Palm Springs, the sun-drenched desert oasis, is famed for its mid-century modern architecture, majestic mountain backdrops, and outstanding boutique hotels. These intimate establishments offer a unique and personalized lodging experience set apart from traditional hotel chains, ensuring your stay in its best hotels is both memorable and exclusive.
The city offers a huge range of boutique hotels – more range than this travel blogger has seen before. There is everything from high-end design to quirky kitsch to small to large, minimalist to rustic, and more in between.
I visited Palm Springs thanks to Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. The organisation is like a joint marketing body for hotels with fewer than 50 rooms in Palm Springs so they know their boutique hotels. I personally visited eight of the hotels in this article and gained information on the balance of hotels from Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.
NB: Whilst Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels sponsored my stay in Palm Springs I have chosen the hotels to appear in this article and my opinions are my own. However, if you make a booking through one of the links in this article I may receive a small commission. This helps me to keep this website going.
Top Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a treasure trove of elegant boutique hotels each offering unique amenities, from serene garden settings to private patios with mountain views. As you plan your stay, consider these top boutique accommodations for an intimate and luxurious experience.
NB: Room rates in Palm Springs will vary strongly across the year. June to August is the cheapest time of year and September-November is the shoulder season. The most expensive time of year is around the Coachella festival.
And do check what is included in your room rate. Some hotels in Palm Springs charge a separate resort fee that covers using amenities like the use of the swimming pool. Every hotel in this article has an outdoor swimming pool.
My Top 3 Pics for Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
1. The Velvet Rope
The Velvet Rope was designed and is operated by Palm Springs real estate guru David Rios. Rios has been designing and selling houses in Palm Springs for 25 years but The Velvet Rope is his first hotel. Originally built by Herbert Burns in 1951, Rios acquired the property in 2022 when it was in a derelict state. He kept the classic motel layout but reimagined the rooms as tributes to some of Hollywood’s most famous names, from the Rat Pack to Lucille Ball to Elizabeth Taylor and more.
You might enjoy reading my article on the 21 Best Things to do in Palm Springs.
Best For: Design Delighted Couples
Atmosphere: Relaxed and Quirky
What’s Unique: the stylish attention to detail in the 9 completely unique themed rooms and the gorgeous pool.
Number of Rooms: 9 (I stayed in the Lucille Ball suite and highly recommend it)
Eating & Drinking: Bar Valerie offers small plates and wine and beer.
Location: North of downtown but still close enough to walk
Price Range: 4 star
NB: The Velvet Rope opened in November 2023 so there were few ratings or reviews as I wrote this article. However, I stayed at The Velvet Rope and would give it a 10/10.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at The Velvet Rope
2. Alcazar Palm Springs
🌟Rating: 9/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Find modern luxury combined with Spanish charm at Alcazar Palm Springs. This is a serene and chic oasis in Palm Springs’s Design District. The rooms are whitewashed and minimal but still very comfortable. And I loved meeting the delightful General Manager Robert, who makes a special effort with all guests.
Nicely run boutique hotel. The front desk personnel are amazing. So friendly, so nice. My flight was delayed all day so every time I called with an update, they were like “no problem”. The rooms are nicely decorated and very clean and stylish in all white. Location is easy to get to so many places. Appreciated the non-allergenic bedding.“Mary, Read more Reviews
Best For: Minimalist loving couples
Atmosphere: minimalist and serene but relaxed
What’s Unique: The stunning outdoor area – a salt water purified pool, cooling misters, garden courtyard, and fire and water walls.
Number of Rooms: 34
Eating & Drinking: Breakfast is served at the popular Palm Springs restaurant Cheeky’s
Location: Uptown Design District, main attractions in Palm Springs are walkable.
And: 3 dog friendly rooms, there is a small kitchen next to reception with a proper espresso machine, microwave, wine glasses etc
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Alcazar
3. Mahala
🌟Rating: 9.4/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Mahala is a desert gem offering a peaceful retreat complete with desirable amenities like hot tubs and private patios. Mahala was built in 1957 and has a classic motel layout with its 14 rooms situated around the pool. Art is ever present at Mahala in both the communal spaces and the rooms.
