When looking for a place to call homebase while exploring in Palm Springs, California, it’s nice to know you’re staying somewhere you can count on for consistency. While there are always large hotels and resorts available as an option, there are many perks to staying somewhere small. RealFoodTraveler.com’s Hospitality Editor, Ron Stern, recently explored a variety of boutique hotels in Palm Springs and provides this roundup of what to expect when you go. He also shares ideas for things to do while in Palm Springs.
Save this article about Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels’ boutique hotels in Palm Springs to Pinterest to help you plan your trip. Photos by Ron Stern, graphic by Real Food Traveler.
Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs: Exploring the options of Preferred Small Hotels
I have visited Palm Springs many times over the years and have always been intrigued by the varied architectural styles of the homes, government buildings and small hotels. This became even more apparent during my most recent trip where I had the opportunity to stay at several of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels (PSPSH) in town. Perfect for a long weekend or extended holiday, you can choose between 80 diverse accommodations offering a host of amenities that travelers will love.
If you’re a fan of retro architecture, like I am, their website lets you filter among various styles such as mid-century modern, historic, Spanish and Mediterranean. Some of the other options include restaurants on premises, pet friendly, breakfast included, full-service spas, bicycles, swimming pools, and handicap accessible.
If you are a fan of boutique hotels, here are some other reasons for staying with Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels:
Book Directly with the Property
There are advantages to booking directly on the PSPSH platform. First, most will price match what you might find on other travel agency (OTA) websites, thus saving money. Also, if any problems arise, you can deal directly with the property who can quickly resolve any issues. If you book with an OTA, they are essentially your travel agent, and you’ll have to contact them for assistance. Finally, many have found the warmth and friendliness of the hotel staff to be so endearing, they become like family friends.
If you’re wondering about loyalty programs, you can earn and use points through Stash Rewards. These are currently available at these Palm Springs properties: Alcazar, Dive, Talavera and the Inn at Palm Springs.
Architecture and Design
Notable architects from the mid-1900s have contributed to the cultural landscape of Palm Springs including Albert Frey, William Cody, and Alexander Homes. The Triangle Inn, for instance, was one of the first commercial properties built by Hugh Kaptur, one of the leaders in the mid-century modern movement. Many of today’s small hotels have been lovingly restored and/or renovated and their style very much reflects the personality of their owners.
Small and Intimate Spaces
With less than 50 rooms, each individual property offers a doorway to the retro past. Privacy can be found in a secluded bungalow or one of the many hidden spaces of a small courtyard surrounded by palm trees, fountains and lush landscaping. Or just do what most do and spend your days lounging by a pool with a cool drink and basking in the warmth of the desert sun.
Personalized Service
While you can choose contactless check-in as an option, I prefer the full-service offered by many hoteliers. Not only can they help with check-in, and getting you settled, but they can advise on the best places to eat, where to find hidden shopping gems, help arrange adventure excursions and so much more. These hoteliers go the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction.
Convenient Locations
All of the inns and hotels are within easy driving distance of the Greater Palm Springs area. But you can also choose one right in the heart of the city close to many of the main attractions and activities.
Here’s a look at some of the boutique hotels in the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels collection
This was the first hotel where my wife and I stayed, located in the Uptown Design District just a block from Palm Canyon Drive. We were able to easily walk to downtown with stores, restaurants and Villagefest, an area that hosts a street fair every Thursday night.
The dramatic Spanish-style entrance was framed by giant palms and a wall of vibrant red Bougainvilleas. The 34 individual rooms are arranged around a rectangular central salt water purified pool and encompassed by gorgeous, green foliage. During the season, the aroma of fragrant Jasmine flowers fills the air, and shade is provided by the palm, pepper and palo verde trees.
Each room is different, and ours had a mid-century modern feel. The interior was painted in a clean white color, including a sleek high gloss floor. A contrasting accent was provided in the form of a modern bright red couch with complimentary artwork.
Steel and glass furnishings as well as an atomic-style lighting fixture made us feel like we were in a high-end, art museum rather than a hotel room. Our bed was super comfortable with luxurious white imported Italian linens. They thoughtfully included a large, flat-screen TV and a large, white, acrylic tub which saw lots of use.
The Alcazar is owned by F10 Creative which also operates two restaurants adjacent to the property: Cheeky’s (small farm food) and Birba (pizza/pasta). Both are just steps away via an alleyway so you never really have to leave the property to experience the best of Palm Springs.
A dramatic but comfortable room at the Alcazar Palm Springs.
Roughly translated as “Welcome to the neighborhood” in ancient languages, Mahala is situated on North Palm Canyon Drive just a few blocks from downtown. This was our second night’s stay here in this delightfully outfitted 14-room hotel.
