Stylish Small Hotels, Iconic Design & Desert Escapes
Palm Springs is one of the top boutique hotel destinations in the United States. With a long history as a retreat for Hollywood stars, artists, architects, and wellness seekers, the city developed around intimate resorts long before mega-hotels arrived. Today, Palm Springs is home to dozens of small, design-forward properties that emphasize personality, privacy, and a strong connection to the desert environment.
From midcentury modern icons and historic Spanish estates to adults-only wellness retreats and colorful creative hideaways, boutique hotels in Palm Springs offer something large resorts simply can’t: a sense of place. These properties feature open courtyards, curated interiors, lush gardens, and pools that feel more like private sanctuaries than hotel amenities.
Western Warmth & Desert Heritage
Sparrows Lodge
Once a 1950s desert retreat for Hollywood insiders, Sparrows Lodge has evolved into one of Palm Springs’ most beloved rustic-luxury hideaways. The 20-room, adults-oriented property embraces a refined ranch aesthetic with exposed wood beams, stone floors, fireplaces, and handcrafted furnishings that feel both elevated and effortlessly relaxed.
At the heart of the hotel is its long, social pool and outdoor fire pits, encouraging slow afternoons and conversation-driven evenings. The on-site The Barn Kitchen is a destination in itself, serving seasonal, ingredient-driven meals in a communal setting that mirrors the hotel’s laid-back sophistication. It is also included in the Michelin restaurant guide. Sparrows Lodge is especially popular with couples, creatives, and travelers who want a deeply Palm Springs experience without traditional resort formality.
Address: 1330 E Palm Canyon Drive
Old Ranch Inn
Tucked just steps from downtown, Old Ranch Inn is one of Palm Springs’ most intimate boutique stays. With only eight suites, the property delivers a residential, almost private-estate feel. Each room opens directly onto a landscaped courtyard, placing guests within a few steps of the pool, spa, and shaded lounge areas.
Suites include kitchenettes, private patios, and vintage-inspired décor that makes the inn especially appealing for longer stays. The atmosphere is quiet, personal, and welcoming—ideal for travelers who want walkable access to downtown paired with the comfort of a small, neighborhood-style retreat.
Address: 220 S Patencio Road
Smoke Tree Ranch
Smoke Tree Ranch offers one of the most distinctive lodging experiences in Palm Springs. Spread across 400 private acres at the base of the mountains, the historic ranch features 49 standalone cottages surrounded by desert landscapes, palm groves, and equestrian trails.
Originally developed in the 1920s as a retreat for early Palm Springs visitors and celebrities, the ranch preserves the spirit of the city’s earliest resort era. Guests enjoy unmatched privacy, horseback riding, walking paths, tennis courts, and one of the largest residential pools in Palm Springs. Smoke Tree Ranch is ideal for travelers seeking space, seclusion, and a deep sense of desert history rather than a traditional hotel environment.
Just down the road is Smoke Tree Stables, one of the region’s premier destinations for horseback riding adventures. With access to more than 150 miles of scenic riding trails, guests can enjoy peaceful hours surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, towering palm oases, and majestic mountain views.
Address: 1850 Smoke Tree Lane
Midcentury Modern Marvels
The Weekend Palm Springs
The Weekend Palm Springs is a sleek, contemporary boutique hotel designed with inclusivity and comfort at its core. This ADA-friendly property offers spacious, well-appointed suites with private patios, clean architectural lines, and calming modern interiors that reference Palm Springs’ midcentury heritage.
The central courtyard pool serves as a social hub, while thoughtful design elements—wide pathways, accessible amenities, and open layouts—create an environment that’s both stylish and functional. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking modern boutique luxury with a strong emphasis on ease and accessibility.
Address: 111 S Via Las Palmas
Orbit In
Orbit In is a quintessential Palm Springs favorite, channeling pure midcentury charm and located in the historic tennis club neighborhood. Designed in 1957 by Herbert Burns, the property is known for its angular rooflines, classic kidney-shaped pool, and lively poolside culture centered around the famous Orbitini cocktail.
With just nine rooms, Orbit In feels like a private midcentury compound. Guests gather around the pool by day and under glowing string lights by night, creating a social, upbeat atmosphere that attracts design lovers, repeat visitors, and those who appreciate vintage Palm Springs style paired with a fun, communal vibe.
