Palm Springs isn’t just a destination—it’s a vibe. That perfect mix of midcentury cool, desert tranquility, and poolside cocktails that somehow makes you feel like both Frank Sinatra and a tech bro on sabbatical at the same time. The hotel scene here is exactly what makes Palm Springs worth the trip: properties that nail that sweet spot between luxury and laid-back, historic and happening. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from LA or a week-long desert retreat, here’s your insider’s guide to the Palm Springs hotel landscape in 2025.
Desert Renaissance: The Evolving Palm Springs Hotel Scene
Palm Springs is having a moment—again. But this time, it’s a serious glow-up that combines the area’s iconic midcentury roots with contemporary luxury that appeals to a new generation of desert travelers.
The most significant recent addition to the Palm Springs skyline is the Thompson Palm Springs, which opened in October 2024 and is quickly establishing itself as one of the city’s premium offerings. Located perfectly between downtown and the Uptown Design District, this luxurious 168-key hotel features bungalow-style rooms with sweeping mountain views, two outdoor pools, and rooftop dining. Early guest reviews suggest the property is already nailing the personalized service experience—with one guest noting they “received a beautiful birthday cake from the chef” and were “upgraded to a lovely suite near a fire pit quiet corner.”
Meanwhile, La Quinta Resort & Club, that legendary Hollywood hideaway, is completing a stunning centennial renovation set to wrap in 2025. Nestled on 45 acres at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the renovation preserves the resort’s historic legacy while giving the property a much-needed refresh, including a renewed lobby with hand-painted tiles and modernized guest rooms.
If you’re looking for places to flex your paddle skills, The Rowan Palm Springs has added pickleball courts to its recreation offerings—because let’s face it, tennis is your dad’s game, but pickleball is what you’re playing with your crew on Saturday mornings before brunch.
Luxury Properties That Hit Different
When it comes to top-tier stays, Palm Springs delivers options that range from sprawling desert estates to intimate luxury experiences—each with their own distinct personality.
JW Marriott Desert Springs: The Grand Resort Experience
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa remains the definition of classic Palm Springs luxury on a grand scale. Recently redesigned rooms feature private balconies overlooking mountain and lake views, while the property itself is essentially its own ecosystem with five pools, championship golf courses, and world-class tennis facilities. What makes this property stand out in 2025 is how it balances traditional luxury with contemporary wellness offerings—their Spa Desert Springs features a new Wellness Lounge with innovative therapies focused on holistic rejuvenation.
The dining program here deserves special mention: ten distinct restaurants ranging from poolside casual at the Oasis Bar & Grille to the intimate high-end experience at T&T Innovation Kitchen, where chefs create five-course tasting menus for private events. If you’re bringing your crew, the Blue Star Lounge offers California bar bites and craft cocktails with fire pit seating, creating that perfect “luxury but make it chill” vibe.
Boutique Luxury: Colony Palms Hotel
For something with more personality and history, the Colony Palms Hotel represents Palm Springs luxury with a story to tell. Originally opened in the 1930s by a Las Vegas casino owner (and rumored mobster from the Purple Gang), this Spanish colonial-style property has hosted everyone from Hollywood stars to politicians. The property has been updated while maintaining its Art Deco aesthetic, creating what one regular visitor described as “Beverly Hills Hotel vibes.”
The adults-only environment ensures a sophisticated atmosphere, and with just 57 rooms and suites, the service feels personalized rather than corporate. Its location in the heart of Palm Springs puts you within walking distance of the Uptown Design District’s boutiques and restaurants—perfect for the guest who wants to explore beyond the hotel grounds.
Instagram Gold: Design-Forward Hotels Worth The Stay
Palm Springs and distinctive design go together like mezcal and sunset—it’s just a natural pairing. These design-centric properties aren’t just places to sleep; they’re part of your content strategy for the weekend.
The Saguaro: Color Theory In Action
The Saguaro Palm Springs remains the most photographed hotel in the area, with its rainbow-hued exterior that practically begs to be your next profile pic backdrop. With 244 rooms surrounding a central pool area, the design palette was inspired by indigenous desert flowers and created by renowned architects Peter Stamberg and Paul Aferiat. While guest reviews suggest variable experiences, with some mentioning hidden fees as drawbacks, no one disputes that the “very nice outside ambiance and pool” and “nice theming throughout” make for a visual experience worth capturing.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club: The OG Cool Kid
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club has completed comprehensive room renovations as of early 2025, enhancing the comfort and style that made this property a pioneer in Palm Springs’ boutique hotel renaissance. What began as a converted motel has evolved into the blueprint for desert cool, with a property value of $57.5 million (or $321,000 per room) according to recent appraisals.
The hotel’s two-story, 179-room property spans 4.64 acres along East Palm Canyon Drive and includes three restaurants and lounges, outdoor pools, and spa facilities. Two additional guest rooms were added in March 2020, bringing the total room count to 181. What makes Ace special isn’t just the design (though the desert minimalism vibe is still on point)—it’s the ineffable atmosphere. This is where you’ll find creative types working on screenplays by the pool, fashion photographers setting up impromptu shoots, and DJs spinning records at the weekend pool parties.
