Palm Springs Vacation Rental Guide

Palm Springs has over 2,500 registered vacation rentals to choose from, so there are a lot of choices and options.

Benefits of a Palm Springs Vacation Rental

It can often be much more cost-effective to rent a vacation home than to stay in a hotel, especially for families or groups/friends that can share the cost. You still get the privacy of your own room while sharing much larger living spaces with amenities such as a private pool, well-equipped full kitchens, outdoor barbecues, washers & dryers, and other amenities not generally available in a hotel. Plus, you have your privacy without mingling with other hotel guests.

Choosing a Palm Springs Vacation Rental

The hallmark of Palm Springs architecture is our midcentury style. If you want to experience living the iconic Palm Springs retro style, look for homes that were built in the 1950’s with lots of glass and outdoor space. These are generally smaller 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes because they were originally built as second homes, but there are some estate size as well. Most have been modernized and offer a great experience you just can’t find anywhere else.

Figure out your transportation. Palm Canyon Drive is the main street through Palm Springs. If you choose a property close to Palm Canyon Drive, most things will be within walking distance, so you may not need a car. The closer you are to downtown, generally you’ll pay more. The more North you go, the better value.

Like most cities, some neighborhoods are more desirable than others, and the rental prices will reflect this. Vista Las Palmas, Old Vista Las Palmas, and the Movie Colony carry a premium and also offer larger more luxurious homes.

There are also a large number of condos available for rent, some having their own boutique size private pools, others shared.

Checking In

If you rental is in the City of Palm Springs, an in-person meet-and-greet is required prior to or within 24 hours of occupancy. This is part of the Palm Springs vacation rental city ordinance. This can be at the local rental office or scheduled at the rental property. The basic function is to review applicable regulations and responsibilities to make sure everyone is well informed.

The City of Palm Springs requires an additional written contract which you will be sent by the rental agency before your arrival.  The city also requires that renters supply a copy of their government-issued ID and license plate numbers of personally owned vehicles.

Many Palm Springs Vacation Rentals are now keyless, so you will be provided a personal code.

Short Term Rentals

Short term Palm Springs vacation rentals are defined as stays of 28 days or less.  They are all registered with the city and there is a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on your bill, just as hotels.

Seasonal Monthly Rentals

On rentals of 28 nights or longer, there is no city bed tax, but the renter is generally responsible for the entire gas and electric bills from check-in to check-out, based on meter reads. A utility deposit, which is in addition to the security deposit, will generally be taken to guarantee payment of the utility charges. These can be very cost effective for long term stays over hotel or resort properties.

Local Palm Springs Vacation Rental Agencies

Vacation home rentals can be booked through many different sites just like hotel rooms. Bookings on third party websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Marriott Homes and Villas or Plum Guide may be subject to different cancellation policies set by the specific channel. They can also include different fee structures and payments. We recommend making your reservation directly with a local business that can handle all aspects of your rental experience, from fees and payments, to on-site management. This can also save you money.

Consider one of these local Palm Springs vacation rental company options. Local office addresses are noted, where applicable.

365 Vacation Rentals
This company is a family run business with a diverse inventory of homes and condominiums. Choose midcentury modern or old Spanish style from early Palm Springs.

Local office at 3500 E. Tachevah Drive, Suite B
Acme has a large inventory and you can save if you book direct. Lots to choose from and locally well known.

Altamira Vacation Rentals
Local office at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, #7-528
Offers a range of houses and condos.

Desert Star Palm Springs
1611 Calle Palo Fierro
This is a historic midcentury modern resort built in 1956 with studio apartments for rent. It is more of a traditional resort style stay but operates as a vacation rental. It’s a Class 1 Historic Site.

Iron Tree Inn
1600 Calle Palo Fierro
Just next to Desert Star is the Iron Tree Inn, also build in the 1950’s. Although similar in style to a boutique resort, it operates as a vacation rental. Most have kitchens. There is also a deluxe 2-bedroom, 3-bath bungalow. Rates are offered daily, weekly, and monthly. They don’t accommodate pets or children under the age of 18.

Desert Vacation Villas
250 W. Vista Chino
This is more of a condominium style property that also operates as a vacation rental. Amenities include bicycles, barbecue grills, and a basketball court. Located in the Uptown Design District around the corner from the Arrive Hotel. Most condominiums are two bedrooms with private patios or balconies and a full kitchen.

Dry Heat Resort
Local office at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive
You will be provided a guest service agent that can be reached by email or cell phone. All condos are self-check in. Houses usually require a personal check into the property at a prearranged time.

Luxsy Palm Springs
Local office at 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 200-115
Luxsy specializes in short term rentals and includes concierge services. From poolside massages and relaxing facials, kitchen stocking, and executive chefs, to child care. They intentionally keep a lower inventory of about 20 home rentals for better service. The partner with L’Occitane for in-home soaps, shampoos, and products. Homes also include luxury linens.