“This really is a hidden gem in Palm Springs! The room was beautiful and clean, you had everything you needed and they even left some snacks and drinks for us! Loved our little terrace in front of the room and the pool.”
Sofie, Read More Reviews
Best For: Those looking for an adults-only hotel with a central location but a serene feel
Atmosphere: Relaxed and stylish
What’s Unique: Luxurious rain showers and original art in every room.
Number of Rooms: 14
Eating & Drinking: Mahala is across the road from Bill Reed’s, one of the most famous restaurants in Palm Springs. Coffee and tea making facilities in the room.
Location: North Palm Springs/Little Tuscany
And: Great views of the mountains and the Palm Springs Aerial Tram
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Mahala
4. Azure Sky
🌟Rating: 9.4/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Azure Sky is a boutique sanctuary that blends comfort with style, featuring sleek minimalist design, an inviting outdoor pool, two courtyards and two fire pits. There are five one-bedroom suites, and 11 of the hotel’s rooms have serene private patios with hammocks, while 12 come equipped with kitchenettes.
I loved the stylish and spacious lobby where continental breakfast is served in the morning.
“This hotel was better than many of the other 4 star hotels in the area. It is super clean, super stylish, offers great service. Beauty all around. Definitely highly recommend staying there. We will be coming back!”
Jonathan, Read More Reviews
Best For: Longer stays, Adults Only
Atmosphere: Scandinavian clean lines create a feeling of serenity
What’s Unique: The doors leading to the suites are all painted to match the sky at sunrise, patios come with hammocks
Number of Rooms: 15
Eating & Drinking: Lobby Bar is open 7am to 9pm
Location: South Palm Springs
And: large hot tub that can accommodate 25 people.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Azure Sky
5. Casa Cody
🌟Rating: 8.9/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Casa Cody is the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs. It has an old time Hollywood feel but feels fresh due to recent investments in modernizing the property. Casa Cody is spread over 1.5 hectares so despite having quite a few rooms, it still feels boutique.
“Beautiful stay, I desperately need to come back. Very peaceful and tranquil surroundings with the most perfect view of the mountains, ideal location. The bed was a dream, modern furnishings throughout.”
Hannmurr, Read More Reviews
Best For: Old School Palm Springs meets Hacienda with mod cons, history lovers
Atmosphere: Relaxed country estate.
What’s Unique: Two swimming pools, the entire property can be rented out, 1930s ranch house option as well as cottages (four freestanding houses in total).
Number of Rooms: 30
Eating & Drinking: The Marketplace has a bistro, patio seating and serves the pool area. Breakfast is served at the Marketplace and an all day menu is served from 7am to 10pm.
Location: Downtown Palm Springs
And: an underground wine cellar where tastings can be held, Pet Friendly, Class 1 Historic Site
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Casa Cody
6. Old Ranch Inn
🌟Rating: 9.5/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Old Ranch Inn is a cosy boutique hotel in downtown Palm Springs. The layout is classic motel with its eight rooms placed around the pool. The design theme at this small boutique hotel is a modern take on the Old West with spacious rooms, ceiling fans and an eye for detail. All of the rooms have their own private patio and there is free wifi.
This small hotel is run by a lovely couple, Troy and Jason. You will almost definitely meet them during your stay.
“Very clean and great attention the little details that make a stay just that little more enjoyable. We loved the central pool, easy parking and walking distance to town.”
Blair, Read More Reviews
Best For: a cosy intimate stay, self-catering.
Atmosphere: Intimate and Relaxed
What’s Unique: Ranch style, close to mountains for hiking, property was built in the 1930s
Number of Rooms: 8
Eating & Drinking: All rooms have kitchenettes, refrigerators, microwaves and coffeemaker.
Location: Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood near downtown
And: dogs are welcome, the property is walled and gated, firepit, over 21 years old only, two rooms have fireplaces
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at the Old Ranch Inn
7. Los Arboles
🌟Rating: 8.6/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Located in the historic Tennis Club neighborhood and a few steps from downtown, Los Arboles features a heated pool and authentic Mexican cuisine. This family-run hotel has a rustic hacienda design theme with a fantastic rooftop deck, courtyard swimming pool and hot tub.
