wallflower editors Jenn and I have both been to Palm Springs on many an occasion. I used to live in Los Angeles, so we’d pop over whenever we needed a relaxing getaway. There are so many fun places to explore in California, but Palm Springs has always represented slowing down for me, it’s an idyllic escape you can’t find anywhere else. I haven’t been in a couple years, so to see what’s new I went on an internet hunt for boutique hotels in Palm Springs. As expected, many old favorites came up, like the iconic Korakia for a tranquil, off the grid experience, and The Saguaro Palm Springs for those into a vibrant pool scene (literally), both worthy of their continued attention.
But what other hotel experiences await in Palm Springs? After a few hours of searching, here’s what I found; a mix of new-to-me boutique hotels and a few luxury stays I’ve had on my bucket list for years now.
lesser-known boutique hotels palm springs
The Weekend Palm Springs is a small mid-century boutique hotel in the Las Palmas neighborhood, about a twenty minute walk from the main drag. The 60s property boasts a recent overhaul to restore its Hollywood glamour.
Talavera features just 11 suites, each with a private patio and jacuzzi tub. The hacienda-style rooms all feature their own eclectic decor and plenty of amenities so you’ll never want to leave. It’s got a romantic, intimate vibe and its lush surroundings truly make it feel like an oasis.
And the restaurant, Azucar Palm Springs:
La Serena Villas offers a luxe spa, incredible location by Palm Canyon Drive, and ridiculously stunning restaurant, not to mention the pool and rooftop lounge. The gorgeous interiors by architect May Sung, which transformed the 1933 building a few years back, make it #1 on my wishlist. Of course, luxury comes with a price, and it’s one of the higher end boutique hotels Palm Springs has to offer.
Okay, onto the next one, the jealousy ain’t pretty on me.
The Marley is a private Palm Springs boutique hotel designed for guests to rent out the entire property for their stay. It houses up to 22 guests in 9 bedrooms and 9 full baths. It’s also walking distance to downtown Palm Springs. The vibe is on the chic and contemporary side versus the quirky mid-century style hotels in the area usually play up. Group getaway, anyone?
Next up, Les Cactus is one of the more affordable stays a short drive from downtown. It’s cute, playful, and relaxed, making it perfect for a bachelorette or friend getaway. They also have some fun extras like bicycles and a hammock garden. Totally insta worthy, too.
The French-inspired Dive Palm Springs features a collection of suites all decorated for different tastes, from clean and boho to more luxe maximalist. The vibe is very “upscale fun,” if I had to describe the photos I’ve seen.
L’Horizon is a super duper luxe sister to the famed Colony Palms, and it’s as elevated as it looks. It’s another high-end Palm Springs hotel, and I lucked out to stay a night there years ago thanks to a crazy travel deal my friend found and treated me to. The grounds are beautiful, clean, and open, and the whole vibe is very chic and serene. The bungalows offer floor to ceiling windows, adding to the magic.
For a more casual stay, I came across The Monkey Tree Hotel by AvantStay, which has fabulous reviews. It’s bright and colorful with lots of midcentury modern details. The rooms are pretty simple, but the pool and grounds look like a fun hang!
Villa Royale by Provenance Hotels is a classic Palm Springs hotel oozing old Hollywood elegance. The pool is surrounded by gorgeous tilework, and their intimate restaurant and bar Del Rey is perfect for a romantic evening. The rooms are bright and chic, with more lovely tiles.
Casa Cody is actually the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs, founded in the 1920s and refreshed (in keeping with its storied Hollywood history) by Cassetta Group. Their vintage rooms and suites have a decidedly different but no less interesting feel than most Palm Springs stays—elegant, yet understated.
Holiday House Palm Springs is a bright and cheerful boutique hotel decked out in blue and white. It has a casual yet stylish vibe with lots of fun design details and artwork throughout. Guests can dine on site at their cute bistro style cafe.
Outside of Palm Springs, The Sands is another luxury stay on my wishlist for a few years now. If you’re on Insta, you’ve probably come across some dreamy photos of their pink walls, stylish restaurant, or Moroccan inspired spa. The entire thing is a design dream that blends Hollywood glamour with Palm Springs charm and a little bit of boho.
Which boutique hotel has you dreaming of Palm Springs? And which other lesser-known spots deserve a shout out?