McLean Company Rentals
Local office at 2500 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite B-5.
This is a long-standing locally owned management firm with a large inventory. They offer anything from a one bedroom condo to a large 9 bedroom home.

Mod Mansions
Mod Mansions is a locally owned vacation rental company that also owns all the properties. The portfolio is all higher end luxury properties very well maintained and furnished. Parties and events are not permitted. The Cuckoo’s Nes home was the home of Dale Wassermann who wrote “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and includes 7 bedrooms. Or there is the 6-bedroom 4,000 square foot Betty Grable Estate.

Natural Retreats
Natural Retreats manages the Frank Sinatra Estate, along with a number of other luxury homes. You can also rent the Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate for events. But they have a nice mix of prices and sizes. They also manage Villa Sierra also known as “That Pink Door.” This company is national and manages properties across the US with destination based teams.

Oasis Rentals
Local office at 1111 E Palm Canyon Drive, #205
Inventory includes a selection of unique midcentury, modern, and luxury vacation home rentals. Generally they request a minimum 3-night stay unless otherwise stated. Some properties are available for events and weddings.

Oranj Palm Springs Vacation Homes
Local office in the Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center – 1775 E Palm Canyon Drive, #205

Palm Springs Luxury Vacation Homes
Mostly larger estate luxury homes, most requiring a minimum 5-night stay. Pets generally welcome. There is a minimum 24-48 hours in between guests’ departures/arrivals for cleaning. The properties are located in Vista Las Palmas, Old Las Palmas, and Racquet Club Estates neighborhoods.

Palms at Park
These are three large homes that sit next to each other in the Sunrise neighborhood, all owned by the same owners. They are newer construction and very similar layouts. They were built specifically with vacation rental in mind, so all rooms have their own bathroom. They include high-speed Tesla chargers.

Poolside Vacation Rentals
Local office at 301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 103-1020
Poolside Vacation Rentals is locally owned and operated. They offer a nice inventory of very affordable vacation rental options that can compete with many hotel rates. Some great affordable options for families. Someone is available 24/7.

Private Villa Management
303 Cabrillo Road
This company offers a range of properties, including Sundance Villas Properties, which are privately owned condo style properties with a private pool.

Relax Palm Springs
2225 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste 4
Homeowner(s) expect RELAX Palm Springs to be available to every guest throughout your stay. You’ll likely be texting with the owner directly to make sure you get quick responses and effective service. Someone is also available at the office for added support. Payments for these properties go through VRBO, so this vacation rental company acts more as a local management team. Someone will meet you at the home for keys and show you around.

Savvy Travels
840 N Indian Canyon Drive
This company has a small collection of Palm Springs homes for rent. One property, The Flat on Alexander, was featured in Modernism Week. They also manage the Estee Lauder Estate in the Movie Colony, featuring 5 bedrooms and 6 baths. Services include 24/7 Guest Concierge.

The Twist Palm Springs
140 W. Via Lola
This is one complex in a newer building in the Uptown Design District. Rooms surround a common pool, so the outdoors is more of a hotel feel while the indoors is more of a home feel. Everything is walkable. It’s midcentury modern style. Choose from a ground-floor unit with large private patio with fire-pit or an upper floor unit with private balcony to enjoy stunning mountain views. Each decorated in true Palm Springs modernism with colorful modern designs.

Vacation Palm Springs by Vacasa
Local office at 901 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite B200
Offers a large inventory Palm Springs-area vacation houses, condos, and more for both short-term and long-term stays

Palm Springs Vacation Rental Policies To Know

The City of Palm Springs requires you fill out a Vacation Rental Statement of Rules and Regulations form. This identifies the primary responsible party and contact information, usually the name on the rental contract. You will be provided a copy of the Good Neighbor Brochure.

Maximum of any vacation rental is 12 people with no more than 2 people per bedroom, no matter how big the home.

NO MUSIC or SOUND (TV, cell phone, radio, etc) are allowed outside at any time. Any type of SOUND from any sound producing device is not allowed outside of your Vacation Rental unit. This includes music coming from the inside of the home that can be heard outside. If your neighbors can hear the noise, you are in violation of the City Ordinance.

While NO MUSIC or SOUND (TV, cell phone, radio, etc) are allowed outside at any time, QUIET TIME is between 10pm and 10am. Please consider moving indoors after 10pm. If you choose to be outside, please be considerate of the neighbors and use low voices. Please remember our neighborhoods are quiet, surrounded by mountains and voices can easily carry.

A CALL from the neighbors to the City will bring Code Compliance Officers to your door.  Our officers may issue you a citation if you exceed the allowed noise levels or if another violation is observed.  So please, keep the noise down and be considerate of the neighbors.  You may be on vacation, but other occupants in homes around your vacation home may not be.

Please keep in mind that you will be cited or fined by the City, or even immediately evicted by the owner, for creating a disturbance or for violating any provisions of the City’s Vacation Rental Ordinance. The minimum fine is $500 per violation. The surrounding neighbors have been given a 24-hour number to CALL should they need to report a complaint.