The upscale Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa is renowned for its natural mineral springs and glamorous Hollywood past (it was a rumored hideout of Al Capone's). Originally built in 1930 as a private, gated resort on 77 acres, the current owners completed a multimillion dollar renovation in 2014 that gutted the 70 rooms, refreshed the grotto and pool, and brought a farm-to-table restaurant. The Grotto rooms still maintain some of their vintage details, notably in the bathrooms, while the Solstice rooms are modern and sleek. The spa has everything from mud baths to watsu pools. Grounds include hiking trails, lakes, and a walking labyrinth. A dedicated yoga dome, tennis courts, lap pool, and fitness center highlight the resort's emphasis on a healthy Californian lifestyle. Watch out for a daily resort fee and remember that bug sightings come standard with any natural, outdoor property. Signs asking guests to speak in a whisper and no kids allowed add to the overall zen-like quality of this eclectic and relaxing resort.
The upscale Two Bunch Palms Resort and Spa is renowned for its natural mineral springs and glamorous Hollywood past (it was a rumored hideout of Al Capone's). Originally built in 1930 as a private, gated resort on 77 acres, the current owners completed a multimillion dollar renovation in 2014 that gutted the 70 rooms, refreshed the grotto and pool, and brought a farm-to-table restaurant. The Grotto rooms still maintain some of their vintage details, notably in the bathrooms, while the Solstice rooms are modern and sleek. The spa has everything from mud baths to watsu pools. Grounds include hiking trails, lakes, and a walking labyrinth. A dedicated yoga dome, tennis courts, lap pool, and fitness center highlight the resort's emphasis on a healthy Californian lifestyle. Watch out for a daily resort fee and remember that bug sightings come standard with any natural, outdoor property. Signs asking guests to speak in a whisper and no kids allowed add to the overall zen-like quality of this eclectic and relaxing resort.
Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa is a 110-room property about 20 minutes drive from downtown Palm Springs. The hotel is inexpensive and has some interesting features, like the mineral water pools and hot tubs filled from the venue’s on-site well. Other hotels offer natural spring water pools, but not many offer eight of them with 24/7 access at an affordable rate. The spa also gets high marks, the restaurant food is tasty, and the staff is accommodating.** **However, this hotel needs significant updating and more cleaning.
Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa is a 110-room property about 20 minutes drive from downtown Palm Springs. The hotel is inexpensive and has some interesting features, like the mineral water pools and hot tubs filled from the venue’s on-site well. Other hotels offer natural spring water pools, but not many offer eight of them with 24/7 access at an affordable rate. The spa also gets high marks, the restaurant food is tasty, and the staff is accommodating.** **However, this hotel needs significant updating and more cleaning.
The Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is a budget property that has barely changed since it opened in the 1960s. Its authentic retro atmosphere is not without charm, but renovations are needed throughout the property -- it's a perk that the vintage signage has been kept in tact, but broken cabinets and stained carpets are due for an update. However, the eight different pools fed by mineral hot springs are well-maintained and popular with the locals. Leisure travelers and families on a budget will find value here, but should be prepared to drive to anything other than the on-site restaurant and bar in this residential area outside of Palm Springs. The neighboring Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa is a larger sister property with more contemporary furnishings, though also dated.
The Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is a budget property that has barely changed since it opened in the 1960s. Its authentic retro atmosphere is not without charm, but renovations are needed throughout the property -- it's a perk that the vintage signage has been kept in tact, but broken cabinets and stained carpets are due for an update. However, the eight different pools fed by mineral hot springs are well-maintained and popular with the locals. Leisure travelers and families on a budget will find value here, but should be prepared to drive to anything other than the on-site restaurant and bar in this residential area outside of Palm Springs. The neighboring Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa is a larger sister property with more contemporary furnishings, though also dated.
Tucked into a hillside neighborhood in Desert Hot Springs, far from the commotion of a main street or freeway, the Spring Resort & Spa is a relaxing place to enjoy the area's natural springs. The resort has three small pools, each fed by the hot mineral water that gives the town its name. With just 12 guest rooms, the hotel has a calm, laid-back vibe with no crowding at the pools or other facilities (although the hotel spa does book non-guests, who have access to the grounds and pool). No children under 17 are allowed, so travelers with kids might consider the nearby Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa instead.
Tucked into a hillside neighborhood in Desert Hot Springs, far from the commotion of a main street or freeway, the Spring Resort & Spa is a relaxing place to enjoy the area's natural springs. The resort has three small pools, each fed by the hot mineral water that gives the town its name. With just 12 guest rooms, the hotel has a calm, laid-back vibe with no crowding at the pools or other facilities (although the hotel spa does book non-guests, who have access to the grounds and pool). No children under 17 are allowed, so travelers with kids might consider the nearby Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa instead.
The mid-range, 95-room Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa is basically a renovated motel made more upscale. It has limited curb appeal, but once inside the property guests will find that the grounds are attractively landscaped, featuring desert flora, a pool and spa filled with mineral water, and fire pit seating areas. The pricing of the hotel is reasonable, but the spa is a bit pricey. The rooms are clean and have colorful decor accents; some are even a bit stylish. The Desert Hot Springs location has nice views of the San Bernadino foothills, but the town itself doesn't have much to offer beyond a few chain restaurants; travelers come here primarily for the mineral waters. Overall, the property has a slight edge over the competing Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa.
The mid-range, 95-room Aqua Soleil Hotel & Mineral Water Spa is basically a renovated motel made more upscale. It has limited curb appeal, but once inside the property guests will find that the grounds are attractively landscaped, featuring desert flora, a pool and spa filled with mineral water, and fire pit seating areas. The pricing of the hotel is reasonable, but the spa is a bit pricey. The rooms are clean and have colorful decor accents; some are even a bit stylish. The Desert Hot Springs location has nice views of the San Bernadino foothills, but the town itself doesn't have much to offer beyond a few chain restaurants; travelers come here primarily for the mineral waters. Overall, the property has a slight edge over the competing Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa.
The seven-room Sagewater Spa -- situated in the desert of greater Palm Springs and surrounded by mountains -- is an isolated, petite property with a modern aesthetic. With each guest unit offering a kitchenette, this hotel is ideal for those looking for a tranquil, self-catered escape. Outside of in-room massages, an outdoor hot tub, and a lovely mineral pool with a deck and loungers, amenities are generally limited.
The seven-room Sagewater Spa -- situated in the desert of greater Palm Springs and surrounded by mountains -- is an isolated, petite property with a modern aesthetic. With each guest unit offering a kitchenette, this hotel is ideal for those looking for a tranquil, self-catered escape. Outside of in-room massages, an outdoor hot tub, and a lovely mineral pool with a deck and loungers, amenities are generally limited.