Palm Springs has no shortage of beautiful places to stay, but luxury vacation rentals take the desert experience to another level. Think private pools, spacious outdoor living areas, dramatic mountain views, iconic midcentury architecture, and enough room to settle in and stay awhile.
For families and groups, a private home can provide the space and privacy of a resort with a distinctly Palm Springs sense of style. Many luxury rentals are architectural landmarks, historic estates, or homes with connections to the celebrities who helped put Palm Springs on the map.
What to Expect From a Luxury Palm Springs Vacation Rental
A Palm Springs luxury rental is more than just a place to sleep. Many properties are designed around the outdoor lifestyle that makes the desert so appealing.
Depending on the home, you may find:
- Private swimming pools and spas for relaxing under the desert sun
- Indoor-outdoor living spaces with large glass doors and open floor plans
- Mountain views of the San Jacinto Mountains
- Outdoor kitchens and dining areas for entertaining
- Fire pits and lounge areas for cool desert evenings
- Chef-inspired kitchens and spacious gathering areas
- Guest houses or casitas that provide additional privacy
- Midcentury modern architecture and furnishings
- Game rooms, media rooms and other private amenities
- Concierge and property-management services through local rental companies
The best part? You don't have to leave the house to enjoy the Palm Springs experience. A morning coffee beside the pool, an afternoon swim and cocktails at sunset can be the whole itinerary.
Here are some standout luxury vacation rentals to consider for your next desert getaway.
Celebrity Homes & Palm Springs Glamour
Palm Springs has been a favorite escape for Hollywood stars for generations. Some of that history lives on in vacation homes that have been carefully preserved, renovated and opened to visitors..
The Dinah Shore Estate
Old Las Palmas | Best for: Hollywood history, entertaining and classic Palm Springs style
The former home of entertainer Dinah Shore is one of Palm Springs' most recognizable luxury vacation properties. The midcentury modern estate combines expansive living spaces with the privacy of a large residential property and the kind of indoor-outdoor living that defines Palm Springs.
The home's location in Old Las Palmas puts guests in one of the city's most prestigious historic neighborhoods, just minutes from downtown.
Sonny & Cher’s Villa Carmelita
The Mesa | Best for: celebrity history and Spanish-style glamour
Built in 1930 for actor Joseph Cotten, Villa Carmelita later became associated with singer and former Palm Springs mayor Sonny Bono. Today, the Spanish-style estate offers a very different experience from the city's classic midcentury homes, with a private courtyard, pool, spa, and lush outdoor spaces.
Its location in The Mesa, at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, provides a quieter residential setting while remaining close to downtown.
Casa De Coachella
South Palm Springs | Best for: art, entertaining and poolside glamour
Formerly known as Casa Elizabeth, this home has a connection to actress Elizabeth Taylor and has been transformed into a colorful luxury retreat. Art, dramatic interiors and a resort-style backyard give the property a personality all its own.
The pool, spa, outdoor living spaces and casita make it especially appealing for groups looking for a Palm Springs house that's as memorable as the vacation itself.
For more homes with Hollywood connections, explore Live Like a Star: Rent a Hollywood Home in Palm Springs
Luxury Estates for Groups
Some Palm Springs vacation rentals go well beyond the typical vacation home. These expansive estates are designed for entertaining, relaxing and spending time together.
The Pond Estate
Andreas Hills | Best for: large groups and resort-style amenities
The Pond Estate is in a category of its own. Located in the gated Andreas Hills community, the sprawling property combines a Southwestern hacienda aesthetic with an extraordinary collection of amenities.
The estate includes multiple living spaces, guest accommodations, pools, spa facilities, a tennis court, and extensive outdoor entertaining areas. The surrounding mountains add an unmistakable Palm Springs backdrop.
This is the kind of property where the house can easily become the centerpiece of the trip.
Bella Vista Estate
Andreas Hills | Best for: active groups and outdoor entertaining
Bella Vista Estate combines a Spanish-style home with an impressive collection of outdoor amenities. Guests can enjoy a private pool and spa along with tennis, pickleball, a putting green, and expansive spaces for outdoor dining and entertaining.
Large windows and open living spaces take advantage of the mountain views, while the residential setting provides plenty of privacy.
Luxury With Midcentury Style
For many visitors, staying in a Palm Springs vacation rental is an opportunity to experience the city's architecture firsthand.
Yoasis Palm Springs
Indian Canyons | Best for: resort-style living and design
Yoasis Palm Springs combines Palm Springs midcentury style with a more glamorous, contemporary aesthetic. The home was featured as the 2023 Modernism Week Showcase House and offers a resort-style backyard with a pool, spa, cabanas, outdoor dining and mountain views.
Inside, the home's design embraces Palm Springs' love of bold colors, indoor-outdoor living and entertaining.
Villa Sierra: That Pink Door House
Indian Canyons | Best for: design lovers and entertaining
It's hard to miss the signature pink doors of Villa Sierra. This distinctive midcentury-inspired home has been featured in Modernism Week tours and photographs and is designed around Palm Springs indoor-outdoor living.
The expansive property features multiple entertaining areas, a large pool and spa, a billiard room, wet bar, and dramatic mountain views.
It's a particularly good choice for visitors who want their vacation rental to be part of the Palm Springs design experience.