“Very quiet, unique setting. Beautifully presented room. We ate at the attached restaurant in the evening. Excellent margaritas and Mexican food on the terrace.”
Suzanne, Read More Reviews
Best For: Families, Mexican food lovers
Atmosphere: Friendly, relaxed
What’s Unique: Outstanding Mexican on-site restaurant El Mirasol on site. Even if you aren’t staying I highly recommend having a meal at El Mirasol while in Palm Springs.
Number of Rooms: 21
Eating & Drinking: El Mirasol is on-site and open 9am to 9pm Wednesday–Sunday. Food can also be served by the pool.
Location: Downtown/Tennis Club Neighborhood
And: free bikes available for guests, rooms feature art work and sculptures from local artists.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Los Arboles
8. Trixie Motel
Owned by well known draft queen Trixie Mattel, this was the pinkest hotel I have ever seen. The Trixie Motel was designed by David Rios (owner of my number one choice The Velvet Rope) with his trademark eye for detail and color. It’s a classic motel layout with plenty of pink and white chairs and pink flamingos as well as some palm trees for contrast. Even the lifeguard’s chair is pink.
Best For: those seeking a very Instagram friendly boutique hotel
Atmosphere: Pink and Kitsch
What’s Unique: Did I mention it is oh so pink? I loved the bar/lounge area and its pink palm feel.
Number of Rooms: Seven
Eating & Drinking: On site cafe and bar is open all day and serves snacks and small bites.
Location: North Palm Springs
And: The Trixie Motel has its own reality show that airs on Max and Discovery+. The 8 part series covers the renovation of the motel. And they have their own gift shop for pink souvenirs.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at The Trixie Motel
9. Sparrows Lodge
🌟Rating: 8.9/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Originally built as Castle’s Red Barn in 1951 by MGM actor Don Castle, this was one of the first resort getaways for the Hollywood elite. Today, it is known as Sparrows Lodge and has maintained the feel of a 1950s ranch retreat with all the mod cons.
The rooms feature exposed beam ceilings, russet red walls, concrete floors with inlaid pebbles and butterfly chairs. The property has a communal barn, an outdoor fire pit, a vegetable garden and of course a pool.
“The relaxing, almost retreat atmosphere. poolside was superb, sun cream, iced water and towels. room was super with front loungers and a table to sit plus a rear private patio. staff super friendly and a great continental breakfast”
Timothy, Read More Reviews
Best For: A Ranch style experience combined with some digital detox
Atmosphere: Summer camp for adults
What’s Unique: horse troughs as bathtubs, no TVs or phones in the room
Number of Rooms: 20
Eating & Drinking: Breakfast is included in the room rate and served at the Barn Kitchen. A lunch of sandwiches and salads is available. Evening meals are available for Chicken Wednesdays and Steak Saturdays.
Location: South Palm Springs
Price Range:
And: Adults only property
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Sparrows Lodge
You might enjoy reading my articles on Solage Spa, Things to do in Calistoga, Calistoga Hot Springs and weekends away from San Francisco.
10. La Serena Villas
🌟Rating: 9.3/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
La Serena Villas boasts luxurious villas that offer an intimate setting against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. Originally built in 1933, the hotel sits on over an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of downtown Palm Springs. The property was renovated in 2016 by award-winning architect May Sung to incorporate all the amenities of a 5 star hotel.
Each villa has a private patio, claw foot bathtub, fire pit and built-in benches. The design aesthetic is modern and clean with wooden floorboards, white walls and high beamed ceilings.
“This is a small scale hotel, that welcomes its guests full heartedly and wishes to make them feel comfortable for the entire stay. The love for detail in de decoration all over the hotel and in the individual rooms is stunning.
Cedric, Read More Reviews
Best For: spa indulgence and restoration.
