of palm trees lining the streets, Old Las Palmas is one of the most iconic areas of Palm Springs. Once a playground to Hollywood’s stars, the neighborhood is now laid-back and peaceful, with some of the city’s most beautiful examples of mid-century modern architecture. If you love wandering around and admiring exquisitely designed buildings, then Old Las Palmas is a great place to base yourself on your getaway.
Located in the Uptown Design District on North Palm Canyon Drive, Old Las Palmas has quirky art galleries, designer boutique stores, and relaxed tiki bars. Elegant Spanish-Colonial and modernist homes stand against a backdrop of spectacular mountain views and tall palms.
Old Las Palmas has a lovely range of accommodations, from deluxe self-catering apartments and holiday homes to classy boutique hotels.
The Twist Palm Springs
Ideal if you want comfort and convenience, The Twist Palm Springs is a modern luxury resort with fully furnished apartments and kitchens. Boasting breathtaking views of Mt. San Jacinto, apartments are stylishly furnished with modern décor and have access to a communal swimming pool. Air conditioning and free Wi-Fi are available in all apartments.
The Weekend Palm Springs
Located in the heart of Old Las Palmas, The Weekend is a sleek mid-century modern luxury boutique hotel with an outdoor pool. Spacious guest rooms and suites have en-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers and terraces with views. Enjoy morning coffee from Keurig coffeemakers in the rooms, followed by a continental breakfast on the terrace.
Spanish Old Las Palmas
Perfect for families, Spanish Old Las Palmas is a large holiday home with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Relax on the patio and soak up beautiful mountain views while the kids burn off energy in the children’s playground. The house has a lovely garden and is a mile from the O’Donald Golf Course.
Fleur Noire Hotel
A stylish, adults-only boutique hotel with loads of communal space and a secret rosé bar. Original custom murals adorn the walls of the Fleur Noire Hotel, a hidden oasis at the northern end of Old Las Palmas. Spanish-style stucco buildings house designer rooms and suites with High Desert décor and kitchenettes with retro fridges. Order dinner from standout sushi restaurant Sandfish, and sip something pink from La Boisson speakeasy rosé bar.
ARRIVE Palm Springs
Set in a low-rise building just a few miles from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in Mount San Jacinto State Park, ARRIVE Palm Springs offers comfortable rooms with contemporary décor. Upgrade to a suite for a garden and patio with a fireplace. Enjoy a range of amenities from a courtyard pool and hot tub to table tennis, lawn games, and a rustic-chic restaurant with outdoor dining.
Tahquitz River Estates
✓ Recommend area to stay for families
The southern end of South Palm Canyon Drive finds Tahquitz River Estates, a charming village community with beautiful mid-century buildings. This quiet, residential neighborhood offers a lovely change of pace from the bustling downtown area of Palm Springs.
The Tahquitz River Estates area is home to beautiful mid-century modern architecture. Join walking tours among the quirky-style homes to experience the district’s unique style firsthand.
For more incredible mid-century design, wander east to the Deepwell Estates neighborhood to see the architecturally significant former William Holden estate and the Leo Koerner residence.
One of the most popular Palm Springs day trips, the nearby Tahquitz Canyon is ideal for hikes. Several hiking trails wind through granitic canyons and desert flora to a waterfall. An informative visitor center supplies further info on the hike and where to find rock art along the way. Meander along the Tahquitz Creek Trail for amazing views at sunset.
Tahquitz River Estates sees fewer crowds than the heart of downtown and offers a good choice of hotels. The popular Thursday-night Village Fest is within walking distance of Tahquitz River Estates. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars close by.
Little Paradise Hotel
Surrounded by palm trees and gorgeous views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Little Paradise Hotel is a laid-back, relaxed adults-only hotel with stylish accommodations. Relax by an outdoor saltwater pool by day and stargaze by the poolside fire pit by night. Creature comforts in every room, including spa-style showers, Keurig coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi.
Desert Riviera Hotel
Cozy and intimate with just 11 guest suites, this low-key adults-only hotel promises a relaxing getaway. Built-in 1951, the midcentury-modern style Desert Riviera Hotel has tropical rooms with ’50s-inspired décor and kitchenettes. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, welcome snack baskets, in-room spa treatments, and an airport shuttle service.
Villa Royale
Exuding Old World elegance and grace, Villa Royale is a luxurious treat. Individually decorated guest suites boast vintage mid-century furniture and original oil paintings. Mix drinks at your own in-room cocktail parlor and explore Palm Springs on complimentary electric bikes. Pets are welcome, with in-room pet beds and plush dog toys provided.
L’Horizon Resort & Spa
A quintessential luxurious Palm Springs hotel with an elegant yet unassuming vibe. Swanky bungalows are private oases with designer bedding, fancy tech touches such as Apple TVs, and motorized curtains. Pull out all the stops and book The Residence, the original home of Hollywood mogul Jack Wrather, which comes with its own private pool.
Chino Canyon
✓ Recommend neighborhood in Palm Springs for quiet more local vibes
Chino Canyon is a quiet neighborhood set on a boulder-strewn hillside in North-West Palm Springs with spectacular views of the valley below. Once a testing ground for renowned architects pioneering the modernist genre, the area is home to stunning examples of modernist architecture. Famous for being the home of Elvis Presley, Chino Canyon was also the preferred residence of JFK and Howard Hughes.
The best way to get a bird’s eye view of the Chino Canyon area is a ride on the nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Head to the Palm Springs Visitor Center on North Palm Canyon Drive to learn about the history and geology of the canyon before heading into the sky.
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Chino Canyon is a quiet alternative to the lively downtown area just a mile away. You’ll find lovely small inns and cozy hotels that provide a relaxing and laid-back retreat.
Inn at Palm Springs
Tucked between the prestigious Little Tuscany area and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Inn at Palm Springs is a comfy hotel with a home-away-from-home feel. Relax by the pool, catch up on work in the business center, or take a walking tour of the homes owned by Hollywood legends. Cross the road to do some shopping at the local plaza. Four-legged fur babies are welcome.
Sonder The Cole
A fashionable adults-only hotel on Highway 111 with a retro vibe. Just five miles from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto, Sonder The Cole has vintage-chic rooms with mid-century modern décor. Upgraded suites offer living rooms with wet bars and private patios. Relax by the outdoor pool and soak up spectacular views of the surrounding San Jacinto Mountains.
The Palm Springs Hotel
Desert-modernist architecture, designer décor, stunning artworks, and refined service make the Palm Springs Hotel a luxurious treat. A spectacular palm-lined swimming pool takes center stage, and a poolside hot tub is perfect for evenings under the stars. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and Apple TV in the comfort of your suite.
