Where to Stay in Palm Springs 🇺🇸: Best 5 Places & Hotels for Palm Springs Getaway

Finding the perfect place to stay is crucial for your Palm Springs getaway. This desert oasis offers more than just swaying palm trees; each neighborhood has a distinct personality, from Old Hollywood glamour to vibrant, walkable hubs. Knowing where to stay in Palm Springs, California, will define your entire trip. You need a base that puts you near the best restaurants or offers a serene, pool-centric escape. This guide provides sharp, trustworthy advice to help you select the ideal spot for your stay.

Best Hotels in Palm Springs🔥

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
• ✨ 5-Star: Sparrows Lodge
• 🏨 4-Star: Renaissance Palm Springs
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel California
• 💸 Cheap: Motel 6-Palm Springs, CA - Downtown
• 🏢 Apartament: The Stardust Hotel - Adults Only
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Talavera Palm Springs
• 🏩 For Couples: Old Ranch Inn - Adults Only 21 & Up

Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃

1. Downtown & The Village: A Walkable Hotel Hub

This is the energetic core of Palm Springs, centered around the iconic Palm Canyon Drive. The area is a vibrant mix of shops, art galleries, and some of the best hotels in Palm Springs, including Parker Palm Springs and La Serena Villas. Staying at a hotel in Palm Springs or booking a suite at Thompson Palm Springs puts the city’s main attractions right at your doorstep, making it the best place to stay for a first visit.

The Authentic Detail:
The sound of lively chatter and cocktail shakers spilling out from a bustling Moroccan-inspired restaurant patio onto Palm Canyon Drive as the warm desert evening sets in creates an inviting and memorable atmosphere.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Downtown is eminently walkable, from the Palm Springs Art Museum to the Walk of Stars. An insider tip: On Thursday evenings, VillageFest transforms several blocks of Palm Canyon Drive into a lively street fair with food, crafts, and music, perfect for those who arrive Palm Springs wanting to experience the local community vibe.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: You can walk to dozens of top-tier restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Con: It can be the least tranquil area, with traffic and late-night noise. To mitigate this, look for a boutique property on a side street just off the main drag.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for first-time visitors and those who want to be in the center of the social scene. Skip if you’re seeking a quiet, secluded desert escape.

Best Hotels in Downtown & The Village

💎 Luxury Hotel

• Lucille Palm Springs — An intimate 7-room boutique hotel featuring Moroccan-inspired courtyards, private patios with outdoor Japanese soaking tubs, and a central location perfect for exploring downtown Palm Springs.
• Korakia Pensione — A 1.5-acre desert oasis offering 28 Mediterranean and Moroccan-style villas with secret gardens, two outdoor pools, and a romantic atmosphere ideal for adults seeking a unique artistic retreat.

⭐ Best Value Hotel

• Orbit In Palm Springs — A retro-chic boutique hotel celebrating 1950s modernism with breathtaking mountain views, a Boomerang bar, cruiser bikes, and mid-century design elements that capture vintage Palm Springs glamour.
• The Hideaway Palm Springs — An adults-only 12-room boutique hotel featuring mid-century modern design, vinyl record players in each room, and a tranquil pool area just steps from downtown Palm Springs nightlife.

💶 Smart Budget

• Alcazar Palm Springs — A stylish 34-room boutique hotel located in the Uptown Design District with modern amenities, a saltwater pool, garden courtyard, and walking access to popular restaurants like Cheeky’s and Birba.

2. Uptown Design District: For a Stylish Resort Stay

Just north of the main downtown strip, the Uptown Design District is where Palm Springs’ sophisticated, creative side shines. This area is known for its curated collection of mid-century modern furniture stores, chic boutiques, and art galleries. It’s the perfect base for a stylish resort and spa stay, such as the Colony Palms Hotel or Fleur Noire Hotel, with rooms and suites that allow you to lounge by the pool or enjoy the pool and hot tub after exploring what Palm Springs offers.

A Signature Moment:
Discovering a perfect vintage piece in one of the many design shops before retreating to a stylish resort pool with two pools and a Moroccan-inspired fire pit, lounging in the afternoon sun with a craft cocktail.

