
Palm Springs was the glamorous holiday destination in the 1950s, loved by Hollywood stars for its soothing mineral springs, swaying palms and sunshine — and only 100 miles outside LA! And there’s plenty of romance to that old glamour. There’s also plenty of romance to this stunning location: Palm Springs is surrounded by miles of red-rock Sonoran Desert. So whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating couples spa retreat, a sunny place to relax by the pool, a glamorous place to wine and dine, a dramatic place to propose or just some time together in the great outdoors, there will be something perfect for you on our Guru’s list of the best hotels in Palm Springs for couples.
For the Album

- La Serena Villas is a collection of stylish Spanish-style villas arranged around a central pool and restaurant, in one of Palm Springs’ trendiest neighbourhoods. All together there are just18 rooms and suites, all spacious, with a Moroccan/Spanish Mission influence in the decor. Plus there's a cool and cultured Mediterranean restaurant, impressive spa, roof terrace and chic pool.
For the Views

- The Rowan is an elegant, unusually high-rise, contemporary hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the 153 rooms and suites that really allow the views of Palm Springs to take centre stage. Where most of Palm Springs sprawls bungalow-style, this hotel stands tall, and its incredible views fly all the way to the mountains and beyond. Especially from the upper floors and the chic roof terrace, where there’s a pool and bar.
- The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage is big and luxurious, standing on the outskirts of Palm Springs and looking out into the desert — our favourites among the 244 rooms and suites have views that stretch far off into the mountains. There’s a feeling of space here, but there’s also plenty of space — the pool is vast, surrounded by terraces and fire pits, plus there’s a gorgeous steakhouse, and a 16-treatment room spa, one of the best in the region. The Ritz kids club runs full and half day programmes for children between five and 12.
For Hollywood Glamour

- The Dive Hotel is a stylish, 1960s hotel which takes it decorative inspiration from St. Tropez in the '60s. There are just 11 bungalow-style rooms and suites, arranged around a central pool and palm-fringed gardens, with day beds, parasols and a hot tub. The rooms feature plenty of retro rattan furniture against stripes and pastels. Seriously French Riviera. Seriously Mad Men. Seriously Hollywood!
- The Villa Royale isn’t just one Spanish style villa, it’s a collection of them, spaciously arranged around three pools, but also only five minutes' drive from Downtown Palm Springs. There are 38 rooms and suites in total, individually decorated with imagination, and a taste for mid-century furniture and modern art. This was a hideaway to the stars in Palm Springs’ Hollywood heyday, and the onsite restaurant and bar harks back to that era, with dark, sexy decor, an intimate atmosphere and Californian-Mediterranean food.
For Romantics

- Del Marcos is a small, 1950s bungalow style hotel in the Tennis Club neighbourhood of Palm Springs. There are 17 rooms and suites, arranged around a large pool, and the decor is retro, but fresh, with new parquet and modern floor-to-ceiling windows — some rooms have self-catering facilities and private terraces too. There’s no restaurant, but you’re within a short stroll of plenty of places to eat and drink, and they can deliver breakfast, and other meals, to your room. Adults only.
- Small and intimate, La Maison Hotel, Palm Springs has a Mediterranean theme which runs through the decor in the 13 rooms and suites, into the enclosed courtyard with its pool, tropical gardens, and atmospheric cafe. Expect terracotta flooring, carved wooden beds, big French windows and palm trees.
For a Desert Escape

- Sparrow's Lodge is a 20 room escape, with fire pits, landscaped lagoon pools, and no screens. The rooms are decorated with spare style, lots of natural materials, and a good eye for contemporary art. The Barn Kitchen offers delicious small bites, and the bar is well stocked. This is one of the old Hollywood escapes, and it still feels secluded and romantic.
- El Morocco Inn & Spa is as Moroccan themed as the name suggests, a desert oasis arranged around a central courtyard and pool — just like a riad — and with its own hot springs. There are only 13 rooms and suites, decorated with Moroccan furnishings and prints, and canopied beds with swathes of white linen. The spa is excellent, and everything is candle-lit come the evening, so you can take a night-time swim and then shower under the stars in the spa’s outdoor showers. There’s no restaurant, but they do offer snacks throughout the day, and plenty of cocktails.
- The Willows Historic Inn is a traditional Spanish villa with incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountainsl. It has just eight rooms and suites, an incredible lounge with an arched roof like a barn, a gorgeous breakfast room that spills out onto a rocky terrace, and a pool. The rooms are classically decorated and comfortable, with fireplaces and deep bathtubs, and they do a charming cheese and wine offering in the evenings.
For a Spa Break

- Two Bunch Palms is an adults only resort, set on 77 acres of lushly propagated Palm Springs landscape — it’s also the oldest mineral hot springs in the US. There are 65 rooms and suites, decorated with plenty of natural materials; think local stone and wood, plus indoor plants against whitewashed walls. There’s a yoga dome, a farm-to-fork restaurant, and the huge spa, with its warren of tubs and pools, in amongst 22 treatment rooms.
For Lounging by the Pool

- Sitting at the foot of the spectacular San Jacinto mountains, the Avalon Hotel Palm Springs is a bright, white and chic resort. Set in low-rise bungalows, the 67 rooms and suites have been designed and decorated by Kelly Wearstler, and feature a white, black and yellow colour scheme. Between the bungalows are colourful manicured gardens, with three heated pools and chic cabanas. The spa is excellent, and the restaurant is known for its contemporary Californian cuisine.
For Palm Springs Style

- Holiday House was a chic 1950s hotel, and has recently been updated into a chic 2020s hotel, with a cool mix of the original decor, museum-quality art, Scandi sensibilities, plus desert views and lots and lots of natural light. There are just 28 rooms and suites, and common areas you’ll want to hang out in. There’s also a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, and a friendly bar.
For Great Value

- The Colony Palms Hotel is a Moroccan themed hotel tucked away in the heart of Palm Springs — it sounds like a contradiction, but everything in this hotel radiates out from the central pool, and the outside walls are almost as protective as those of a riad. It has 57 rooms and suites, all individually decorated with dark wood furnishings and wonderful Moroccan prints. The spa has a Moroccan theme too, and as the sun goes down, the place to be is in the courtyard, in the bar and restaurant overlooking the pool, and backed by the San Jacinto mountains.
Still not sure where to book?