1800 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, California, United States | (888) 616-5829
Fun, colorful property with a relaxed atmosphere
Expansive central courtyard plays host to weekend parties
Large, colorful rooms with private balconies
Tinto and El Jefe are two of Palm Spring's hottest eateries
Olympic-size pool, two hot tubs, and pool bar
Full-service spa
Large fitness center
Free shuttle service to downtown Palm Springs
Free parking
Not within walking distance of downtown
Obligatory resort fee (includes Wi-Fi)
Weekend party scene isn't for everyone
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.
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Scene
Colorful, vibrant property with a fun atmosphere and lively pool parties
Big, bright, and loud, the Saguaro Palm Springs has a rainbow color palette as bold as the flavors emanating from its two popular restaurants. Bedecked in candy-colored shades, from the bright yellow umbrellas surrounding the pool, to the technicolor hues of the exterior walls, the hotel has a fun and laid-back atmosphere to match its colorful disposition. An installation in the bright lobby displays a series of dioramas with Barbie and Ken dolls depicting various scenes around the hotel -- sunbathing in bikinis, raging at the pool party, or getting married in the courtyard. There are nods to the history of the area too, with photos from the Rat Pack era adding a touch of weight to the fun decor.
Location
Located just outside of downtown Palm Springs on East Palm Canyon Drive
Set on the quiet East Palm Canyon Drive, the Saguaro Palm Springs is about a 10-minute drive from the action in downtown Palm Springs, where the town's main shopping, galleries, restaurants, and bars are clustered. There's not too much within walking distance of the hotel besides a strip mall and a couple of dining options, but attractions are easily accessible by car, including regional destinations like Joshua Tree National Park (45 minutes away) and Coachella (35 minutes away). It's a six-minute drive to the Palm Springs International Airport and a two-hour drive to Los Angeles.
Rooms
Large and brightly colored rooms with private balconies
The multicolored bonanza continues throughout the hotel's 245 rooms, which are decked out in purple carpets, colored curtains, and painted walls. Color palettes range from light blue and lime green, to bright orange and pink, with everything from headboards to doors covered with a thick coat of color. Multicolored striped throws adorn the beds, which are flanked by small, round hand-made Mexican tables and glowing cylinder lamps. Every room has a private balcony with views of the pool, mountains, picnic courtyard, or city (at three stories, the hotel is one of the tallest in the vicinity). Small work desks are accompanied by sleek roller chairs and every room has a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, coffeemaker, and mini-fridge. The bathrooms are fairly unremarkable, continuing with the technicolor hues, and equipped with shower/tub combos and organic bath products.
Features
Large outdoor pool, weekly live events, two popular restaurants, full-service spa, fitness center, and free daily shuttle downtown
Catering to a young crowd, the Saguaro Palm Spring's weekend parties and regular live events (which amp up during the Coachella Festival) make the most of the hotel's wild, colorful vibe. Music plays regularly in the central courtyard, where the pool bar stays open late. The pool itself is Olympic-sized and there are two hot tubs set into the vast sun deck, covered with loungers and bright yellow umbrellas. Another outdoor space has a garden with a lovely picnic area and Bocce court, as well as day beds and picnic tables amid angular neon screens that jut from the ground, creating separate spaces within the courtyard. Daily yoga classes take place every morning, and there's a large fitness center as well as a full-service spa with all the usual treatments (including couples' massages).Dining comes courtesy of Iron Chef Jose Garces, whose Tinto restaurant serves fine-dining tapas inspired by the cuisine of Southern France and Spain's Basque region accompanied by an extensive wine list. The more casual El Jefe emulates Mexican street food with small plates and a big tequila menu. Both serve breakfast or brunch (not included in the rate). For guests who want to explore other options, a rainbow-colored shuttle operates between the hotel and downtown on a set schedule throughout the day. A daily resort fee is obligatory and covers the Wi-Fi.
