Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Palm Springs 2023

A true oasis in the midst of a huge, hot sprawling desert, Palm Springs has had a long history of attracting the Hollywood elite from major film directors to starlets looking for fun, relaxation respite from all the Los Angeles city hassles. Known for its spas, sublime restaurants, bars and boutiques, and more than a healthy dose of fifties stylish kitsch, Palm Springs is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Its colorful history and celebrity magnet status also ensure that its large collection of low-rise hotels and gorgeous retro-styled boutiques are utterly unique. From my own time spent in this cool place here are my favorite trendy, unique, and just plain fun hotels in Palm Springs, California (in no particular order)…

1. L’Horizon Resort and Spa – this gorgeous, unique and very Instagrammable small luxury retreat is one of the best hotels to stay in Palm Springs

If you’re looking for where to stay in Palm Springs, look no further than L’Horizon, Palm Springs’ top boutique hotel with oodles of Hollywood history and glamour.

Built in 1952 and designed by world-renowned architect to the stars William F. Cody, L’Horizon has hosted timeless icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable.

This is an all-bungalow boutique hotel with only 25 units available, making it a highly exclusive and intimate experience. Each bungalow features oversized marble baths and showers, high-end antique furnishings, 600-thread-count linens, and several other luxurious amenities.

All of the bungalows have sweeping views, and some have exposed brick walls or beam ceilings. The suite bungalows also feature amazing details such as motorized curtains, private outdoor showers, and direct access to the beautiful pool. For the ultimate luxurious experience, try The Residence, the former home of Jack Wrather.

• To book, check prices or availability for the L’Horizon Resort and Spa

2. Ace Hotel and Swim Club – one of coolest hotels to stay in Palm Springs perfect for hip couples or partying singles 

A hidden treasure in downtown Palm Springs, the exceptionally rated and much-loved Ace Hotel and Swim Club is a seriously lush and trendy spa resort close to the Joshua Tree National Park, Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain, and masses of hip vintage boutiques and cool bars, and swanky restaurants.

An arty haven for the hip, you can enjoy a laid-back massage or treatment at their ‘Feel Good Spa’, sip on cocktails at their lively bar or just chill out around one of their two pools.

The interior has been designed with mid-century simplicity in mind and has plenty of super-cute retro touches to add to the vintage Americana vibe that this hip Palm Springs hotel is so proud of.

Feeling hungry? Enjoy traditional American fare in the Kings Highway Diner, or grab a cocktail or artisanal beer from The Amigo Room. Perfect for any road trip or relaxing holiday, the gorgeous Ace Hotel is a taste of days gone by with a delicious modern twist!

• To book, check prices or availability for Ace Hotel and Swim Club

3. The Paloma Resort – a fun, hip and Insta-worthy hotel with a trendy and colorful retro theme perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs

The Coachella Valley near Palm Springs has always been a super hip, trendy destination and La Paloma Resort continues that tradition.

The resort itself dates back to the 1850s, and the bungalows were built in 1919. The mission-style adobe buildings with their stunning background of the mountain ranges are just south of downtown and also a good base for hiking and exploring excursions in the desert.

You’ll have plenty of privacy and space in the suites and bungalows, all of which have their own private poolside patios or balconies, and amenities like stocked minibars and king-sized beds to relax.

The Sol y Sombra restaurant is a foodie destination in its own right, with Spanish-style tapas and drinks and indoor and outdoor seating options.

Onsite you’ll also find free bikes you can use, a wellness center with a hot tub, and a spa.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Paloma Resort

4. La Serena Villas – serene Spanish-inspired luxury perfect for a chic and romantic Palm Springs staycation 

Set in beautiful gardens, this elegant, historic, and exceptionally rated hotel in downtown Palm Springs, is within walking distance of the famous Palm Canyon Drive, with its fancy restaurants, upmarket boutiques, and galleries.

Carefully designed throughout, every single part of this very impressive and very chic Palm Springs hotel has been handpicked by interior designers to create a picture-perfect, Hispanic-inspired luxury hotel.

Each of the secluded private villas at La Serena Villas sits against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains and offers a private patio with romantic claw foot bathtubs and fire pits. Opt for an upgrade and find yourself with ultra-lush amenities like plunge pools, living areas, kitchens, 4-poster beds, and even a front porch with a swing – aw!

Relax at the onsite Whispers Spa, dine on fine cuisine at the Azucar restaurant, or just sunbathe by the retro-cool outdoor pool.