The New Contender: Trixie Motel
If you’re looking for something completely different, the Trixie Motel represents the newest chapter in Palm Springs’ boutique hotel evolution. Owned by drag superstar Trixie Mattel and partner David Silver, this pink masterpiece in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood features seven distinctively themed rooms, including the Queen of Hearts room with its ceiling mural and heart-shaped headboard. With perfect 5.0/5.0 ratings from early guests, this property is already establishing itself as a standout for those seeking accommodation with personality. The transformation was even documented in an 8-part reality series available on Max and Discovery+, giving the property instant cultural cachet.
Know Before You Book: Occupancy Trends and Pricing Strategy
If you’re trying to score the best deal on your Palm Springs hotel stay, timing is everything. The Coachella Valley operates on distinct seasonal patterns that directly impact both availability and pricing.
According to recent data, paid guest occupancy in vacation rental homes was 33.3% for January 2025, just slightly up from 32.1% in 2024. This gives you some insight into the slower winter season occupancy trends. However, don’t let that fool you—premium properties still command top dollar even in slower periods.
Historically, Palm Springs has maintained occupancy levels in the low-to-mid 60% range annually since 1996, with average daily rates continuously rising above inflation rates since 1990. In 2001, the marketwide average daily rate was approximately $123, a slight increase from $121 in 2000, demonstrating the market’s resilience even through economic downturns.
The summer of 2023 showed a return to normal occupancy patterns after the unusual growth in 2021 and 2022 driven by pandemic-related travel patterns. The good news for your wallet? Weekend demand remains strong year-round, while weekday rates fluctuate more dramatically by season.
Location Strategy: Choosing Your Palm Springs Base Camp
Where you stay in Palm Springs can dramatically impact your experience, so choosing the right location matters as much as picking the right property.
Downtown & Uptown Design District: For The Scene
Properties like the Thompson Palm Springs benefit from being “perfectly situated between downtown and the Uptown Design District.” This central location puts you within walking distance of Palm Springs’ best shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel similarly capitalizes on its central position, with reviews noting it’s just a “5 minute walk to the main streets and restaurants. Agua Caliente casino is 2 mins away.”
If you’re coming to Palm Springs primarily for the scene—restaurants, bars, shopping, and that essential Palm Springs street vibe—staying downtown or in the Uptown Design District allows you to maximize your time and minimize Uber costs.
Indian Wells & Outlying Areas: Resort Seclusion
For travelers prioritizing on-property amenities and a more secluded experience, properties in Indian Wells like the Sands Hotel & Spa offer greater tranquility. However, this location choice comes with trade-offs, as noted by one reviewer: “If you’re OK mostly staying on property, Esmeralda is OK. Pools are decent, food options limited but not over-priced (mostly). But there’s nothing around there, so you’ll be driving back and forth to Palm Springs if you want to go out or see anything.”
The benefit? More space, typically larger pool areas, and often lower rates than comparable properties in the heart of Palm Springs.
The Future of Palm Springs Hospitality
The Palm Springs hospitality landscape continues to evolve, with several planned developments and industry trends shaping the destination’s future. The Riviera Resort and Spa, formerly the Margaritaville resort, will begin a phased renovation in fall 2025, with completion expected by mid-2026—signaling continued confidence in Palm Springs’ longevity as a premier destination.
The Acrisure Arena, a $300-million state-of-the-art facility with seating exceeding 11,000 that opened in 2022, is already proving to be a game-changer for the region’s hospitality sector. With plans to host over 120 major events annually, the arena is driving hotel demand during traditionally slower periods. As industry analysts note, “Summer events attract visitors from across the L.A. metro area, bolstering hotel occupancies during usually slower months.”
Tourism remains the largest industry in Greater Palm Springs, supporting 1 in 4 jobs in the region. The economic impact is substantial, with direct visitor spending of $7.1 billion creating a total economic ripple effect of $8.7 billion in 2022. More than 30% of this spending was dedicated to lodging, including hotels and short-term rentals.
Your Move: Booking The Perfect Palm Springs Stay
Palm Springs hotels in 2025 deliver on both style and substance—whether you’re looking for a grand resort experience, a design-forward boutique property, or something completely unexpected like a drag queen-owned pink motel.
The best approach? Match your accommodations to your travel style. Coming for pool parties and nightlife? Stay central at properties like The Rowan or Thompson. Planning a wellness retreat? Consider the JW Marriott’s spa facilities or one of the boutique properties with dedicated wellness programs. Bringing the family? Look to the resort properties with multiple pool areas and dedicated children’s activities.
Whatever your vibe, Palm Springs delivers with a distinct desert flair that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else. Just remember to book early for peak seasons (February through April and October through December), and be prepared for the possibility of higher resort fees at luxury properties.
The palm trees are waiting, the pools are filled, and somewhere in Palm Springs, there’s a perfectly crafted cocktail with your name on it—right next to a hotel bed that hits that perfect balance between luxurious and laid-back. Just like Palm Springs itself.
