Amy MariettaBest Luxury Palm Springs Hotels You Need To Experience This Year
Luxury Palm Springs hotels have mastered the art of timelessness. The desert’s architecture, energy, and culture have remained intact due to the timeless essence that has been carefully preserved by the community. There is no where else in California where one can experience the perfect blend of nature and sophistication at it’s finest.
Palm Springs is one of the most magical places in California due to it’s well kept aesthetic of mid-century, modern minimalism and old Hollywood glam from the timeless Golden Era.
Luxury Palm Springs hotels are for those who want to go explore Joshua Tree during the day, but don’t want to commit to staying in an AirBnB with a chance of being abducted by aliens at night. Luxury Palm Springs hotels are for those who want to escape to the desert to clear their mind and find some perspective. Luxury Palm Springs hotels are for you because you’re reading this post and genuinely interested in booking a trip right now as you crave a posh desert getaway… And I get it, choosing the right hotel for you is crucial for your experience, which is why I made this list after hours of research and first hand experiences.
So now I’m sharing my curated list of the best luxurious Palm Springs hotels. Read on below and comment your favorites!
Arrive
One of Palm Spring’s newest hotels – Arrive – is a modern millennial’s dream. Arrive offers a very chill yet fun vibe, with the convenient option to text the staffers if you need anything. Their restaurant, Reservoir, is one of the best in Palm Springs, with an updated menu full of flavorful options. From Avocado Toast to Roasted Japanese Eggplant – I finally found a restaurant in Palm Springs that is vegetarian friendly. Arrive also has the cutest ice cream and gift shop that you have to check out during your trip to Palm Springs. 
Design: 8
Rooms: 8
Pool & Fitness Center: 8
Room Service: 9
Restaurant: 9
Staff: 10
Instagram & Photo Opps: 7
Overall ambiance and experience: 9
Avalon
A trendy, historic boutique hotel that has three pools on the property accompanied by another hidden jacuzzi that is a kids free zone. Anywhere that has an Adults Only Pool is a major winner if you’re looking for peace and quiet. The room service and restaurant have menus which cater to everyone with fresh, innovative options. I recommend ordering room service for breakfast – try the acai bowl, apple ricotta pancakes, and fresh juices. Overall, Avalon is definitely more trendy boutique than luxury, but the overall vibe is laid-back, welcoming, and refreshing. 
Design: 7
Rooms: 6
Pool & Fitness Center: 7
Room Service: 8
Restaurant: 8
Staff: 8
Instagram & Photo Opps: 8
Overall ambiance and experience: 8
Ace Hotel
A trust fund baby/hipster’s dream. Ace Hotel has the cool, IDGAF vibe, but with the luxury of award-winning room service. There are two big pools, a vintage photobooth, gym, spa, etc. However, the really cool thing about the Ace is that some of the rooms have garden patios, fire places, and old vinyls to play on the record player. It’s a party. But also a great place for a hangover.
Design: 7
Rooms: 8
Pool & Fitness Center: 7
Room Service: 8
Restaurant: 7
Staff: 8
Instagram & Photo Opps: 7
Overall ambiance and experience: 7.5
The Parker
The Parker is one of the most luxe and perfectly designed luxury Palm Springs hotels. The decor, the food, the staff, the guests. Everything about the Parker is a dream. And we can’t forget that this is the OG rendezvous spot where Brad and Angelina would sneak off to back in the day.
Design: 10
Rooms: 8
Pool & Fitness Center: 8
Room Service: 8
Restaurant: 9
Staff: 9
Instagram & Photo Opps: 9
Overall ambiance and experience: 9
L’Horizon Palm Springs
L’Horizon feels like an exclusive compound with individual bungalows, private patios, indoor and outdoor showers, and mountain views. There are only 25 rooms here so it feels really exclusive, luxurious, and intimate. They recently finished major renovations so it’s still very new and has this beautiful untouched feeling. L’Horizon is the perfect luxury Palm Springs hotel for a romantic getaway.
Design: 9
Rooms: 9
Pool & Fitness Center: 9
Room Service: 9
Restaurant: 8
Staff: 8
Instagram & Photo Opps: 9
Overall ambiance and experience: 9
La Serena Villas
La Serena Villas is also a new luxury boutique hotel in Downtown Palm Springs. The property is definitely Pinterest-worthy with well designed interiors, exteriors, and common areas. While I do love the outdoor bath tubs, I personally don’t think the price makes sense here at about $600 per night, so make sure to try and go during low season.
Design: 9
Rooms: 9
Pool & Fitness Center: 8
Room Service: 5
Restaurant: 5
Staff: 5
Instagram & Photo Opps: 9
Overall ambiance and experience: 6
Korakia Pensione
Half Moroccan inspired, half Mediterranean – Korakia Pensione is one of a kind. It’s fancy, but cool, with a no kids policy so you can sit poolside in peace. Join a game of bocce ball or explore downtown Palm Springs on one of their complimentary bicycles. Relax and refresh with the Moroccan tea service each afternoon. Enjoy the heated pool at night as fire-pits flicker and lanterns illuminate. Watch a classic or foreign film on an outdoor screen as you gaze at the stars. Korakia Pensione is a dream.
Design: 8
Rooms: 8
Pool & Fitness Center: 8
Room Service: 8
Restaurant: 8
Staff: 8
Instagram & Photo Opps: 8
Overall ambiance and experience: 8
Colony Palms
An iconic desert retreat since 1936 – Sinatra even called it his home away from home. The Colony Palms is a classic Old Hollywood glam meets Palm Springs vibe. Elegant, charming, and most importantly – relaxing.
Design: 8
Rooms: 6
Pool & Fitness Center: 8
Room Service: 7
Restaurant: 8
Staff: 8
Instagram & Photo Opps: 8
Overall ambiance and experience: 8
La Quinta Resort
La Quinta is very different from the rest of the hotels on this list due to the fact that it is a very large resort, so it’s not the same low-key vibe, but better for families or large groups for music festivals. This well-maintained, historic, resort has something for everyone so entertainment won’t be an issue. There are five golf courses, 41 pools, tennis courts, and seven restaurants at La Quinta. Overall, a historic property with lots of activities for those who like to stay busy and have options. 
Design: 6
Rooms: 6
Pool & Fitness Center: 7
Room Service: 7
Restaurant: 8
Staff: 8
Instagram & Photo Opps: 8
Overall ambiance and experience: 8
Rowan Palm Springs – A Kimpton Hotel
The newest of Palm Springs hotels, and the tallest hotel with a pool on the roof – the Rowan is a desert gem. The pool view is incredible and there are a ton of stores and restaurants within walking distance. You can read my in-depth review here.
Design: 8
Rooms: 7
Pool & Fitness Center: 7
Room Service: 8
Restaurant: 6
Staff: 10
Instagram & Photo Opps: 8
Overall ambiance and experience: 8