If you are feeling more bohemian, sit back with a beer at the Sugar High rooftop bar and take in the amazing scenery laid out before you.

• To book, check prices or availability for La Serena Villas

5. Fleur Noire Hotel – a stunning boutique design hotel with bright, stylish interiors, an outdoor pool and a speakeasy rosé bar

The 11 guest rooms in this over-21 boutique hotel are decorated with unique botanical murals by the internationally known painter Louisa Jones, inspired by the local flora and fauna.

The scatter of low-roofed adobe buildings has private casitas, bungalows and suites built around a pool and patio, with lounge chairs to enjoy your time at this hidden gem in the desert.

The rooms at Fleur Noire Hotel have super comfy beds with soft-as-butter sheets and a little porch. Visitors can borrow the free bikes to explore the surroundings, or stroll around and take in the architectural details in the neighborhood buildings.

Just out the door you’ll find the best restaurants in Palm Springs, or you can enjoy the peaceful desert evenings at one of the firepits or the Clubhouse with its stocked pantry, or try the selection of rose wines and champagne at the La Boisson bar.

• To book, check prices or availability for Fleur Noire Hotel

6. The Saguaro – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel to stay in Palm Springs with a buzzing pool scene

Arguably the most Instagrammable hotel in Palm Springs, this brightly colored Californian gem of a hotel is located just three miles from downtown Palm Springs.

With large, social communal areas, one of the largest swimming pools in Palm Springs, and two whirlpool hot tubs, The Saguaro is a great place to meet fellow travelers and have tonnes of fun.

The decor is handcrafted Mexican, with superb mountain views and a young hip vibe throughout, the rooms are comfortable and quirky, and the trendy Palm Springs hotel also has its own private onsite spa. The clientele come here to party and the hotel hosts DJ party nights at weekends.

The El Jefe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is famous for its legendary tacos and burgers, plus its very own extensive tequila bar. Other hotel highlights include a 24-hour gym, bike rentals, a spa, and even yoga sessions. Just fabulously cool and funky all around really!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Saguaro Palm Springs

7. Kimpton Rowan – a hip, cool and trendy upscale Palm Springs hotel with amazing views of the San Jacinto Mountains 

If the characteristic mid-century modern design of Palm Springs isn’t quite your thing, the chic, sleek, and modern Kimpton Rowan is still among the cool hotels in Palm Springs.

This 153-room hotel brings the calming, earthy ambiance of the desert into its design, which features several stunning vistas from locations inside and out.

Truly an outdoors enthusiast’s dream, this hotel connects to trails and paths throughout the surrounding California desert so is one of the best areas to stay in Palm Springs.

More traditional attractions such as shops and restaurants are just minutes away as well. Or remain close to your home-away-from-home at the rooftop pool and nearby golf courses.

One of the best hotels in Palm Springs brought to you by a well-respected hotel brand!

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs

8. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs – a new, funky large upscale hotel with a fun, upbeat vibe and contemporary interiors

The famously fun hotel brand now brings a new version to the heart of Palm Springs. Located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, the Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs is a true tropical oasis with fun, upbeat but upscale decor and swish rooms featuring a great range of amenities, a balcony or patio, and chic marble bathrooms.

Opt for a themes suite and you may even find yourself in a good-sized hip room with your very own fire pit (on your patio of course). There’s even one with a Marilyn Monroe art installation.

Other hotel highlights include two restaurants, a fun poolside bar and cocktail bar, an onsite shop, tennis courts, a gym, a spa, and not one but two outdoor pools to choose from, complete with cabanas of course. Yep, you probably won’t want to leave!

• To book, check prices or availability for Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs

9. The Wesley Palm Springs  – a gorgeous quirky chic boutique hotel with a fun vibe within walking distance of trendy spots

If you’ve always wanted to live the legendary Palm Springs style, the deluxe studios and suites at The Wesley will wow you with their mid-century chic style in a setting of natural beauty.

There are stunning views of the mountains, a heated pool with loungers and fire pits, and gardens full of hummingbirds.

The Instagramable hotel suites at The Wesley Palm Springs are full of light and touches of color, and have fully equipped kitchens with everything you might need. Most suites have their own grill and private patio.

This little slice of heaven is close to everything Palm Springs so you can experience the boutiques, spas and restaurants and then return to your luxury retreat on a quiet side street. Joshua Tree National Park and Mt. San Jacinto State Park are an easy drive, as are many other natural and historic attractions.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Wesley Palm Springs

10. Arrive Hotel – a beautiful and trendy design hotel in Palm Springs with a youthful party vibe and plenty of artistic details

This adults-only boutique hotel with only 32 guest rooms provides an intimate, friendly experience that emphasizes the great outdoors.