Address: 562 West Arenas Road
Take the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood Self-Guided Tour
L’Horizon Resort & Spa
Originally built in 1952 by architect William F. Cody as a Hollywood estate, L’Horizon Resort & Spa is now one of Palm Springs’ most exclusive boutique properties. Set across lush grounds at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, the resort blends classic midcentury architecture with contemporary luxury.
Private cabanas, fire pits, and secluded garden pathways create a refined residential feel. The on-site restaurant, SO•PA, offers alfresco dining rooted in seasonal California cuisine, while The Spa at L’Horizon provides a serene indoor-outdoor wellness experience with private garden treatment areas. L’Horizon is especially sought after for romantic stays, luxury escapes, and design-focused travelers.
Address: 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive
Del Marcos Hotel
Designed in 1947 by renowned architect William F. Cody, Del Marcos Hotel is a living piece of Palm Springs’ modernist legacy. The 17-room boutique hotel showcases classic midcentury elements—geometric patterns, breeze-block walls, angular rooflines, and a central pool framed by mountain views.
Rooms are thoughtfully restored to honor the original aesthetic while offering modern comforts. The intimate courtyard layout creates a peaceful, gallery-like environment that attracts architecture enthusiasts, design travelers, and anyone seeking an authentic midcentury Palm Springs stay just blocks from downtown.
Address: 225 West Baristo Road
Fleur Noire Hotel
Fleur Noire brings bold creativity to the boutique scene, featuring 21 uniquely designed casitas, bungalows, and suites. This restored midcentury property features striking murals, stylish casitas, and a dramatic black-and-white palette accented by desert color. Its speakeasy-style rosé bar adds a playful social element, making the hotel feel part art gallery, part desert lounge.
With its expressive design, curated outdoor spaces, and energetic personality, Fleur Noire appeals to creative travelers, groups of friends, and visitors looking for a boutique stay that feels contemporary, social, and visually distinctive.
Address: 1560 North Palm Canyon Drive
French Riviera Influence
Dive Palm Springs
With only 11 rooms, Dive Palm Springs feels like a private Mediterranean villa tucked into the desert. Inspired by the Côte d’Azur, the hotel features lush gardens, tiled pathways, koi ponds, and shaded lounge areas surrounding a central pool.
Each room is individually styled, and the property emphasizes privacy, romance, and outdoor living. Signature suites include private soaking tubs, garden courtyards, and playful luxury touches like putting greens. Dive is especially popular with couples and honeymooners seeking a refined yet relaxed European-inspired escape.
Dive is also a popular wedding venue.
Address: 1586 East Palm Canyon Drive
La Maison Hotel
La Maison Hotel brings French country charm to Palm Springs. This 13-room inn is set within a tranquil garden estate filled with citrus trees, flowering hedges, and shaded patios. Guests gather around the heated pool, relax in tucked-away seating nooks, and enjoy complimentary espresso drinks served throughout the day.
The atmosphere is peaceful, warm, and personal, ideal for travelers who appreciate understated luxury, attentive hospitality, and a romantic, residential setting.
Address: 1600 East Palm Canyon Drive
Moroccan Magic
Korakia Pensione
Korakia Pensione is one of Palm Springs’ most transportive boutique hotels. Divided into two villas, the property blends Moroccan and Mediterranean influences with lantern-lit courtyards, arched doorways, tiled fountains, and antique furnishings.
Evenings bring complimentary Moroccan tea service and classic film screenings beneath the stars, reinforcing the hotel’s old-world, sensory atmosphere. Korakia Pensione is especially beloved by couples, honeymooners (weddings), and travelers seeking a deeply experiential stay that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Address: 257 South Patencio Road
Spanish & Mediterranean Romance
The Alcazar Palm Springs
Located in downtown at the entrance to the Uptown Design District, The Alcazar Palm Springs blends Spanish-style architecture with modern boutique comfort. Guests enjoy tiled courtyards, palm-lined pool decks, and walkable access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
The hotel’s relaxed design, bright interiors, and partnership with neighboring Cheeky’s, offering complimentary espresso and pastries, make it a popular choice for travelers who want boutique charm paired with urban convenience. Just next door is the popular Birba, a Palm Springs favorite that blends rustic charm, cozy outdoor seating, and authentic cuisine.
