In a town known for its mix of mid-century modern and Spanish Colonial architecture, the upscale Saguaro Palm Springs hotel stands out in colorful, candy-coated contrast. There's no respite from the rainbow decor, save for the pair of chronically booked-up restaurants, Tinto and El Jefe, both helmed by Iron Chef Jose Garces. The central courtyard has a huge pool that comes alive with loud weekend parties, DJ sets, and live music -- a fun, popular scene, but can create friction between the 20-somethings and families with young children (who would be advised to avoid weekends). The rooms are large and brightly furnished, each with a private balcony. The hotel is farther away from the downtown area than its most likely competitor, Ace Hotel and Swim Club, whose rates are proportionally higher as a result.
In a town known for its mix of mid-century modern and Spanish Colonial architecture, the upscale Saguaro Palm Springs hotel stands out in colorful, candy-coated contrast. There's no respite from the rainbow decor, save for the pair of chronically booked-up restaurants, Tinto and El Jefe, both helmed by Iron Chef Jose Garces. The central courtyard has a huge pool that comes alive with loud weekend parties, DJ sets, and live music -- a fun, popular scene, but can create friction between the 20-somethings and families with young children (who would be advised to avoid weekends). The rooms are large and brightly furnished, each with a private balcony. The hotel is farther away from the downtown area than its most likely competitor, Ace Hotel and Swim Club, whose rates are proportionally higher as a result.
Los Arboles Hotel is a boutique upper-middle-range property located in the downtown area of Palm Springs, though its secluded garden atmosphere keeps it far removed from the traffic outside. It has the hallmarks of a modest couples' retreat with mission-style rooms, private hammocks, a lovely rooftop terrace with beautiful mountain views, and a quiet outdoor pool. It also caters to business travelers attending small events on-site or at the nearby Palm Springs Convention Center. Many spacious rooms and suites include private patios and some have upgrades like jetted tubs and fireplaces. The on-site Mexican restaurant, El Mirasol, is a local favorite. For something a bit chicer, the Movie Colony Hotel next door is more upscale and offers a free breakfast.
Los Arboles Hotel is a boutique upper-middle-range property located in the downtown area of Palm Springs, though its secluded garden atmosphere keeps it far removed from the traffic outside. It has the hallmarks of a modest couples' retreat with mission-style rooms, private hammocks, a lovely rooftop terrace with beautiful mountain views, and a quiet outdoor pool. It also caters to business travelers attending small events on-site or at the nearby Palm Springs Convention Center. Many spacious rooms and suites include private patios and some have upgrades like jetted tubs and fireplaces. The on-site Mexican restaurant, El Mirasol, is a local favorite. For something a bit chicer, the Movie Colony Hotel next door is more upscale and offers a free breakfast.
The Three Fifty Hotel (on 350 S. Belardo Road) is an intimate and adorable boutique motel located less than a five-minute walk from downtown Palm Springs. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of its sister property (La Serena Villas) across the street, but it's an excellent choice for tourists who want breakfast, a pool, and bikes to borrow at a low rate. The 10 rooms are similarly decorated in a fun, bold style and most of them have kitchenettes. Each one is around the pool, which is great for taking a swim with the hotel's floating duck mascot, but less great for privacy -- you'll have to draw the curtains. A daily resort fee is another downer. For more features, bungalow-style rooms, and higher rates, the sister hotel, La Serena Villas, is one of the best in Palm Springs.
The Three Fifty Hotel (on 350 S. Belardo Road) is an intimate and adorable boutique motel located less than a five-minute walk from downtown Palm Springs. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of its sister property (La Serena Villas) across the street, but it's an excellent choice for tourists who want breakfast, a pool, and bikes to borrow at a low rate. The 10 rooms are similarly decorated in a fun, bold style and most of them have kitchenettes. Each one is around the pool, which is great for taking a swim with the hotel's floating duck mascot, but less great for privacy -- you'll have to draw the curtains. A daily resort fee is another downer. For more features, bungalow-style rooms, and higher rates, the sister hotel, La Serena Villas, is one of the best in Palm Springs.
Holiday House is one of the best examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture in downtown Palm Springs. The 28-room boutique hotel was designed by noted architect Herbert W. Burns and originally opened in 1951(it's a regular stop on architecture tours). In 2017, the hotel was artfully redone by the team behind the celebrated Sparrows Lodge. The rooms are divided into categories of Good, Better, and Best, and each is spacious and features a whimsical design and high end finishes; some have outdoor showers or kitchenettes. The resort fee covers bikes to borrow, continental breakfast, and parking. The Pantry serves American fare for lunch and a popular Friday night fried chicken dinner. For entertainment, there's a large pool, shuffleboard court, fire pits, and a cozy nook filled with priceless works of original art. For something with more of a retro Mid-Century Modern vibe and no resort fee, check rates at The Monkey Tree Hotel.
Holiday House is one of the best examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture in downtown Palm Springs. The 28-room boutique hotel was designed by noted architect Herbert W. Burns and originally opened in 1951(it's a regular stop on architecture tours). In 2017, the hotel was artfully redone by the team behind the celebrated Sparrows Lodge. The rooms are divided into categories of Good, Better, and Best, and each is spacious and features a whimsical design and high end finishes; some have outdoor showers or kitchenettes. The resort fee covers bikes to borrow, continental breakfast, and parking. The Pantry serves American fare for lunch and a popular Friday night fried chicken dinner. For entertainment, there's a large pool, shuffleboard court, fire pits, and a cozy nook filled with priceless works of original art. For something with more of a retro Mid-Century Modern vibe and no resort fee, check rates at The Monkey Tree Hotel.