With breathtaking mountain views, the relaxing pool and the quiet firepits allow guests to unwind while enjoying delicious cocktails, coffee, or homemade plant-based ice cream. Or check out bicycles and utilize the many paths to which the Arrive Hotel is connected.

Arrive has great proximity to the best that Palm Springs has to offer. Shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, and other unique businesses are just minutes away. In addition, the knowledgeable and friendly staff is happy to help you find the right venue for your day or evening adventures.

• To book, check prices or availability for Arrive Hotel Palm Springs

11. Dive Palm Springs – a small, stylish and romantic luxury boutique hotel perfect for a couple’s break

This tiny, adorable boutique Palm Springs hotel has only 11 rooms. By far that is the smallest on this list, and this delivers an amazingly intimate and personalized experience.

Inspired by 1960s French Riviera, The Dive Hotel is like stepping back in time, or as Travel and Leisure described it, “1960’s St. Tropez without getting on a plane.” Enjoy the daybeds and cocktails by the pool under shady palm trees or walk to nearby restaurants and lounges.

Everywhere you turn at Dive, you’ll find a comfortable and stylish place to lounge, which is the atmosphere they’re trying to achieve.

With top names contributing to almost every area, including aperitifs concocted by Pernod Ricard and furniture by Serena and Lily, you’re literally surrounded by and covered in luxury from the moment you walk in the door.

• To book, check prices or availability for Dive Palm Springs

12. Palm Springs Rendezvous – a small, kitsch, fun and very Instagrammble retro-themed hotel

I absolutely loved the Palm Springs Rendezvous! This fab and funky fifties-styled retro boutique bed and breakfast is a little piece of history in Uptown Palm Springs.

Originally built in the 1930s, the very cool Palm Springs accommodation features a traditional Bermuda-style roof and an astroturfed courtyard with a pool (adorned with fun inflatables of course) at the center. Once known as the Mira Loma hotel is was once a hideaway for seriously famous guests as Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake, and Gloria Swanson.

These days, you can relax around the pool at this exceptionally rated Palm Springs gem and feel like a movie star yourself as you enjoy any one of the ten individually themed bedrooms that lead out onto the pool and offer air conditioning, retro decor, and vintage furnishings throughout.

Choose from the uber-pink Marilyn Monroe suite, the toe-tapping John Wayne room, the list goes on…There is even a communal hot tub and a fire pit for guests to enjoy, a sociable complimentary cocktail hour as well as free WiFi in all the rooms. Fun, kitsch, and just wonderful!

• To book, check prices or availability for Palm Springs Rendezvous

13. Sparrow’s Lodge – an intimate rustic chic upscale Palm Springs lodge hotel located in a former actor’s home

Originally built by MGM actor Don Castle in 1952, this beautiful exceptionally rated 4-star red barn hideaway is chock full of rustic charm. A simple hand-painted sign welcomes you to this unique Palm Springs abode that offers a communal barn, an outdoor fire pit, and a vegetable garden as well as a large collection of fine art.

All of the bedrooms at the adult-only Sparrow’s Lodge will make you feel like you are living in your very own Western adventure with russet red walls, concrete floors, and butterfly chairs as well as horse troughs used as bathtubs – cute!

In keeping with the laid-back vibe of the lodge, there are no TVs to be found in the bedrooms, but there are intimate outdoor areas perfect for enjoying the ever-changing scenery in front of you. The Barn Kitchen Bar and Restaurant stocks cold beers and perfectly cooked steaks all year round.

Situated in South Palm Springs, Sparrow Lodge is within easy reach of both downtown Palms Springs and The Joshua Tree National Park, although you probably won’t want to leave! One of the best hotels near Palm Springs which offers a wonderfully peaceful retreat.

• To book, check prices or availability for Sparrow’s Lodge Palm Springs

14. Les Cactus – a super cute and hip retro-style boutique hotel with an adults-only policy

Named after an irreverent French pop music hit from the 1960s, Les Cactus is full of retro vibes and a sun-soaked southwestern-Mediterranean ambience. The chic boutique hotel has just 27 rooms, making it a great choice if you don’t want to stay in a typical big Palm Springs resort.

Downtown is just a five-minute drive away but with a hammock garden, saltwater pool and hot tub, massages and outdoor fire pit, you may have a hard time tearing yourself away from the hotel.

