10 Best Luxury Hotels in Palm Springs

Palm Springs in its Hollywood heyday was awash with glamour and luxury, and plenty remains today, so our Gurus had some seriously gorgeous hotels to choose from when it came to putting together their recommendations for the best luxury hotels in Palm Springs. Spoiled for choice between huge spa hotels with their own hot-springs, wonderfully revived mid-century icons, and converted movie mogul retreats, their final list of the best luxury hotels in Palm Springs has something for luxury-loving families as well as glamorous couples.

For the Album

• The Parker Palm Springs is a large, low rise resort, sprawling elegantly amongst lush, colourful gardens, and close enough to the edge of Palm Springs to feel like you’re staying in an oasis, right up against the desert. Its 144 rooms and suites are some of the most opulent in Palm Springs, harking back to this town’s Hollywood heyday, with super cool 1960s vintage furniture and modern art. The Parker has three pools and two restaurants, and a spa that also harks back to 60s cool, whilst also providing the latest in spa-treatments.

For the Views

• The Rowan is one of the few contemporary, high rise hotels in Palm Springs, and thus gets to overlook the sprawling city and its surrounds without much obstruction — the chic roof terrace and pool have fantastic, panoramic views. Inside are 153 rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, and light, contemporary decor. The Mediterranean restaurant is relaxed and stylish, and your pet stays for free. Kids are welcome too!

For a Desert Retreat

• L'Horizon Resort & Spa has been converted from the luxurious 1950s private residence of a Hollywood mogul. This would have been some desert retreat, and it still is: 25 rooms and suites arranged around a central infinity pool and terrace, complete with day beds, palm trees and sun loungers — all in white. Each rooms is different, but all are elegant and luxurious, with a collection of chic vintage furnishings, outdoor showers, fireplaces and fire pits. The restaurant and spa are really something too.
• The Willows Historic Inn is a Spanish mission style villa turned eight room boutique hotel. Historic and intimate, The Willows feels sufficiently off centre to say it’s quiet, while also being within walking distance of plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry. There’s a relaxed sitting room with a beamed and vaulted ceiling, and a breakfast room that spills out onto a rocky terrace. Grown-up, intimate and perfect for total relaxation.

For Palm Springs Style

• Palm Springs is a fantastic destination for anyone with a taste for mid century architecture and design, and the Dive Hotel has mid century style in spades, with a collection of 11 rooms and suites done up like something from St Tropez in the 1960s. The building is a modern, white bungalow, arranged around a central palm-fringed pool, with cute parasols and candy stripe sun loungers. Inside you’ll find a fantastic collection of retro rattan furniture and vintage Parisian picks. The suites have private hot tubs and sun terraces too.

For a Spa Break

• The Avalon Hotel Palm Springs is low-rise, 67 room resort hotel encircling a chic pool terrace, complete with day beds, chic cabanas, elegant tents, a cool bar, plenty of brightly coloured plants, and three pools. Kelly Wearstler has put her stamp on the hotel’s design, with a black and white theme and the odd splash of yellow. The Californian restaurant spills out onto the terrace, and the spa is well and truly something to write home about.

For Romantics

• La Serena Villas is a collection of beautiful, white, Spanish mission-style villas, arranged around a luxurious looking pool and a cool Mediterranean restaurant. 18 rooms and suites make up the accommodation; they’re all spacious, light and comfortable, with Moroccan-style furniture and antiques and carefully selected linens and soft furnishings. Some have private patios, vast bathtubs or fire pits. The rooftop terrace offers incredible views over the surrounding dessert, with one of Palm Springs’ trendiest neighbourhoods in the foreground.

For Families

• Perched on a rise on the edge of Palm Springs, the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage looks over it, and into the desert and mountains beyond — it’s quite a view! This is a large resort, with 244 rooms, suites and villas; a huge landscaped pool area for families, and an adults only infinity pool with views over the desert; an impressively thorough spa with a view; a choice of bars and restaurants; hotel bikes, and a kids club with a great list of activities and adventures. The best rooms have private terraces and fire pits, plus double-sized tubs.
• Set between the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains and Downtown Palm Springs, the Ingleside Inn is a small, elegant inn with great views of both. Some of the best views are out in the gardens by the stylish pool. Its 30 rooms and suites are quite traditional, with whitewashed walls, beamed ceilings, tiled floors and dark wood furniture. The restaurant, Melvyn’s, is a local stalwart. If you’re not looking for a kids club or special features, this hotel is a good size for a family-friendly pick. For families, there are complimentary cribs and some connecting room options.

