Stay

Palm Springs is rich in luxury and boutique hotels, offering everything from heritage properties steeped in old-Hollywood nostalgia to sharp, design-led stays in the heart of downtown—each with its own take on desert chic.

Villa Royale is a Spanish colonial, adults-only retreat that has hosted Hollywood royalty since 1947. The 38-room property embraces bold colour, graphic tilework and monochrome prints that instantly transport guests to Palm Springs’ heyday. Interiors feature vintage mid-century furniture, mahogany detailing and murals of Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Kennedy, lending the estate a sense of playful nostalgia. Two heated pools, a full-service spa and the Del Rey Restaurant and Bar anchor the experience, while complimentary bikes and manicured courtyards with views of San Jacinto Mountain complete the picture.

For a more central address, The Drift blends rustic farmhouse charm with modern ease. Studios and multi-bedroom apartments come with fully functioning kitchens and balconies overlooking a generous pool area dressed with cabanas, daybeds and sunshine-yellow umbrellas. Contactless check-in adds a sustainability-minded touch, while Meleza serves Baja-inspired dishes throughout the day. For those who prefer a quieter night in, the Drift Pantry stocks locally sourced ingredients for effortless in-room dining.

For something unapologetically distinctive, The Trixie Motel delivers Palm Springs fantasy at full volume. Conceived by drag icon Trixie Mattel, the seven-room property is fiercely in demand and requires advance planning. Each individually designed room—names range from Flower Power to Oh Honeymoon—leans into retro glamour with vibrant art, whimsical décor and vintage-inspired furnishings that feel both theatrical and cleverly curated. The pool area is designed for languid desert afternoons, while the on-site restaurant focuses on fresh Californian cuisine built around seasonal ingredients.