The Hotel Guru
Palm Springs
7 Best Hotels in Downtown Palm Springs

7 Best Hotels in Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs has a fantastic collection of hotels, which feel like desert retreats because of the incredible backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, but are also within a short walk of some seriously chic places to shop and dine. It’s the perfect mix of urban comforts and the tranquility of the desert. And cool with it: lots of the hotels on our Gurus’ list of the best hotels in Downtown Palm Springs date from Palm Springs’ glamorous 1960s heyday, when it was the sunny escape for Hollywood A-listers. When putting together a list of the best hotels in Downtown Palm Springs our Gurus have made sure to include some family friendly options, as well as great picks for groups and couples.

For a Desert Escape

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 18 rooms and suites, all spacious, with a private patio, and a Moroccan/Spanish Mission theme to the decor. Plus there's an elegant restaurant with a Mediterranean feel and great cocktail list, the year-round heated outdoor pool, and a fantastic spa with a range of treatments.

For the Views

One of the few high rise, contemporary hotels in Palm Springs, The Rowan makes the most of its height with floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, and an incredible roof terrace with a pool. It has 153 rooms and suites, so it’s quite a large hotel for Palm Springs too, and its neutral decor and minimal details also make it stand out for us. It's a family friendly option too, with rollaways and cribs available on request.
The Ingleside Inn is a small and elegant inn in a secluded spot just outside Downtown Palm Springs. Backed by views of the San Jacinto Mountains, the inn is arranged around a pool and lush courtyard, with its 30 rooms and suites leading off it. The decor is traditional: think dark wood flooring, exposed beams, tiles, and antiques, with plenty of natural light from large windows. The inn’s restaurant, Melvyn’s, is a Palm Springs stalwart, known for its fine dining. And you can work off your meals on the hotel bikes.

For Romantics

Del Marcos is another carefully reimagined 1950s/60s hotel/motel. There are just 17 rooms and suites, our favourites have private terraces, all arranged around a large central pool, with a backdrop of the mountains. There’s no restaurant, and, though some of the rooms have self-catering facilities, you can have meals delivered to your room. Breakfasts come as standard.
The Willows Historic Inn is a traditional inn, in the Spanish mission style, set at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. There are just eight rooms and suites, all classically decorated and very comfortable, with fireplaces and deep bathtubs. There’s an elegant sitting room with vaulted ceiling, and a breakfast room that spills out onto a rocky terrace. Charming, grown-up and relaxed.

For Desert Chic

With dramatic monochrome decor by Kelly Wearstler, the Avalon Hotel is a stylish reinvention of itself. Still low-rise, and centred around gorgeous, colour-drenched gardens with chic cabanas and three heated pools, the hotel now also offers a seriously impressive Estrella spa, and super cool Californian restaurant. There are 67 rooms and suites.
Holiday House is a classical cool 1950s Palm Springs hotel turned Scandi chic cool 2020s hotel. This 28 room hotel always had huge windows and a great layout around a central pool, but now it also has matured palm trees, and a contemporary renovation that’s added plenty of blue, museum quality art, and elegant Danish-style furniture. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and there’s a long, long cocktail menu. Adults only.

Still not sure where to book?

You could browse our recommendations for all the best places to stay in Palm Springs
If you’re looking for a desert escape try our recommendations for the 20 Best Hotels Near Joshua Tree National Park
And if you’re looking for bright lights and glamour, try the Best Hotels in Palm Springs for Couples.
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- The Rowan Palm Springs 153 rooms from AU$582
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The modern, clean lines of the hotel's suites against the dramatic natural landscape make this a great spot for a romantic break
  Hideaway  -  This desert oasis makes a great hideaway holiday destination, with several bars and restaurants onsite plus a rooftop pool
  Foodies  -  Foodies will enjoy the fresh, unpretentious food at Juniper's Table, the hotel's Mediterranean-style café
  Outstanding location
  
  This contemporary hotel offers guests a stylish oasis in Palm Springs. The natural landscape floods the cool and airy guestrooms via floor-to-ceiling windows, while the neutral palette is set off by patterned details. With a chic rooftop terrace and pool, stay here for your desert hideaway holiday. See More
  