Atmosphere: Calm and caring
What’s Unique: Whispers Spa on site
Number of Rooms: 18 guest rooms
Eating & Drinking: On site restaurant Acuzar
Location: Downtown Palm Springs
Price Range:
And: Rooftop bar Sugar High
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at La Serena Villas
11. Villa Royale
🌟Rating: 9/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Encounter boutique luxury at Villa Royale, where you can enjoy the vintage charm and an outdoor pool for your leisurely swims. Originally built in 1947, this luxury boutique hotel was renovated and reopened in 2018. The design aesthetic is old California meets stylish vintage.
“At Villa Royal, I was transported to the glamorous world of 1950s movie stars. The opulent surroundings, impeccable service, and attention to detail made me feel like I was living in a golden age Hollywood film.
Fabian, Read More Reviews
Best For: Stylish dog owners
Atmosphere: Stylish artsy retreat
What’s Unique: More than 50 pieces of original artwork, three swimming pools.
Number of Rooms: 38
Eating & Drinking: Del Rey is the onsite bar and eatery
Location: South Palm Springs, you’ll need to get in a car for the short drive downtown
Price Range:
And: Amenities include in-room pet beds and plush dog toys, dog and cat food, custom-made dog tags and in-room VIP (Very Important Pet) door hangers. Complementary ebikes.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Villa Royale
12. Korakia Pensione
🌟Rating: /10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Savor the Mediterranean atmosphere at Korakia Pensione with its crafted villas and lantern-lit pathways. Comprised of a 1918 adobe, a 1924 bungalow and a 1930s villa, the property has been styled as a Mediterranean-style pension. There are no TVs, phones or clocks but there are lots of board games and books.
The Moroccan courtyard at the hotel is filled with fountains, a waterfall, olive trees, date palms, citrus, and bougainvillea. Hundreds of candles and lanterns are lit once the sun sets, creating a magical feel.
“This hotel is so lovely – the staff is welcoming and charming and the grounds are beautiful. Such care has been taken and it shows. From the daily breakfast to the firepits and movies – we loved every second.”
Shelly, Read More Reviews
Best For: Detox wellness vacations, solo travelers
Atmosphere: Marakesh Riad in Palm Springs
What’s Unique: Wellness focus, two heated saltwater pools
Number of Rooms: 28 plus 4 houses
Eating & Drinking: Breakfast is served in the Moroccan courtyard and lunch is available.
Location: Historic Tennis Club
Price Range:
And: Outdoor yoga classes, afternoon Moroccan tea service, meditation sessions, outdoor movies overnight
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Korakia Pensione
13. Holiday House
🌟Rating: 9.5/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Experience artful living at Holiday House, focusing on communal spaces and chic, mid-century design. Designed by well known Palm Springs architect Herbert W. Burns, the property originally opened in 1951. It was renovated in 2017, and today, it features a design aesthetic of bright blue and white in the rooms and communal areas.
“Very cool design, immaculate rooms, great location and lovely pool/spa area.”
Benjamin, Read More Reviews
Best For: Stylish art-loving couples looking to easily explore Palm Springs (great location in the heart of downtown)
Atmosphere: Stylish friend’s holiday house
What’s Unique: Blue and White aesthetic and original artworks
Number of Rooms: 28
Eating & Drinking: The Pantry serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fried chicken dinners are held twice a month.
Location: Downtown Palm Springs
Price Range:
And: Gio Ponti inspired tile-work in the bar and artwork throughout the property including pieces by David Hockney, Roy Liechtenstein, Herb Ritts, Alex Katz and Mr. Brainwash, with a garden sculpture by Donald Sultan, Adults Only
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Holiday House
14. Monkey Tree
🌟Rating: /10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Originally designed and built in 1960 by renowned modernist architect Albert Frey, the Monkey Tree Hotel was renovated and re-opened in 2016. White walls set off color pops in the rooms and communal areas. Enjoy a spa treatment during your stay.
“It had the charme and style of a 60’s Palm Springs Hotel that I was looking and hoping for. Absolutely LOVED IT!”
Andy, read More Reviews
Best For: Great value
Atmosphere: Relaxed
What’s Unique: First Scandinavian Spa in Palm Springs with sauna, hot tub and cold plunge pool.