For Great Value

• Colony Palms is an affordable pick amongst the luxury set. Its Moroccan themed decor sets the scene of a desert oasis, and the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, and the striped awnings around the pool and restaurant add to the atmosphere. It has 57 rooms and suites, all individually decorated with Moroccan-style antiques and patterns. Plus the elegant pool terrace and restaurant, and an impressive spa, which also has a Moroccan hamman theme.

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 The Best Hotels in Downtown Palm Springs
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

  • 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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  • L'Horizon Resort & Spa Palm Springs 25 rooms from AU$702

    
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    Total relaxation  -  A feeling of a posh friend's luxurious home, with indulgent spa treatments, a saltwater pool and beautifully arranged suites

    Great walks  -  There are loads of fantastic hikes and trails within reach of the resort, book tours through Indian Canyons Hiking Trails

    Restrictions on children  -  All guests must be 21 or over

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    

    A 1950's big shot Hollywood private retreat, turned effortlessly into an elegant boutique resort. Steve Hermann has worked his magic on the interior- think vintage furnishings, exposed beam ceilings and luxurious Frette sheets. With a fantastic restaurant, knockout spa and a central infinity pool. See More

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  • Dive Hotel, Palm Springs Palm Springs 11 rooms from AU$645

    
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    Total relaxation  -  Spend heavenly days sunbathing under a desert sun, swimming, drinking cocktails and lounging on day beds in this idyllic oasis

    City Style  -  The place to stay to channel Mad Men meets Brigitte Bardot levels of glamour; there are even custom-made cocktail cabinets

    Opulent  -  Le Reve and the Paris Suite boasts Christian Lacroix wallpaper, ceiling mural, belle epoque bed and Parisien chandeliers

    Exclusive use  -  Rent out the whole property with a group of friends for a party weekend get-away filled with pool parties and sundowners

    

    Stylish boutique retreat modeled on 1960s St Tropez. The classic white-wash modernist bungalow is home to a palm-fringed garden with fire pits, day beds, hot tub and pool surrounded by cute parasols. All-white rooms feature retro rattan furniture and wood floors. French Riviera chic in the desert. See More

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  • Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage Palm Springs (Rancho Mirage) 244 rooms from AU$570

    
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    Romantic Break  -  Bathtubs large enough for two, a romantic fine dining restaurant, and couples' treatments in the spa

    Spa breaks  -  The hotel's spa is one of the best in the region with treatments being locally inspired

    Families  -  The whole family will be kept entertained with the huge range of activities on offer

    Views  -  The whole property offers stunning views over the surrounding desert landscape

    

    A luxury resort located near Palm Springs offering far-reaching desert views. Spacious rooms are decorated in neutral hues, each has a large soaking tub and the best have terraces with fire pits. With a fine dining restaurant and one of the best spas in the region, this is a truly spoiling escape. 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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  • Parker Palm Springs Palm Springs (Canyon Sands) 144 rooms from AU$447

    
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    Total relaxation  -  Enjoy the lush gardens, excellent restaurants, sumptuous rooms and a top class spa

    City Style  -  A stylish, design rich retreat a short drive from the city centre

    Restaurant  -  Mr Parker's Restaurant specialises in French Cuisine, while Norma's serves up American and World cuisine

    Designer  -  Clean, bright and boldly playful design by Jonathan Adler

    

    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    Sumptuous design features punctuate this luxury resort in Palm Springs, boasting 3 pools, and 2 restaurants. Reminiscent of the city's Hollywood heyday hotels, the stylish PSYC Spa evokes 60s cool while offering an exhaustive range of contemporary treatments. Perfect for design conscious couples. 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Colony Palms Hotel Palm Springs (California) 57 rooms from AU$189

    
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    Parking  -  Free private parking on site is available. Reservations not needed.

    Hideaway  -  Tranquil, remote and surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the San Jacinto mountains.

    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A beautiful and charming hotel, hidden away in the heart of Palm Springs. Individually decorated rooms. Pool, hot tub, spa - a perfect and secluded hotel to relax in, as the sun sets over the San Jacinto mountains in full view. Smart, slick and stylish, featuring a Moroccan interior. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Monday, 7th March 2022