The typical architecture with red-tiled roofs, adobe walls and exposed beams have a homelike feeling, and the airy rooms have beds with Casper mattresses, colorful artwork and bamboo furniture.

Guests can borrow the free bikes to explore the area, and you have breakfast served in your room every morning in a  cute hand-woven basket.

You can get beer, wine and cocktails at the hotel, and order food via DoorDash to eat in your room or in one of the pleasant outdoor seating areas.

• To book, check prices or availability for Les Cactus Palm Springs

15. Avalon Hotel – a popular upscale retro chic boutique formed of an eclectic range of 67 Spanish-style lodgings

A classy, chic, and contemporary 4-star and highly rated boutique resort situated at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, The Avalon Hotel focuses on health and well-being better than anywhere else in Palm Springs.

Revitalize your soul with a stay in its stunning pure white rooms accented with black gingham and yellows (and all mod cons such as Wi-Fi, flat-screens, Bluetooth speakers, and lush Italian linens), as you learn about the trendy hotels very own Hollywood history.

Enjoy a choice of suites with either a private patio or balcony, a second bathroom, a full kitchen, and gorgeous fireplaces. During your stay take advantage of the hotel’s three outdoor pools, two jacuzzis, the gym, and the Estrella Spa offering his ‘n’ her therapies, massages, facials, and couples’ treatments.

Complete relaxation awaits you…especially at their wonderful garden cabanas framed by a perfect mountain view backdrop – pure bliss!

• To book, check prices or availability for the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows

16. Movie Colony Hotel – a striking mid-century modernist gem with an Old-Hollywood theme overlooking the former Movie Colony

Housed in a striking modernist building dating from 1935 in downtown Palm Springs and offering the perfect South Beach vibe, this Modernist gem of a hotel offers old-style Hollywood glamour in the heart of the Design District.

Surrounded by art galleries, museums, eateries, and fashionable boutiques, this is a perfect example of why Palm Springs is one of California’s best-loved cities.

The interior of the highly-rated Movie Colony Hotel fully embraces the property’s 1930s roots and boasts travertine bars with stainless steel refrigerators, seagrass carpets, and elegant plantation shutters combined with all mod cons such as WiFi, iPod docks, and flat-screen TVs.

Most rooms have their own private terraces and all of them have easy access to the stunning outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Evening wine served around a fire pit and some of the upgraded rooms seriously have to be seen to be believed! You’ll be sure to find your inner-film star with a stay at this retro-chic Palm Springs hotel!

• To book, check prices or availability for Movie Colony Hotel

17. The Palm Springs Hotel – a film-themed chic boutique in Palm Springs which prides itself on its tailor-made art and custom-curated interiors

Set in the trendy Uptown Design District, this contemporary Palm Springs hotel with a retro twist sells itself as the ultimate Palm Springs boutique experience. The exceptionally rated hip abode combines bold interiors with modernist architecture – a fancy film-starred themed desert oasis!

Cleverly combining mid-century chic with new-century convenience, the Palm Springs Hotel offers Apple TV, Widescreen televisions, and a sound dock in every room.

In keeping with the Californian way, all rooms are located around the pool, there’s a hot tub of course and the hotel prides itself on its tailor-made art and custom-curated interior styling.

Situated in the very heart of Palm Springs, on the famous Palm Canyon Drive, visitors are within easy reach of the visitor’s center, museums, bars, nightclubs, and plenty of restaurants. Perfect accommodation in Palm Springs for film fans! 

• To book, check prices or availability for The Palm Springs Hotel

18. The Three Fifty Hotel – a cool, hip, and intimate Palm Springs boutique hotel with a midcentury modern style

Enjoying a near-perfect rating on Google, this retro-contemporary gem of a Palm Springs hotel was built in the 1950s by famed architect Herbert W. Burns, this mid-century modern boutique property is located right in the heart of downtown Palm Springs amongst all the hip goings-on.

Located on the grounds of the historic Tennis Club, this intimate ten-room boutique hotel offers contemporary interiors, heavy with white walls and linens with a touch of green and black thrown in for good measure.

All rooms at The Three Fifty Hotel have poolside access, and just beyond is the stunning San Jacinto Mountain range so gorgeous mountain views are guaranteed.

All rooms cater for adult guests only, and as well as a cool outdoor pool and a hot tub this unique Palm Springs hotel is within easy reach of the very best restaurants, shops, hiking trails, and museums the area has to offer.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Three Fifty Hotel

19. Triada Hotel – an upscale Spanish Colonial-style hotel perfect for a romantic Palm Springs getaway

Oozing with old-style Hollywood charm mixed with a Spanish Colonial-style, this enchanting and chic 4-star Palm Springs hotel offers glamour and style by the bucket load. Located in downtown Palm Springs you can stay and play in the same hallowed ground that was once enjoyed by the movie elite during the golden age of Hollywood.