Address: 622 N Palm Canyon Drive
Ingleside Estate & Melvyn’s Restaurant
Once a private estate for Hollywood elites, Ingleside Estate remains one of Palm Springs’ most storied boutique hotels. The Spanish-style property features romantic courtyards, tiled fountains, and secluded garden paths that create a true old-Palm-Springs atmosphere.
Home to the iconic Melvyn’s Restaurant & Lounge, the estate continues its legacy as a gathering place for dining, cocktails, and classic desert glamour. It’s especially popular for romantic escapes, celebrations, and travelers drawn to Palm Springs’ celebrity history. Melvyn's recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Learn how Mel Haber, the original owner, met Frank Sinatra at Melvyn's.
Address: 200 West Ramon Road
Andreas Hotel & Spa
Built in 1935, Andreas Hotel & Spa features Spanish Revival architecture and a cozy, residential ambiance. Fireplaces, arched corridors, and a lush courtyard pool give the property a warm, romantic feel.
The on-site Andreas Spa provides massage and wellness services that enhance its appeal for couples and relaxation-focused travelers. Andreas is a strong choice for visitors who value charm, comfort, and an intimate, historic setting near downtown.
Address: 227 North Indian Canyon Drive
Casa Cody
Founded in the 1920s by Buffalo Bill Cody’s cousin, Casa Cody is the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs. The property features 28 historic casitas, adobe architecture, brick pathways, and peaceful gardens that reflect the city’s earliest resort era.
Guests enjoy multiple courtyards, two pools, and a sense of heritage rarely found in modern hotels. Casa Cody appeals to history lovers, slow-travelers, and visitors who want to experience Palm Springs’ roots while staying steps from downtown.
Learn more: Casa Cody: Where History Meets a Palm Springs' Timeless Oasis
Address: 175 South Cahuilla Road
Cool, Creative & Colorful Stays
Azure Sky
Azure Sky is a modern, adults-oriented boutique retreat designed around calm, space, and desert tones. Fire pits, sculptural landscaping, and a soothing central pool create a spa-like environment focused on relaxation and understated luxury.
The property attracts travelers seeking a peaceful, contemporary atmosphere with an emphasis on outdoor living and desert tranquility.
Address: 1661 South Calle Palo Fierro
Les Cactus
Bright, playful, and unmistakably Palm Springs, Les Cactus delivers a cheerful boutique experience filled with color and personality. The 27-room hotel features cactus gardens, vintage furnishings, complimentary bike rentals, record players in the rooms, and a lively outdoor pool scene.
Les Cactus is especially popular with younger travelers, creative visitors, and anyone looking for a fun, approachable boutique stay that embraces Palm Springs’ retro spirit.
Address: 555 South Warm Sands Drive
Villa Royale
Villa Royale is an adults-only artistic hideaway, spread across a series of Spanish-style buildings, featuring over 50 curated works of art. Two intimate pool areas, tiled fountains, and secluded courtyards create the feeling of a private desert estate.
Its on-site restaurant, Del Rey, enhances the experience with Mediterranean-inspired small plates and cocktails that draw both guests and locals. Villa Royale is ideal for creative travelers, couples, and visitors seeking boutique sophistication with a strong personality.
Address: 1620 South Indian Trail
The Marley Hotel
Designed for private buyouts, The Marley Hotel offers six stylish suites surrounding a central pool and social courtyard. The hotel caters especially to group stays, birthday weekends, bachelorette trips, and reunions where privacy and shared space are most important.
The design blends modern desert style with playful details, creating a polished but relaxed environment that supports celebration without sacrificing comfort. You can also check out their sister boutique hotel, Hotel El Cid Palm Springs, located just two blocks away. Both properties require a hotel buyout, so they are exclusively yours.
Address: 598 South Grenfall Road
The Velvet Rope Hotel
The Velvet Rope Hotel is a new boutique hotel in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, offering nine custom-designed suites. This oasis pays homage to Palm Springs' Hollywood roots. Herbert Burns designed this property, formerly known as the La Posada, in 1952. The hotel's midcentury modern architecture, characterized by clean lines, flat planes, and large glass windows, embodied the era's chic aesthetic and quickly became a symbol of Palm Springs' allure.
Some rooms include a full kitchen, others a kitchenette. All suites are poolside.
Address: 120 W Veredasur
More Palm Springs Boutique Gems
Hotel California
Hotel California offers mission-style architecture, hidden garden corners, and a relaxed communal atmosphere. With just 14 rooms, the property encourages connection through shared BBQ areas, shaded patios, and a welcoming central courtyard.