The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
While part of the main Palm Canyon Drive thoroughfare, this district has a more relaxed, upscale feel. It’s home to some of the city’s most talked-about newer restaurants and stylish hotels. Local advice: This is the best area for a leisurely afternoon of browsing high-end shops before settling in for a top-tier dinner, perhaps after yoga classes or a stroll through the Moorten Botanical Garden located just behind the hotel.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Unmatched access to world-class design shopping and a chic, creative atmosphere.
• Con: The nightlife is quieter here than in the main downtown area. A short walk or bike ride will get you back to the main hub of bars.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for design aficionados, shoppers, and those seeking a stylish, sophisticated base. Skip if you want the highest concentration of late-night bars at your doorstep.

Best Hotels in Uptown Design District

💎 Luxury Hotel

• Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs – A luxury hotel featuring a rooftop pool, sun-soaked terraces, and modern rooms in the heart of Palm Springs, ideal for a sophisticated getaway.
• The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage – An upscale resort offering lavish accommodations, championship golf, spa treatments, and panoramic desert views just a short drive from Palm Springs.

⭐ Best Value Hotel

• Andreas Hotel & Spa — Offering a cozy, home-like atmosphere, this hotel features comfortable rooms and a peaceful setting near downtown attractions.
• Andreas Hotel & Spa — Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this adults-only hotel offers spa services, lush gardens, and a calm retreat with warm hospitality.

💶 Smart Budget

• Old Ranch Inn - Adults Only 21 & Up — A boutique, adults-only hotel providing cozy rooms, classic mid-century style, and an inviting pool area close to city highlights.

3. The Movie Colony: A Legendary Getaway

Just a short walk from downtown, The Movie Colony is a quiet, star-studded residential neighborhood. This historic area is famous for its collection of homes once owned by Hollywood legends like Frank Sinatra and Cary Grant. It offers a tranquil atmosphere steeped in glamour and history, with boutique hotels that opened in the area offering Moroccan-inspired décor, swimming pools, and continental breakfast, making it one of Palm Springs’ most refined places to stay.

The Defining Scene:
Strolling down a quiet, palm-lined street at golden hour, admiring the meticulously preserved architecture and high privacy hedges that still whisper of golden-era secrets, or taking nearby hiking trails to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
The neighborhood is defined by its stunning mid-century and Spanish Colonial Revival homes. It’s home to some of the city’s most legendary boutique hotels that offer an exclusive villa experience. Insider knowledge: The best way to experience the area is with a self-guided architecture tour by bike, allowing you to cover more ground.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: Offers an incredibly peaceful and exclusive atmosphere steeped in Hollywood history.
• Con: You will need a car or bike to get to restaurants and shops. It is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk to the northern edge of downtown.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for architecture buffs, history lovers, and travelers seeking ultimate tranquility. Skip if you prioritize walkability and immediate access to amenities.

Best Hotels in The Movie Colony

💎 Luxury Hotel

• Drift Palm Springs — A modern boutique hotel known for its stylish design, rooftop pool, and central location near Palm Springs’ main attractions.
• The Hideaway Palm Springs — An adults-only boutique with tranquil poolside spaces, mid-century modern aesthetics, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for couples.

⭐ Best Value Hotel

• Holiday House Palm Springs — Cozy and home-like, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations just minutes from downtown Palm Springs.

💶 Smart Budget

• Motel 6 Palm Springs East — Affordable and convenient, this Motel 6 offers basic amenities and easy access to local attractions in Palm Springs East.

4. South Palm Springs (SoPa): A Trendy Villa Scene

South Palm Springs, or SoPa, is a haven for architecture lovers and those seeking a trendy scene with dramatic views. This area is known for its stunning mid-century modern homes, many available as vacation rentals, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains and bathed in the iconic Palm Springs sun.

A Sensory Snapshot:
The sharp, clean lines of a classic mid-century modern roofline perfectly silhouetted against the rugged, purple-hued San Jacinto Mountains at dusk, viewed from your private patio at one of the best Palm Springs hotels or a stylish rental like Terra Palm Springs.

Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
This part of town is more spread out, offering a sense of privacy and space, perfect for a private villa getaway. It’s home to several classic hotels, including the oldest operating hotel in Palm, and is near hiking at Indian Canyons. A pro tip: This is the premier neighborhood for finding a stylish rental with a private pool, perfect for creating your own exclusive desert oasis in Uptown Palm Springs or nearby Palm Desert.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: A hip, serene atmosphere with beautiful mountain views and proximity to nature.
• Con: It’s not walkable to downtown’s main attractions. You will need a car, bike, or use a ride-sharing service to get around.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for couples, wellness seekers, and those looking for a stylish boutique hotel experience. Skip if your main goal is to walk to dinner and bars every night.

Best Hotels in South Palm Springs (SoPa)

💎 Luxury Hotel

• Indian Wells Resort — A luxurious desert resort with championship golf courses, spa services, and plenty of dining options, ideal for a refined getaway.

⭐ Best Value Hotel

• Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection — A boutique hotel blending mid-century modern charm with contemporary comfort, featuring a pool and lush landscaping.

💶 Smart Budget

• Oasis Palm Springs — A cozy resort with spacious rooms, multiple pools, and a tranquil garden setting, perfect for relaxation and golf enthusiasts.

5. Warm Sands: A Private, Adults-Only Oasis

Nestled just southeast of the downtown core, Warm Sands is a quiet residential neighborhood known for being a secluded retreat. It has the highest concentration of adults-only inns and resorts in Palm Springs, many of which are clothing-optional and cater to the LGBTQ+ community, offering an unparalleled sense of privacy and a truly relaxing stay.

The Authentic Detail:
The profound quiet of a walled courtyard, where the only sounds are the gentle splashing of a pool on the hotel grounds and the rustle of palm fronds in the desert breeze, reminiscent of the Moroccan-inspired style found in some of the operating hotels in Palm Springs.

On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
The vibe here is discreet and deeply relaxing. Properties are typically smaller, historic inns or contemporary hotels with lush hotel grounds, a central pool, and a hot tub, fostering a communal yet private atmosphere. Insider tip: Because it’s almost entirely residential, it’s one of the quietest neighborhoods, yet it remains just a 5-minute drive from high-rise hotels and popular Palm Springs restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive, making it easy to find the best dining and entertainment options.

Quick Take (Pro & Con):

• Pro: The ultimate destination for privacy, relaxation, and a resort-focused stay.
• Con: Lacks its own commercial center with restaurants or shops. A short walk or drive is necessary to reach the amenities of Palm Canyon Drive.

Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers looking for an adults-only, resort-centric, and LGBTQ±friendly vacation. Skip if you are traveling with children or want dining and shopping right outside your door.

Best Hotels in Warm Sands

💎 Luxury Hotel

• Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villas — A sprawling resort providing elegant rooms, multiple pools, tennis courts, and family-friendly amenities close to Palm Springs.

⭐ Best Value Hotel

• The Saguaro Palm Springs — A colorful and lively hotel known for its vibrant fiesta vibe, pool parties, and walkable location to downtown attractions.

💶 Smart Budget

• Ace Hotel and Swim Club — A trendy hotspot with retro design, a vibrant social scene, and a popular pool area attracting creatives and young travelers.

FAQ About Staying in Palm Springs

What is the best area for a first-time visitor?

For first-time visitors, Downtown & The Village is the best choice. Its walkability and high concentration of restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Palm Springs Art Museum make it the most convenient and vibrant base for exploring.

What is the best area to stay in Palm Springs for Coachella?

While the festival is in Indio, many attendees stay in Palm Springs. The best area is in South Palm Springs (SoPa) or near a major hotel that serves as an official shuttle stop. This makes transit to the Coachella Valley much easier and avoids the need to drive.

Is it better to stay in a hotel or a vacation rental in Palm Springs?

This depends on your group size and desired experience. Hotels are perfect for couples seeking a resort atmosphere with a pool and spa, especially in areas like Warm Sands. A spacious vacation rental in SoPa is often better for groups or families who want a kitchen and a private pool.

What is the most walkable neighborhood in Palm Springs?

Downtown & The Village, along Palm Canyon Drive, is by far the most walkable neighborhood. You can easily spend a full day and evening exploring its shops, galleries, and restaurants entirely on foot.

What part of Palm Springs has the best views?

South Palm Springs (SoPa) offers the most dramatic and unobstructed views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Many properties and villas in this area are designed specifically to maximize these stunning desert landscapes.