Number of Rooms: 16
Eating & Drinking: breakfast is included in the room rate,
Location: Desert Park Estates (you’ll need a car to get downtown)
Price Range:
And: It is rumored that John Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe once had a tryst at this hotel! Dogs are welcome.
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Monkey Tree
15. Arrive Palm Springs
🌟Rating: /10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Arrive Palm Springs invites you to an interactive experience with communal fire pits and a vibrant atmosphere. Guests communicate with staff via text messaging, and check-in is at the bar. The hotel was built with energy-efficiency and sustainability in mind.
The pool has private cabanas and fire pits and during summer the Dive-In Movie Series runs.
“Pool, Rooms are wonderful. The Bar Service was great. Thank you, I recommend this property, second stay in five years and it did not disappoint again.”
Marc, Read More Reviews
Best For: Tech and coffee lovers
Atmosphere: modern resort
What’s Unique: All rooms have private patios with fireplaces
Number of Rooms: 32
Eating & Drinking: Palm Canyon Swim and Social serves all day brunch by the pool, there is an icecream shop combined with a gift shop and the Cartel Coffee Lab.
Location: Uptown Design District
Price Range:
And: bocce court and games area, no resort fees, ping pong table
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Arrive
16. Les Cactus
🌟Rating: 9.3/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Les Cactus, named after the 60s French rock n’ roll hit, delivers a whimsical stay with lush gardens and a heated pool. This historic 1930s property offers a minimal yet chic design at a good value price. It sees itself as being an “Airbnb-meets-hotel” experience in the desert.
The design aesthetic is mid-century in candy colors. The property has a saltwater pool, hot tub, massage room, high-speed wifi, bicycles and outdoor fire pit.
“Super clean, super cute, super friendly staff! Loved all the little touches like the welcome bag and the morning breakfast basket. The huge hot tub and deep pool were also a massive plus. We also weren’t expecting a private outdoor patio!!…”
Benjamin, Read More Reviews
Best For: hipster couples
Atmosphere: Relaxed and Funky
What’s Unique: The pinkest hotel in Palm Springs after the Trixie
Number of Rooms: 27, 4 room types
Eating & Drinking: Daily breakfast, complimentary snacks, selection of wine, beer and cocktails
Location: Baristo, walking distance to downtown
Price Range:
And: Guest 21 years of age and over only, dogs allowed under conditions
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Les Cactus
17. Fleur Noire Hotel
🌟Rating: 9.4/10 I Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I 🏩View on Booking.com
Fleur Noire Hotel entices with its art-centric approach that carries through its unique rooms and garden spaces. This Palm Springs hotel first opened in the 1940s as Burket’s Trade Wines Hotel. The grounds are covered in native desert plants and palo fierro trees.
“This property is amazing! It’s immaculate and so well decorated, even to the smallest detail. The pool was amazing and the games and ground surrounding was so nice to chill in.
Katrina, Read More Reviews
Best For: Rose loving couples
Atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly.
What’s Unique: bold floral wallpaper and murals by artist Louise Jones, Champagne and Rose bar La Boisson with room service
Number of Rooms: 21 casitas, studios and standard rooms.
Eating & Drinking: The Clubhouse is open from 7am to 10pm with a communal pantry, lounge seating and working and dining areas.
Location: North Palm Springs
Price Range:
And: Adults only
⇒ Check Prices and Availability at Fleur Noire
Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs in Conclusion
Each boutique hotel in Palm Springs has its unique flair, whether you’re seeking old Hollywood glamour or modernist charm. Your perfect getaway awaits in these thoughtfully designed spaces that promise an unforgettable stay in the desert.
So which Palm Springs boutique hotel will you choose? I would love it if you could share your Palm Springs boutique hotel experiences in the comments.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.
Cassie Pilgrim
Sunday 14th of January 2024
Desert Hills is my top pick, I go back again and again. Beautiful grounds and spacious rooms in a location with a perfect Mountain View!
Amanda OBrien
Monday 15th of January 2024
Thanks Cassie!