It’s a great choice for travelers who enjoy a casual, boutique environment and a friendly, neighborhood feel.
Address: 424 East Palm Canyon Drive
The Three Fifty Hotel
Modern, colorful, and centrally located, The Three Fifty Hotel blends sleek design with playful Palm Springs energy. This 10-room property, built in 1950 by Herbert W. Burns, features bold interiors, a lively pool deck, and easy access to downtown dining and nightlife.
It appeals especially to weekend travelers, design-focused guests, and those who want a boutique stay with a fun, contemporary edge.
Address: 350 South Belardo Road
Desert Riviera Hotel
A vibrant, adults-oriented midcentury haven, Desert Riviera Hotel offers one of the most distinctive pool scenes in the city. Fire pits, vintage styling, and a throwback soundtrack create an upbeat yet intimate environment.
With just 10 rooms, the hotel feels like a private club where guests gather around the pool, lounge under the palms, and soak up classic Palm Springs ambiance.
Address: 610 East Palm Canyon Drive
How to Choose the Right Boutique Hotel in Palm Springs
With so many distinctive properties, choosing the right boutique hotel in Palm Springs comes down to the experience you want to create.
For romance and honeymoons: Look for intimate, adults-only properties with spa services and secluded courtyards, such as Korakia Pensione, L’Horizon, Andreas Hotel & Spa, Dive Palm Springs, or Sparrows Lodge.
For design and architecture lovers: Midcentury icons like Del Marcos, Orbit In, Desert Riviera, and L’Horizon place you inside Palm Springs’ modernist legacy.
For wellness and relaxation: Azure Sky, Sparrows Lodge, and boutique spa hotels offer calm environments centered on restoration and outdoor living.
For walkable downtown access, Old Ranch Inn, Alcazar Palm Springs, Casa Cody, and The Three Fifty Hotel allow guests to explore restaurants, shopping, and nightlife on foot.
For groups and celebrations: The Marley Hotel and select private casita-style properties provide space, privacy, and social layouts perfect for shared trips.
For history and heritage: Casa Cody, Ingleside Estate, Smoke Tree Ranch, and Andreas Hotel immerse guests in Palm Springs’ earliest resort traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs
What is considered a boutique hotel in Palm Springs?
A boutique hotel in Palm Springs is typically a small, independently operated property with fewer than 50 rooms that emphasizes distinctive design, personalized service, and a strong connection to the city’s architecture, culture, or desert setting. Many are restored midcentury modern resorts or historic estates with intimate courtyards and pool-centered layouts.
Why is Palm Springs known for boutique hotels?
Palm Springs developed as a retreat destination long before large resort towers were common. Early hotels were designed as private desert hideaways for Hollywood stars and seasonal visitors, resulting in a city filled with small-scale resorts, casitas, and architect-designed properties. That legacy naturally evolved into today’s thriving boutique hotel scene.
Are most boutique hotels in Palm Springs adults-only?
Many boutique hotels in Palm Springs are adults-only or adults-oriented, particularly those focused on wellness, romance, and relaxation. However, some boutique properties welcome families and multigenerational travelers. Each hotel sets its own policy, so it’s best to check individual listings.
What area is best for staying in a boutique hotel?
Downtown Palm Springs is ideal if you want to walk to restaurants, shopping, museums, and nightlife. South Palm Springs offers quieter boutique resorts near golf courses, mountain trails, and Indian Canyons. Uptown Palm Springs is popular with midcentury architecture lovers and those who enjoy scenic mountain views.
Are boutique hotels in Palm Springs good for romantic getaways?
Yes. Palm Springs boutique hotels are especially popular for romantic trips because they often feature secluded courtyards, private patios, fire pits, spa services, and adults-only environments. Many were originally designed as intimate desert retreats, which naturally lends itself to couples’ stays.
Are boutique hotels more expensive than large resorts?
Not necessarily. Palm Springs offers boutique hotels at many price points—from affordable, design-forward stays to ultra-luxury estates. Because there are so many small properties in the city, travelers can often find boutique experiences at competitive rates depending on season and location.
Do boutique hotels in Palm Springs allow buyouts or private group stays?
Several boutique hotels, especially smaller properties like The Marley Hotel or select casita-style resorts, offer full-property buyouts. These are popular for bachelorette weekends, birthdays, weddings, and retreats.