Top Palm Springs Hotels

Whether visiting CA for the annual Coachella music festival or just looking for a relaxing poolside getaway, here are our favorite hotels that offer a glamorous respite from the desert heat.

With its renowned mid-century modern architecture, wellness retreats, and sophisticated resorts, Palm Springs has entered a new golden age. Whether you are looking to spend the weekend at the annual Coachella Music Festival, play a round of golf on one of the championship courses or relax in a world-class spa, Palm Springs offers visitors a myriad of options. We have created a list of our favorite hotels in the desert, each with their own blend of iconic architecture and sophisticated glamour.

The Viceroy Palm Springs
415 S. Belardo Road
(760) 320 4117

Situated within three serene manicured gardens centered around a heated pool, this Kelly Wearstler designed property offers elegant and palatial one- and two-bedroom villas with outdoor banquette seating, parlor rooms, fireplaces and private whirlpools. Decorated in a contemporary palette of blacks, whites and yellows, this hip retreat does not skimp on creature comforts, including Italian linens and marble bathrooms. Indulge at The Estrella Spa  or enjoy fine dining at The Citron restaurant and bar. There are three pools to choose from, including a family pool and a tranquil adults-only pool surrounded by citrus trees. Weekend rates from $310 per night available to book here.

Riviera Resort & Spa
1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive
(760) 327 8311

This former Rat Pack favorite had a major makeover in 2008 that restored this legendary Palm Springs hotel. The retro Hollywood design oozes glamour with its mid-century interiors that pop with bursts of lemon and orange, mixed with splashes of green. Retreat to one of 406 guestrooms, complete with marble bathrooms, and flatscreen TV’s. Relaxation begins at the 12,000-square-foot SpaTerre that offers a variety of treatment options. Sip a classic cocktail at the Bikini Bar and enjoy a delicious prix fixe menu at steakhouse Circa 59. (Rates from $307 per night available here.)

Ace Hotel and Swim Club
701 E. Palm Canyon Drive
(760) 325 9900

This newly revitalized property has been transformed into a hip haven, complete with a Mongolian yurt and a VW microbus that shuttles visitors to nearby hiking trails. The rooms are stylish and comfortable with plenty of vintage chic touches. Feast on healthy meals at the organic diner or sit poolside and soak in the desert sun. (Rates from $259 available here.)

Hotel Lautner
67710 San Antonio Street
Desert Hot Springs
(760) 832-5288

The newly opened Hotel Lautner offers an idyllic weekend hideaway just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Originally built for a film producer back in 1947, the re-crafted complex of concrete, glass and redwood is a mid-century design-lovers dream. Designers Tracy Beckmann and Ryan Trowbridge took three years to transform the Desert Hot Springs Motel into this 21^st century boutique hotel. Furnished with vintage pieces by Harry Bertoia and Warren Platner, as well as old photographs, this new oasis includes four suites which can be rented individually or together as a holiday house. The compound includes a saline spa and outdoor shower to enjoy in the warm desert sun and an outdoor lounge with fire pit. (Rates start at $250. For reservations call 760 832 LAUT (5288) or email info@hotellautner.com.com.)

Two Bunch Palms
67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail
(800) 472 4334

With a swimming pool fed by natural hot springs, this historical resort and spa’s emphasis is on health and wellness. There are over 50 spa treatments available, ranging from mud baths to reiki sessions. Set amid 260 acres, this tranquil resort has been a favorite spot of celebrities since the Rat Pack days. The 45 guest rooms have individual themes that range from contemporary to rustic design, and although they could benefit for a new update, the focus here is mostly on the spa. The Casino restaurant features plenty of health conscious choices, along with non vegetarian options like Natural Black Angus Beef Tenderloin or Sesame Seared Ahi. (Rates from $369 available here.)

Parker Palm Springs
4200 E. Palm Canyon Drive
(760) 770 5000

Jonathan Adler’s quirky redesign of this legendary hotel is well suited for this fun desert escape. With 144 rooms situated on 13 acres, the resort offers a modern spin with all-white rooms featuring four-poster beds, vintage Hollywood photos, and a collection of Adler’s signature ceramics and kitschy pillows. Breathe in the desert air as you slumber under chic umbrellas beside one of the three pools, in butterfly chairs surrounding a firepit or in hammocks slung between trees. Check out the full service spa or sip champagne at Mr. Parker’s, the speakeasy-style restaurant. (Rates from $299 available here.)

Movie Colony Hotel
726 N. Indian Canyon Drive
(888) 953 5700

This historic hotel, just steps from downtown, offers the classic mid-century modern aesthetics of Albert Frey, complete with Wassily sling chairs and moulded plastic rockers. In addition to sixteen stylish guest rooms, the retreat also has three white poolside townhouses available for rent that overlook manicured palms and bougainvillea. Cruise around downtown on one of the resort’s bikes or sip complimentary wines in the courtyard while listening to Rat Pack-era tunes. (Rates from $300 per night available here.)

Korakia Pensione
257 S. Patencio Road
(760) 864 6411

Experience a Tangier-style getaway without leaving the country at this carefully restored Moroccan villa that was originally built in 1924 and has hosted a bevy of famous guests over the years. Rebuilt with Mediteranean touches and renamed Korakia (Greek for “crow”), guests can sip fresh mint tea under the courtyard’s date palms overlooking the majestic San Jacinto Mountains, relax on a private patio surrounded by bougainvillea, or swim in one of the two torch-lit pools under the clear desert skies. This resort has been a long-time artist getaway and continues to attract an eclectic mix of artists and actors looking for a place to disconnect. Children under 13 are not allowed. (Rates from $209 per night available here.)