The lobby is staffed from 10am – 6pm and our host warmly welcomed us to one of the newest properties of the Town & Desert Collection. Incorporating interior design elements, ‘supergraphics,’ and custom retro-looking furniture, they have created a distinctly comfortable and laid-back desert oasis. One reviewer summed it up best calling it “one of the most luxurious and understated places to stay in the entire town.”
Security seems to have been in mind as the property is bounded by walls on all sides with a keyless entry system. This also contributed to a very quiet and serene atmosphere, making us feel like we were a million miles from the cares of the world. Ample free parking was located in the rear.
The rooms are arranged along the sides of a rectangular courtyard with amazing views of the nearby mountains. All of the layered elements such as the color palette, retro chase lounges, outdoor pool and hot tub, garden plants, and glass and metal panels blended superbly to create what they call a “living canvas of art and design.”
This same attention to detail extended to the rooms. Ours had a large mural graphic of Diana Ross superimposed on an orange background with images of spindly Joshua Trees. Everything a traveler might need was thoughtfully considered from custom furnishings to high-end electronics (we had a Tivoli audio radio.), a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and a mini SMEG with complimentary beverages and snacks. The large rain shower was also a very appreciated feature.
Mahala has received rave reviews from travelers. This is certainly a welcomed addition to the PSPSH family.
An interior room at Mahala.
If you’re a Francophile, you simply must include Dive Palm Springs in your travel plans. Imagine yourself in the 1960s beach culture in St. Tropez you’ll see what they were aiming for—and succeeded. One of the newer petite boutique hotels in town, Dive evokes a feeling of spacious French elegance with a lush, tropical ambiance.
The walled courtyard has three distinct garden areas and abounds with palm trees, fountains, a two-person swing chair, hot tub, citrus trees, a koi pond, and an original, historic Libott pool! This was a real treasure as Libott was one of the premier Palm Springs pool designers in the 1950s. Rather than using rough concrete as the flooring, they layered it with smooth white porcelain tiles which are oh-so comfy on your feet. Also found on-site was an original, large neon sign of a woman in full dive mode which has also been incorporated into the overall design.
The French Riviera theme continues throughout the property, and each room is a true work of art. Ours, the Paris Suite, had its own private access through a pastel blue upholstered seating parlor. Upon entering our suite, we were stopped in our tracks with the pièce de résistance–a queen bed enveloped by a fully restored 1919 belle époque brass and copper elevator cage from Paris.
As if that wasn’t enough visual overload, we put down our suitcases to survey all of the other amazing room amenities. Among them was colorful Christian Lacroix butterfly wallpaper, a large, antique wall mirror repurposed from the NYC Flatiron Building (c. 1903), vintage Parisian chandeliers, and a “not so minibar” packed with premium spirits and wines.
The second bedroom was equally impressive with a King-sized high-back rattan bed and a Tuft & Needle Mattress. Then there was the bathroom adorned with a double vanity and frosted-edge glass mirrors that illuminated the underlying turquoise and white tiles. Simply amazing!
They provide a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning as well as a la carte selection for a small fee. Coffee and tea are available 24/7.
The whimsical and stylish entrance to the Dive Palm Springs.
Coloring way outside the lines on this one, the owner of Dive spared no expense in re-creating the look and feel of an authentic French holiday. This is just another reason to book one of these delicious properties via the PSPSH online platform.
I spoke to Kimberli Munkres, spokesperson for the association Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels who summarized why you should consider booking with one of their partner hotels.
“Palm Springs has more than 80 boutique hotels. We can help you find the perfect stay at Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and the best part is that you can book directly right from our platform without any intermediary. That means you build a relationship with the hotel from the beginning.”
Where to eat in Palm Springs
No story about Palm Springs would be complete without some dining recommendations. With more than 250 restaurants, you will certainly have your choice but here are a few I really liked.
Right next door to the Alcazar, they offer “small farm food” using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With indoor/outdoor seating and a casual vibe, some have said it is the best breakfast in the desert. I tried their custard cheesy scrambled eggs with maple bacon and cheddar cheese scone which got gobbled up in a jiffy!
Cheesy scrambled egg breakfast at Cheeky’s.
Also adjacent to Alcazar, Birba serves up handcrafted cocktails and al fresco pizza and pasta dishes. Their roasted cauliflower appetizer and margherita pizza were particularly good. Our group shared both and had smiles of satisfaction on their faces.
Described as a mix of “Boho meets cool Palm Springs vibe,” this rooftop eatery can be found at the La Serena Villas. Serving flavorful contemporary cuisine with fresh ingredients, the best time to come is at twilight when the deep blue-sky accents the nearby San Jacinto Mountains.
