PALM SPRINGS ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
If a stay in Palm Springs is on the cards, you will be spoilt for choice with boutique hotels. Here are some of my favourites.
Ahh, the Parker Palm Springs, one of my personal favourite hotels! Having recently been given a refresh by interior design guru Jonathan Adler, the hotel is looking as beautiful as ever. The gardens here are also exceptional, with maze-like walkways throughout the property that lead to the various hotel rooms and suites, and mini-oases scattered in between. Think lemonade stand, two outdoor pools, tennis court, croquet lawn, and a nautical themed day-spa complete with heated pool. Because a lot of the activities and facilities are located outside, my hot tip is to stay in the spring or summer – when it’s nice and hot. There’s nothing better than sipping a cocktail poolside when it’s warm and sunny.
I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at the Parker three times now, and honestly it’s worth the splurge. If you want to score more affordable room rates though, (and this applies to many Palm Springs hotels), they sometimes offer discounted prices during the summer (as it gets super hot)!
The Sands Hotel & Spa is the first designer boutique hotel in the prominent and exclusive community of Indian Wells just 30 minutes drive from Palm Springs. Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard has transformed the rooms and day spa into a luxe Moroccan-inspired haven. The Sands only recently opened, and this brand new hotel is high on my list of places to stay next time I holiday in California. It truly looks like a pink oasis – my kind of heaven.
A blue-and-white-lover’s paradise, Holiday House Palm Springs is a delightful boutique hotel offering beautifully designed rooms, each unique in its design. Wallpaper, custom-made furnishings, and art clusters throughout really help to make this hotel feel like a home away from home. There are so many design details in each space – our room included a kitchenette, bar cart, dining nook, and a bathroom complete with freestanding bathtub and crisp white penny round tiles. But honestly there are just too many features to list! There’s eye-candy at every turn, making this a very 'instagrammable' hotel.
Whether you’re spending your days lazing by the pool, or drinking by the firepit and cosy outdoor lounges, or cruising around the area on one of the complimentary cruiser bikes, there’s much to do in this small adults-only resort. Oh and there is a free continental breakfast each morning for guests. I really couldn’t fault this hotel – add it to your must-stay list.
Photography: Zeke Ruelas
There are very few (if any), new-build hotels in Palm Springs, which makes the recent opening of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel an exciting one! On my recent trip to Palm Springs I was actually deciding between The Rowan and Holiday House and eventually chose Holiday House, however on my next holiday I’ve got dibs on The Rowan. The views from the rooms look sensational, and that rooftop pool looks dreamy – I could jump right in. Located in downtown Palm Springs, makes this the ideal location to base yourself, with restaurants, shopping and the Art Museum all at your fingertips.
Whilst I didn’t stay here, I did visit the gorgeous lobby and had breakfast one morning at Juniper Table, the hotel’s casual cafe. Whilst the menu was small, I really enjoyed the Real French Toast with vanilla-bourbon custard and fresh berries, whilst my partner insisted the Classic BEK (breakfast burger) with scrambled eggs, slab bacon, kale and béarnaise was the tastiest breakky he had eaten in Palm Springs.
Photography: Laure Joliet
MORE PALM SPRINGS STAYS
You might also want to check out La Serena Villas – it’s another adults-only resort, with a Mediterranean influence in its design. There’s also an on-site restaurant – Azucar which offers indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a stunning rooftop deck. Stop by for cocktails and appetizers or a full dinner.
Looking for a cool pool party scene? Arrive, Ace Hotel, and The Saguaro are more fun options. If you’re looking for something more high-end, a stay at the ultra decadent L’Horizon (pictured opposite) might be for you. It’s certainly on my bucket list, ahh a girl can dream!