The bedrooms at the exceptionally rated Triada Hotel (part of the prestigious Autograph Collection) are an eclectic mix of sleek new furnishings and vintage pieces, framed with unusual artwork and organic accessories.

You can enjoy locally sourced fresh food at the Iluminara restaurant, or sip cocktails around the pool bar during your stay.

Also offering a gym, yoga classes, a hot tub, and two outdoor pools, the hip boutique hotel offers an enticing blend of relaxation and indulgence, in this fabulous enclave of nostalgia, surrounded by the majestic San Jacinto Mountains! Perfection!

• To book, check prices or availability for Triada Hotel

20. Korakia Resort – a chic and elegant Palm Springs boutique resort with Moroccan and Mediterranean themes

Housed in a historic and elegantly resorted 1924 romantic villa, The Korakia Pensione promises to offer unique accommodation unlike any other in Palm Springs.

This very cool and unusual relaxing getaway destination is full of Moroccan and Mediterranean charm and is the perfect place to enjoy yoga around the outdoor pool, or locally sourced and made Moroccan soul food.

With a library full of vintage books and a massage therapist on hand to ease away aches and pains, the Korakia will make you feel alive again.

The rooms and suites at this beautiful Palm Springs abode are simply stunning with wood or stone floors, and ultra-stylish decor mixed with antique finds. Upgraded rooms come with have gorgeous four-poster beds, kitchens, and balconies or terraces and all come with modern amenities.

Watch vintage movies on the outdoor screen, or sit back and enjoy authentic Moroccan tea as you soak up the soft Californian sun in this inspirational retreat hotel located in the heart of Palm Springs!

• To book, check prices or availability for Korakia Pensione

21. The Weekend – a small but fabulous mid-century modern boutique retreat in the sought-after Old Las Palmas neighborhood

Evocative of the quintessential style of Palm Springs, mid-century modern, The Weekend Palm Springs is one of many boutique hotels in Palm Springs. Still, this one is located in the coveted Old Las Palmas neighborhood and its recent renovation has helped make it one of the most exclusive hotels in the city, situated in this quiet yet posh residential region.

The Weekend welcomes families, but it maintains an adult atmosphere, and children are not allowed in the classic courtyard pool, where you may find the door to your adorable room.

Fancy yourself among the Hollywood elite of the 1960s as you return from a day of shopping to your room, which travelers and reviewers alike rave is a perfect balance of style and comfort.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Weekend Palm Springs

Frequently asked questions

What are the best unique hotels in Palm Springs?

The Saguaro is a colorful, kitsch, and very popular party hotel to stay in Palm Springs, The Ace is known as one of the hippest hotels in Palm Springs and The Desert Star is a unique and colorful mid-century modern hotel.

 

Do any cool and unique hotels in Palm Springs have a pool?

The Saguaro, Ace Hotel and Swim Club, Desert Star and The Palm Springs Rendezvous are all known as hip places to stay in Palm Springs and all have swimming pools too.

 

Which are the coolest party hotels in Palm Springs?

There are many cool party hotels in Palm Springs, these include the kitsch and colourful Saguaro hotel, The hip Ace Hotel and Swim Club and Arrive Hotel, a beautiful design hotel with a youthful, party vibe.

 

Which are the oldest famous hotels in Palm Springs?

Some of the oldest hotels in Palm Springs include the Casa Cody which was built in the 1920s and was where Charlie Chaplin once stayed, Triada Palm Springs which first opened as Ambassador Apartment Hotel in 1939 and The Willlows Historic Palm Springs Inn was built in 1924 as a winter retreat for the development power-player William Mead.

We also have posted on… 

• Cool boutique hotels in Los Angeles
• Cool boutique hotels in Santa Monica
• Cool and Unusual hotels in Joshua Tree
• Cool boutique hotels in San Francisco
• Cool boutique hotels in Las Vegas
• Cool boutique hotels in Carmel
• Cool boutique hotels in Napa Valley
• Cool boutique hotels in Lake Tahoe
• Cool boutique hotels in Phoenix
• Cool boutique hotels in Santa Barbara
• Cool boutique hotels in Reno
• Cool Portland hotels
• Cool and Unusual hotels in Big Bear Lake