Steeped in mid-century modern architecture, Palm Springs is an easy escape (just two hours from Los Angeles), as a destination to decompress and rejuvenate and a design mecca for aficionados of all things vintage. Experience the best of Palm Springs with a scenic hike, mid-century art tour, hot springs soak or boutique resort. Picking the right hotel is an important step to ensure your enjoyment of this sunny oasis. Choose one of these favorite stays, suited for every kind of traveler.
Villa Royale for a romantic retreat
Take in the forever sunshine and desert landscape while floating the day away at Villa Royale, a boutique Spanish-style villa-esque hotel built in 1947, with three intimate pools and generous views of the mountains. The setting offers private mid-century modern rooms and a complimentary outdoor continental breakfast spread with fresh croissants, bagels, yogurt, berries, hard boiled eggs, coffee, juices and bubbly.
Bold portrait art and colorful wall murals mesh with Spanish tiles and romantic courtyard fountains. The ambiance is accentuated by dramatic sunsets, majestic hugging mountains with swaying palm trees, warm winds and expertly crafted cocktails served poolside. Del Rey, the dimly lit cozy speakeasy bar/restaurant, invites guests to order off a broad tapas menu, which can be amplified with Cava and expertly crafted Mezcal cocktails.
At night, swim under the stars in the heated pool, grab warm cookies and milk left out for guests and quickly realize here in Palm Springs, life can’t get much better.
Azure Sky for a quiet couples weekend, wellness escape or group buyout
Transformed into a design lover’s Zen oasis, a former 1950s apartment building has been reborn as swanky secluded Azure Sky Hotel, a 14-room adults-only sanctuary set in the tranquil Deepwell Estates neighborhood, not far from Villa Royale and just minutes from the action of downtown. Serenity is the first word that comes to mind during a stay here. Rooms are donned in a calming modern aesthetic with uber-comfy mattresses set in floating platform beds and curvy clean lines, with pops of black peppered throughout the art, furniture and architecture. Brand new bathrooms are outfitted in stone tile flooring with walk-in mosaic tile showers. Almost all rooms offer impressive kitchenettes and private patios with hammocks or chairs. Besides the luxe midcentury modern lobby “living room” entrance that flows into the outdoors, the property’s other stunner is the oversized poolscape with jacuzzi and unobstructed views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Guests are treated to a welcome cocktail or healthy elixir and made to feel right at home. While no food service currently exists, daily complimentary healthy breakfast treats are brought to your doorstep in a basket. Drinks like Aperol Spritz, unique spirit mixes and well-crafted healthy mocktails can be delivered to your lounge chair. Azure Sky’s peaceful setting is the perfect place to unwind and relax poolside. For the ultimate experience, book the 2-room Agave Suite with living room and kitchenette separated from the bedroom.
Wellness seekers can create their own Zen. Use the hotel’s complimentary bikes to cruise the mid-century modern neighborhood to admire the cacti landscape and vintage homes. Take advantage of the in-room yoga mat in the courtyard lawn, swim in the resort pool, order a healthy Mertails elixir tonic from wildcrafted herbs, and end each evening next to the fire pit or soaking in the hot tub under the desert stars. You’ll be sure to sleep well under the Azure Sky.
For those looking to refuel their soul with a group gathering, book several rooms or the whole hotel for birthdays, anniversaries, events or special occasions.
Royal Sun for a social soiree or girls’ getaway
Royal Sun is a newly rebranded retreat for the mid-century modern design lover, with carefully curated art and playful vintage décor that plays on the name – all in desert hues with gold accents, plush furniture and swanky headboards resembling a dreamy desert sunset. The impressive design is carried out beautifully throughout the entire property. It’s hard not to be inspired by the details like vintage glam lamps, velvet mod sofas, fringed poolside umbrellas in desert shades and even surprises like disco ball planters glittering in the cacti gardens and a vintage convertible out back with the car’s interior acting as a planter stuffed with real desert plants.
The sharply angled canopy entrance feels Asian-inspired but also reminiscent of a classic American 60s roadside motel with stone façade. The pool offers dramatic mountain views and is located right across from Moorton Botanical Garden, a favorite stop to admire mature desert plants from all over the world. Order a Michelada poolside, Chilaquiles for breakfast or a shared kebob board for dinner in their petite swanky restaurant donned in checkered floors, bold wallpaper, curved booths and retro barstools.
The hotel is perfect for the young hip traveler who enjoys socializing. Their outdoor poolscape features many different seating areas within a firepit garden oasis, becoming a popular hangout day or night, while some of the hottest restaurants in town are a short walk away.
L’Horizon Resort and Spa for a chic hideaway
Unwind at the exclusive, intimate, 1950s-era, unassuming bungalow where comfy patios, private outdoor showers and glamorous pool settings under the mountains and palm trees will bring enough peace to your soul to last for months. The luxury setting is a quiet retreat where guests can unwind in a white canvas cabana all day, dine at the outside bar, and float in the pool while ice water is delivered without skipping a beat. This simple act feels so thoughtful and embodies the high level of service that this all-star team brings.
Designed by midcentury architect William F. Cody, the property has been lovingly restored by interior designer Steve Hermann, but with the conveniences of modern day – like Apple TVs, Bluetooth speaker systems and motorized curtains to block out early morning sunrises. Imagine the Hollywood Golden era here, as L’Horizon was a favorite celeb destination spot in the 1950s and 1960s. Rejuvenate at the spa, next to a sleek fire, or a few feet away dine at the resort’s decadent indoor-outdoor restaurant – SO*PA – with firepits, fountains and outdoor chandeliers. The same menu can also be delivered to your room.
For the ultimate indulgence, book one of the 25 Hermann Bungalows – almost like mini luxurious apartments surrounding an exclusive glowing blue pool – located in a secret area inside L’Horizon Resort and Spa. This stylish oasis is why you come to the desert!
The Kimpton Rowan for a downtown room with a view
While this boutique hotel is not at petit as those mentioned above, the central location is a destination in itself. Nestled in the heart of downtown, The Rowan is the tallest building in Palm Springs – with the best views of the entire desert valley floor, glorious for the sunset above the desert landscape, with looming mountains in every direction. The modern building gives an appreciation for a former era, with a massive macrame owl hanging behind the check-in desk, art showcasing the area’s beloved architectural styles and a framed window behind the bar bringing the palm tree mountain views inside. And now, guests are able to retrieve bubbly from a Moët vending machine in the lobby.
A stay here includes complimentary amenities such as wine, beer, and snacks at afternoon social hour, cruiser bikes and six pickle ball courts (the only courts in downtown Palm Springs), sunken in between the hotel and the Palm Springs Art Gallery. Consider booking a corner room with free standing deep soaking tub and almost 180-degree window views, facing the Marilyn Monroe statue hiding in the palm fronds, the pickle ball courts, and the inspiring mountainscape.
Many rooms come with grand private terraces, ideal for morning coffee, a work session, or just admiring the tranquility of desert life. Here at The Rowan, you don’t need to go far, as you can chill out at the rooftop pool in a cabana, sidle over to High Bar for sunset cocktails or take a leisurely brunch at Juniper Table’s newly refreshed café off the lobby. For a memorable dining experience, the hotel’s 4 Saints restaurant sits on an open-air rooftop. The Michelin-recommended restaurant serves stellar menu options like corn crab peanut agnolotti, short rib ravioli and tender lamb chops.
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