The Morse House
Vista Las Palmas | Best for: architecture lovers
Designed in 1961 by architects William Krisel and Dan Palmer, the Morse House is a standout example of Palm Springs midcentury modern architecture. The home was later renovated by architect Harold Levitt and became the first property in Vista Las Palmas to receive Class 1 Historic Site designation.
Glass walls, a sunken living room, and seamless connections between the interior and pool area make the house a memorable example of the indoor-outdoor design that defines Palm Springs.
Wexler Steel House #4
North Palm Springs | Best for: modernist architecture
Designed by Donald Wexler in 1962, Wexler Steel House #4 is one of Palm Springs' most distinctive architectural vacation rentals. The house is constructed primarily of steel and glass, reflecting Wexler's innovative approach to residential design.
For architecture enthusiasts, staying here is more than choosing a beautiful vacation home—it's an opportunity to experience a piece of Palm Springs design history firsthand.
Historic Estates With a Different Kind of Glamour
Sand Acre Estate
The Movie Colony | Best for: historic character and elegant outdoor living
Sand Acre Estate dates to 1933 and brings Spanish-style architecture to the heart of Palm Springs' Movie Colony neighborhood.
The property combines historic character with contemporary vacation amenities, including a pool, spa, tennis court, and expansive outdoor spaces. Mature landscaping and a classic Palm Springs setting add to its sense of privacy.
Luxury in South Palm Springs
South Palm Springs is particularly popular with visitors looking for larger homes, mountain views and a quieter residential setting. Neighborhoods such as Indian Canyons, The Mesa and Andreas Hills are home to many distinctive vacation properties.
Blue Lotus Villa
The Mesa | Best for: families and groups
Blue Lotus Villa combines Spanish-style architecture with a resort-like outdoor space. The home features a pool, spa, outdoor living areas, a fireplace, and a barbecue, while the interior provides plenty of space for groups to gather.
Its location in The Mesa puts guests close to hiking, golf and the dramatic mountain scenery of South Palm Springs.
Why Neighborhood Matters
Palm Springs luxury vacation rentals aren't concentrated in one part of town. The neighborhood you choose can shape the entire experience.
- Old Las Palmas is ideal for travelers who want historic estates, celebrity connections and proximity to downtown.
- Vista Las Palmas is a favorite for architecture lovers, particularly those interested in Alexander homes and classic midcentury design.
- The Movie Colony combines Hollywood history, elegant homes and a convenient location near downtown.
- Deepwell Estates offers beautiful residential streets, mature landscaping and classic Palm Springs architecture.
- Indian Canyons and The Mesa are particularly appealing for travelers who want mountain views, larger properties and a quieter atmosphere.
- Andreas Hills is a natural choice for privacy, expansive estates and dramatic desert scenery.
For more examples of properties by neighborhood, see our guide to the best Palm Springs neighborhoods for vacation rentals
Find Your Palm Springs Luxury Rental
The homes above represent just a small selection of the luxury vacation rentals available in Palm Springs. Local vacation-rental companies manage a wide range of private homes, from intimate architectural gems to sprawling estates.
Some companies specialize in high-end, design-focused properties, including ACME House Company, Natural Retreats, psLux, Mod Mansions, and Luxsy Palm Springs. Our broader Palm Springs Vacation Rental Guide includes a larger selection of local rental companies and information about neighborhoods, booking and city regulations.
Tips for Booking a Luxury Vacation Rental
Look beyond the house. A beautiful home is only part of the equation. Consider its neighborhood, proximity to restaurants and attractions, outdoor space and mountain views.
Think about the pool. In Palm Springs, the backyard is a major part of the vacation. Look for shaded seating, outdoor dining, a spa, a fire pit, or other features that fit how you want to spend your time.
Match the house to your group. A sprawling estate may be perfect for a large gathering but unnecessary for a couple's getaway. Think about bedrooms, bathrooms, gathering spaces, and privacy.
Consider architecture. If Palm Springs' design heritage is part of the reason you're visiting, look for a home with authentic midcentury architecture or another distinctive design history.
Check current rental requirements. Palm Springs has specific regulations governing vacation rentals. Work with an established rental company and review the property's current rules before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best luxury vacation rentals in Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has a wide selection of luxury vacation homes, including historic celebrity estates, midcentury modern homes and large private villas. Standout examples include The Dinah Shore Estate, Villa Carmelita, The Pond Estate, The Morse House and Wexler Steel House #4.
What Palm Springs neighborhoods have luxury vacation rentals?
Luxury vacation rentals can be found throughout Palm Springs, particularly in Old Las Palmas, Vista Las Palmas, the Movie Colony, Deepwell Estates, The Mesa, Indian Canyons and Andreas Hills.
Can I rent a midcentury modern home in Palm Springs?
Yes. Many Palm Springs vacation rentals are historic or architecturally significant midcentury homes. Properties such as The Morse House and Wexler Steel House #4 let visitors experience Palm Springs architecture firsthand.
Are Palm Springs luxury vacation rentals good for groups?
Yes. Many luxury homes are designed for groups, with multiple bedrooms, spacious gathering areas, private pools, and large outdoor entertaining spaces. Larger estates can also include guest houses or casitas.
Can I stay in a Palm Springs celebrity home?
Yes. Several homes with connections to Hollywood celebrities have been available as vacation rentals. Availability changes, so check current listings with local vacation-rental companies.
Do luxury vacation rentals in Palm Springs have private pools?
Many do. Private pools are one of the most common features of upscale Palm Springs vacation homes, along with spas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and mountain views.
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