Looking to make your next trip to Palm Springs special? You owe it to yourself to check into at least one boutique hotel in Palm Springs in your lifetime. Some of you may be asking yourself, “What exactly constitutes a boutique hotel?” The term lacks a solid definition, but there are a few factors you can consider to get you close. Most hotels that are considered “boutique” are quaint with some sort of distinguishable style or details. Because of this, boutique hotels are often considered fashionable. They’re also typically mid-range in price. That being said, you’ll need to save your pennies (or hundred dollar bills) for some choices on our list.
North African Chic in a Boutique Hotel in Palm Springs
Want to visit Morocco on a Palm Springs budget? Then get in line for a reservation at Korakia Pensione. This romantic boutique hotel in Palm Springs is among “the sexiest hotels in America” according to the New York Times. Believe the hype. Boasting 12 Moroccan Villas and 16 Mediterranean Villas, Korakia Pensione provides a tranquil refuge from the Palm Springs nightlife. You can start your morning with yoga, enjoy a couple’s spa experience, or sip a drink in the Moroccan courtyard instead. Their Moroccan tea service refreshingly punctuates every afternoon, and lanterns and firepits add a charming glow to nocturnal lounging. At the end of the evening, you can expect a European-style nightly turndown. Rooms are currently starting at $299 a night.
Fine Dining and Finer Living
Photo credit: Alcazar Palm Springs
The Alcazar Hotel may be stretching the definition of boutique hotel with its 34 rooms. Yet, with stylish charm and its fashionable Uptown Design District location, we feel it more than passes muster. With the San Jacinto mountains looming above its languid pool, it’s the perfect scene for a cocktail-fueled lazy day. While each room offers imported Italian linens, large TVs, and cozy fireplaces, the other details remain unique. If you get peckish, some of the best cuisine in Palm Springs is directly attached to the Alcazar Hotel. Cheeky’s is one of the hottest brunch spots in SoCal and Birba serves up lively cocktails and delicious Italian cuisine. Wrap up the perfect night stargazing with friends in Alcazar’s communal courtyard or with your partner in your private patio.
Rustic Charm in an Old Hollywood Retreat
Photo credit: Sparrows Lodge
If you want something a little more rustic, Sparrows Lodge can accommodate without compromising your luxury. This is the perfect getaway spot with absolutely no televisions or telephones in any of its 20 unique rooms. During Hollywood’s golden age, the property served as one of the first resort-style getaways for celebrities. The rustic charm carries through the entire grounds, from the communal barn to the vegetable garden. Rooms feature unique artwork from the likes of Baldessari, Katz, Ruscha, and Kelly. Rinse off in your room’s rain shower or grab a poolside room with a steel horse trough tub. Details like exposed beam ceilings, textured concrete floors, and Grown Alchemist toiletries make Sparrow Lodge a truly unique experience.
High Class… Even for a Palm Springs Resort
Photo credit: The Weekend Palm Springs
The Weekend recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. Now, its 10 rooms are some of the most high scale in Palm Springs… and that’s saying something. Located in the celebrity hotspot of Old Las Palmas, this mid-century boutique hotel in Palm Springs seems removed from time. The Weekend marries ‘60s style to modern aesthetics with stunning results. Unlike many of the Palm Springs boutique hotels, The Weekend also welcomes children and well-behaved dogs. Pets deserve luxury too!
Seize the Palm Springs Night Life
Photo credit: La Serena Villas
But what if you don’t want to get away? What if you’d rather immerse yourself in the Palm Springs experience? La Serena Villas gives you the stately luxury of a 5-star establishment right in the middle of downtown Palm Springs. Renowned architect May Sung renovated this boutique hotel in Palm Springs downtown area. It’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from tourist hotspot Palm Canyon Drive with its numerous restaurants and galleries. Avenue Interior Design also worked their magic, using curated furniture and materials to infuse all 18 rooms with charm. Private villas come equipped with accommodating patios, firepits, and even claw foot tubs for a romantic touch.
Hollywood’s Golden Age Today
Photo credit: L’Horizon Palm Springs
Chic style permeates the very walls of L’Horizon Resort & Spa. This boutique hotel in Palm Springs keeps the focus on the ritzy golden age of Hollywood with its stylish aesthetic. This spot was a retreat for celebrities and politicians in the 1950s. Today, thanks to the vision of legendary designer Steve Hermann, it’s 25 bungalows are possibly even more impressive. Privacy is a major part of the appeal of L’Horizon’s painstakingly manicured grounds. Looking for a top tier romantic getaway? You’ve found it.
An Artistic Experience with a Touch of Kitsch
Photo credit: Holiday House Palm Springs
Originally designed by noted architect Herbert W. Burns, Holiday House was renovated by Mark D. Sikes. Add in some help from the team behind Sparrows Lodge and you’ve got arguably the most attractive boutique hotel in Palm Springs. Art aficionados will love artwork peppering the property from the likes of Hockney, Lichtenstein, and Katz. These works contribute to the whimsy of the property along with Gio Ponti-inspired tile work in the bar. There’s a refreshing simplicity to Holiday House from its homemade breakfast and complimentary Vittoria coffee to its lack of televisions. And you’ve got to love those oversized showers!
The French Riviera Comes to Palm Springs
Photo credit: Dive Palm Springs
Inspired by the swinging ‘60s era of the French Riviera, Dive offers the perfect retreat for mods seeking relaxation. Sporting a new look, Dive features furniture curated by design teams Serena and Lily and Anthropologie. The swimming pool is of particular note for any architect buffs. Dive is also possibly the only boutique hotel in Palm Springs with its own private fruit-bearing orchard. Outfitted with canopy daybeds and a koi pond, it’s not to be missed. Rinse off that desert dust in your room’s rainfall shower before hitting the Palm Springs nightlife. Then, wake up to enjoy a complimentary organic breakfast beside one of the property’s twin waterfalls!
You Can Check in Anytime You Want…
Photo credit: Palm Springs Hotel California
“Relaxation” is the word at Hotel California, a 14-room boutique hotel in Palm Springs exuding traditional Spanish-style decor. Just try to resist the romance when you see the Mission-style architecture and verdant gardens. Each room treats you to breathtaking views of the San Jacinto mountains. The hospitality at Hotel California is off the charts. It’s fire pits and cigar lounge are perfect for communal festivity. Yet, the general ambiance also makes it the perfect choice for a rustic and relaxing romantic retreat.
The Most Balanced Boutique Hotel in Palm Springs
Photo credit: The Monkey Tree by Avantstay
You’ll have trouble finding a boutique hotel as fun as the Monkey Tree Hotel. This spot is all about balance. It’s private enough for romance but busy enough for socializing. You’ll find no shortage of activities but also receive plenty of peace and quiet. The property is bursting with color and personality but never compromises its taste. You get the picture. It only makes sense that its central location is still comfortably tucked away. With mid-century style, the Monkey Tree Hotel is perfect for croquet with friends or getting close to a special someone on your private patio.
These are just 10 of our favorite options when you can’t walk five feet without running into a boutique hotel in Palm Springs. If you don’t see something you like here, you’ll undoubtedly find something suiting your tastes with a bit of research. Palm Springs is about the good life, after all. Whether you want to disconnect in privacy or connect in a communal atmosphere, a boutique hotel is a safe bet