If you build it, they will come. If "it" is an affordable party hotel and "they" are Millennials in Palm Springs for Coachella and bachelorette parties. Infusion Beach Club was once a run-of-the-mill motel, and it still kind of is, but the volume has been turned way up on fun. The 62 rooms still have exterior hallway entrances and popcorn ceilings, but the interiors have been jazzed up to include warm wood, nice mattresses, and sliding barn bathroom doors. During our visit in 2019, the pool bar was under construction, but there was still a flamingo floating in the pool and lots of sun loungers. Food and cocktails can be ordered via text. For something even more hip and with nicer rooms, check out ARRIVE Hotel down the street -- but rates are higher.
If you build it, they will come. If "it" is an affordable party hotel and "they" are Millennials in Palm Springs for Coachella and bachelorette parties. Infusion Beach Club was once a run-of-the-mill motel, and it still kind of is, but the volume has been turned way up on fun. The 62 rooms still have exterior hallway entrances and popcorn ceilings, but the interiors have been jazzed up to include warm wood, nice mattresses, and sliding barn bathroom doors. During our visit in 2019, the pool bar was under construction, but there was still a flamingo floating in the pool and lots of sun loungers. Food and cocktails can be ordered via text. For something even more hip and with nicer rooms, check out ARRIVE Hotel down the street -- but rates are higher.
For Palm Springs visitors who want resort-like amenities and a downtown location, it doesn't get any better than the upscale Kimpton Rowan. As one of the tallest buildings, at seven stories, in Palm Springs, it has ample space for bells and whistles you'll otherwise only find on the outskirts of town: a gorgeous rooftop pool, full fitness center, a fine-dining restaurant, all-day cafe, bikes to borrow, and two bars. The 153 guest rooms and suites are done in a contemporary finish and include floor-to-ceiling windows and chic bathrooms. The major downside is the resort fee, though it does include a daily wine and beer reception with a few nibbles. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. For something with a more boutique vibe and free breakfast, check out the Sparrows Lodge Hotel.
For Palm Springs visitors who want resort-like amenities and a downtown location, it doesn't get any better than the upscale Kimpton Rowan. As one of the tallest buildings, at seven stories, in Palm Springs, it has ample space for bells and whistles you'll otherwise only find on the outskirts of town: a gorgeous rooftop pool, full fitness center, a fine-dining restaurant, all-day cafe, bikes to borrow, and two bars. The 153 guest rooms and suites are done in a contemporary finish and include floor-to-ceiling windows and chic bathrooms. The major downside is the resort fee, though it does include a daily wine and beer reception with a few nibbles. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. For something with a more boutique vibe and free breakfast, check out the Sparrows Lodge Hotel.
We don't like to use the term "hidden gem," but La Serena Villas fits the bill. Originally built in the '30s and completely remodeled in 2016, La Serena Villas offers 18 glamorous bungalow-style rooms with private patios and outdoor claw foot tubs. The chic outdoor swimming pool offers wonderful mountain views and impeccable palm tree landscaping, plus service from the adjacent Azucar restaurant and bar. A private rooftop lounge serves cocktails and Moroccan-inspired seating in front of a large fireplace. There's also a full spa with an outdoor jetted pool and private treatment rooms. Kids are not allowed, so the ambience is sophisticated and quiet. Just about the only downside is the resort fee, which covers a continental breakfast delivered to the villas or pool. For something with more Mid-Century Modern flair and lower rates, The Three Fifty sister hotel is just across the street.
We don't like to use the term "hidden gem," but La Serena Villas fits the bill. Originally built in the '30s and completely remodeled in 2016, La Serena Villas offers 18 glamorous bungalow-style rooms with private patios and outdoor claw foot tubs. The chic outdoor swimming pool offers wonderful mountain views and impeccable palm tree landscaping, plus service from the adjacent Azucar restaurant and bar. A private rooftop lounge serves cocktails and Moroccan-inspired seating in front of a large fireplace. There's also a full spa with an outdoor jetted pool and private treatment rooms. Kids are not allowed, so the ambience is sophisticated and quiet. Just about the only downside is the resort fee, which covers a continental breakfast delivered to the villas or pool. For something with more Mid-Century Modern flair and lower rates, The Three Fifty sister hotel is just across the street.
The Monkey Tree Hotel is one of the best (and most fun) examples of Midcentury Modern architecture in Palm Springs. It was originally built during Palm Spring's tourist boom in the 1960s by celebrated architect Albert Frey. Today, it has 16 guest rooms, all with retro stylings and art, centered around an outdoor pool, complete with a floating flamingo, and sun deck. There's a retro living room area with board games and a fireplace, and this is where the free homemade breakfast is served. In fact, the owners are committed to making sure everything is free: day passes to a nearby gym, Wi-Fi, parking, and snacks and cold drinks by the pool. There's little of interest within walking distance. For something Mid-Century Modern and close to downtown Palm Springs, check out Holiday House Hotel -- but rates are higher.
The Monkey Tree Hotel is one of the best (and most fun) examples of Midcentury Modern architecture in Palm Springs. It was originally built during Palm Spring's tourist boom in the 1960s by celebrated architect Albert Frey. Today, it has 16 guest rooms, all with retro stylings and art, centered around an outdoor pool, complete with a floating flamingo, and sun deck. There's a retro living room area with board games and a fireplace, and this is where the free homemade breakfast is served. In fact, the owners are committed to making sure everything is free: day passes to a nearby gym, Wi-Fi, parking, and snacks and cold drinks by the pool. There's little of interest within walking distance. For something Mid-Century Modern and close to downtown Palm Springs, check out Holiday House Hotel -- but rates are higher.