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- Avalon Hotel Palm Springs Palm Springs 70 rooms from AU$494
  
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  Local exploring  -  20 minutes drive from the Aerial Tramway, 1 hour from Joshua Tree National Park, and minutes from Palm Springs sights
  Total relaxation  -  From the tranquil setting in verdant gardens to the excellent spa, this hotel promises guests total relaxation
  Spa breaks  -  The luxurious full-service spa, expansive gardens and 3 pools make this hotel the perfect spa break location
  Swimming Pool  -  3 outdoor pools, including an adults-only tranquility pool, a family pool, and 2 large hot tubs surrounded by citrus trees
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  Bright, modern resort at the foot of the San Jacinto mountains in Palm Springs. The stylish Kelly Wearstler-designed rooms glow white with black gingham and primrose features. The Estrella spa is excellent, and the 3 heated pools are surrounded by chic cubanas and beautifully manicured gardens. See More
  
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- Holiday House Palm Springs (California) 28 rooms from AU$321
  
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  Total relaxation  -  An exceptionally cool and stylish spot, who's service is second to none, and surrounds are utterly tranquil
  Restaurant  -  Serves a menu of American fare daily, 11am-4pm. Several nearby restaurants to choose from for dinner. Complimentary breakfast
  Great walks  -  Go for hikes in stark Joshua Tree National Park, around the saline Salton Sea or San Jacinto Peak
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool (all year)
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  An elegant boutique hotel set in the desert in a renovated 1950s hotel. Design is Scandi-chic with pale wood furniture set besides bold blue and white patterns. Soak up the slow pace of Palm Springs, lounge by the pool sipping cocktails and enjoy California-inspired cuisine. A chic adult-only spot. See More
  
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- Del Marcos Palm Springs 17 rooms from AU$394
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Order food to your door (or a massage) and hunker down for some time with your significant other in this adult only hotel
  Architectural  -  Awarded a prize by the AIA as an example of cutting-edge resort hotel architecture
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Adult Only
  
  A chic adult-only hotel in the city's historic Tennis Club neighbourhood. Designed around a large pool, rooms are bright and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows (the best have private terrace areas). Healthy breakfasts are served and while there's no restaurant, food can be delivered to the room. See More
  
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- Ingleside Inn Palm Springs 30 rooms from AU$440
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Set in a secluded spot between the San Jacinto Mountains and Palm Springs - perfect for a quiet getaway
  Local exploring  -  Tennis and hiking are nearby as is Palm Springs and its excellent selection of restaurants and shops
  Great walks  -  A wide range of hikes start near the property, with trails to suit all levels of fitness
  Tennis  -  There are a number of floodlit tennis courts nearby
  
  An elegant inn set in a secluded spot between San Jacinto Mountains and downtown Palm Springs. Traditional rooms feature four-posters, hardwood floors, and antiques. A large outdoor pool has wonderful mountain views while the long-standing Melvyn's restaurant serves innovative fine dining. See More
  
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- The Willows Historic Inn Palm Springs (412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way) 8 rooms from AU$550
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Palm Springs Art Museum and Palm Springs Desert Museum are both walking distance.
  Great walks  -  Head to the San Jacinto Mountains
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor Pool.
  Hideaway  -  Tranquil and intimate.
  
  Traditional and intimate boutique with views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Relax by the pool or spoil your self with a private massage. The rooms are classic and comfortable, with fireplaces and gorgeously deep bathtubs. Al-fresco gourmet breakfast is a delicious way to start the day. See More
  
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- La Serena Villas Palm Springs (Historic Tennis Club) 18 rooms from AU$953
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Private villas, couples massage, and lots of privacy mark this property as an ideal romantic destination
  City Style  -  A stylish and bright collection of villas in one of Palm Springs' most trendy areas
  Restaurant  -  Dining at on-site Azúcar Restaurant is a fresh, elegant experience in Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails
  Local markets  -  Palm Springs Village Fest is a short drive away, offering fresh local produce
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Stylish and attractive villas make up this charming and elegant resort in one of Palm Springs' most trendy neighbourhoods. Boasting a cool and cultured Mediterranean restaurant, a serene massage and skin treatment spa, and a year-round outdoor pool; the resort is ideal for a sunny couples retreat. See More
  
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