The colorful décor was a visual delight and the service impeccable. This would be my first choice for an evening dinner in Palm Springs enjoying one of their cocktails with some good conversation. Depending upon the season, if you’re lucky enough to hit it during warm weather, I would go with their seasonal salad, which, in this case, was watermelon. Their chef has taken this somewhat ordinary summer fruit and turned it into a tasty and refreshing combo of watermelon, crumbled feta, candied pistachios, balsamic pearls, and honey mint drizzle. Trust me, each bite was heavenly and delectable!
Situated in La Plaza, this shopping area in the heart of downtown has seen many changes over the years. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to find out about this French-inspired restaurant simply called Farm.
Entering what felt like a secret garden entrance, the chefs who are all family, drew inspiration from having traveled to many parts of the world. Serving breakfast and lunch, selections include sweet and savory crepes, brioche French toast, salads, and traditional favorites like croque madam. I had their bacon chicken and waffle covered in sausage gravy. Simple and unpretentious but quite tasty!
The entry gate to Farm in Palm Springs.
Situated at Mountain Station, you will need to take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to dine here (see things to do). I was told that the chef formerly worked for the Italian Embassy and he has created a menu with fresh Coachella Valley vegetables, dry-aged meats and poultry and local bakery items. I tried the meatloaf which was a blend of pork and beef together with roasted vegetables. Combined with what they call “dining above the clouds,” this was a wonderfully excellent dining venue.
Meatloaf diner with vegetables from The Peaks Restaurant.
Things to do while visiting Palm Springs
Nearly 13 million people visited Palm Springs in 2021 (last year for this statistic). Besides coming for the sunshine, dry desert air, and poolside ambiance, there are hiking trails, cycling routes, cultural and art museums and a host of other activities. Here are two others, that are not to be missed:
Perpetually, the #1 attraction on Tripadvisor, this has the record for the “world’s largest rotating tram car.” Your journey will glide you 8,516 feet above the valley floor to Mountain Station and St. San Jacinto State Park. The two-and-one-half-mile-long trip takes about 10 minutes and traverses the cliff walls of Chino Canyon.
The rotating floor of the tram affords 360-degree views of the mountains where you can sometimes spot wildlife among the rocky crags and crevices. Once at the top, you will have unobstructed views of the Coachella Valley from their wraparound observation deck. There are also a natural history museum, two restaurants, two documentary theaters, a gift shop and several hiking trails.
The Aerial Tramway in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy Aerial Tramway.
If you come to Palm Springs for some pampering (And who doesn’t?), you would be remiss if you didn’t plan a day visit here. If you have ever dreamt of a place that will leave you in a complete state of relaxation bliss, this is it!
The spa was constructed on the site of the Agua Caliente Hot Springs, a significant cultural site of the Cahuilla Indians. Situated right in downtown, the name Séc-he means “the sound of boiling water.” This refers to the hot underground water chamber 8000 feet below the ground. By the time it makes its way to the surface by a natural pipeline, it has cooled 105 degrees and is full of minerals.
Since this was my first visit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I can honestly say is that this is one of the finest, state-of-the-art spas of its kind I have ever visited. I was shown around the immaculate facility by a well-trained staff member and provided a locker and bathrobe.
A “Taking of the Waters” day pass allows you to experience all of the spa services. This includes a private mineral bath, aromatherapy shower, and a menthol inhalation steam room. They also offer Acoustic Wellness vibrational loungers, zero-gravity chairs with binaural audio therapy, a “grounded” room, salt lounges, and more.
I have never tried some of the services above before but found them to be a whole body, immersive, tranquility experience. There are two sides, one for ladies and one for men, and some common areas with water stations and snacks.
Outside is no less impressive. The 17,000-sq. ft. pool desk features a main pool with a spectacular waterfall and a zero-edge mineral pool. The aesthetics are amazing with teak furniture, lounge chairs, day beds, umbrellas and a snack bar. I could have stayed here all day, and that would be my recommendation. You are not likely to find a comparable spa anywhere in the world.
The stunning swimming pool at Séc-he.
Whether you stay for a couple of days or a week or two, the spirit that has made Palm Springs so popular still exists. You can find it in the small boutique hotels with dynamic architecture that have survived the decades, in the businesses that continue to evolve, and in the friendliness of the residents of this desert community.
For more information on visiting Palm Springs, their tourism website is a great source.
-Story and photos, except where noted, by Ron Stern, Hospitality Editor, Real Food Traveler
Please note: This was a sponsored visit, however, all opinions were honest and based on the author’s opinion.
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