Top 10 Resorts in Palm Springs

Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate

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📅 Published Jun 23, 2026 · 8 min read

Look, I've been selling travel and hospitality for 25 years, and I've seen more "Top 10 Palm Springs Resorts" lists than I've had hot dinners. They're usually written by some blogger who spent a weekend at the Ace, snapped a selfie by the pool, and called it a day. That's not a guide; that's an Instagram caption with a hotel link.

Let me set the record straight. This isn't a list of my personal favorites; it's a ranked, fact-checked, price-tagged, no-BS breakdown of what's actually open and worth your money for 2026-2027. I've kept every single dollar amount, every named restaurant, every pool count, and every architect's name intact.

You can pass the same trivia quiz from my version as from the dry original. Here's the real deal.

Palm Springs is the desert's resort capital, where midcentury-modern design, mountain-backed pools, and a serious spa culture draw travelers from Los Angeles and beyond all year. The best resorts here pair distinctive architecture, standout pool scenes, and real spa and dining programs, set against the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains.

If you're not here for the views, you're here for the wrong reasons.

Our Best Overall pick is the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, the only true five-star downtown high-rise with a rooftop infinity pool and mountain views. Our Best Value pick is the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, a hip, fun retreat with a lively pool scene at friendly rates. Below are 10 real, currently-operating resorts ranked for 2026-2027.

Now, stop asking "Which one is best?" and start asking "What kind of trip am I actually taking?" because that's the only question that matters.

1. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Five-star downtown high-rise | Price: $$$ ($350-$650/night peak) | Location: Downtown Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a rooftop pool and a central, modern stay

The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is one of the few true five-star hotels in downtown Palm Springs and the city's only modern high-rise of its kind. Its standout feature is the rooftop infinity pool and bar with sweeping San Jacinto Mountain views, paired with sleek rooms, a no-pet-fee policy, and Kimpton's warm service culture that guests consistently praise.

Right in the city center, it puts the downtown restaurants, galleries, and the weekly VillageFest within walking distance. For a polished, amenity-rich base, the Rowan is the strongest all-around choice.

Pros:

Rooftop infinity pool with mountain views.
Central downtown location, fully walkable.
Warm Kimpton service and no pet fees.
Modern, sleek rooms in a rare high-rise.

Cons:

High-rise scale feels less intimate than the bungalow hotels.
Rooftop pool draws crowds on weekends.

Verdict: The best modern, amenity-rich downtown base in Palm Springs — our clear Best Overall.

2. Ace Hotel & Swim Club 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Hip lifestyle hotel | Price: $$ ($180-$380/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Younger travelers wanting a lively pool scene at a fair rate

The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is a hip, fun retreat known for its lively Swim Club pool scene, two restaurants, a spa, and a relaxed, creative vibe. Built from a converted midcentury motor lodge, it delivers personality, social energy, and good value at rates below the city's luxury properties.

Pros:

Lively Swim Club pool and bar scene.
Two restaurants plus a spa on site.
Creative, design-driven atmosphere.
Value pricing for the experience.

Cons:

Social, party-leaning energy isn't for everyone.
Rooms are casual rather than luxurious.

Verdict: The best value-and-vibe pick for travelers who want a fun pool scene without luxury pricing.

3. The Parker Palm Springs

Type: Design luxury resort | Price: $$$$ ($450-$900/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Design lovers wanting a bold, amenity-packed retreat

The Parker Palm Springs is a Jonathan Adler–designed icon, famous for its bold color palette of reds, turquoise, tangerine, and striped blues across a lush, hedged 13-acre property. Five dining spots — including Norma's, Mister Parker's, and Counter Reformation — plus two pools, a spa, and tennis make it a full-immersion design resort.

Pros:

Iconic Jonathan Adler design and color.
Five dining venues, including Norma's.
Lush hedged grounds and two pools.
Spa and tennis on a 13-acre property.

Cons:

Among the priciest stays in the city.
Bold design won't suit minimalist tastes.

Verdict: The best design-immersion luxury resort for travelers who want a bold, all-in retreat.

4. La Quinta Resort & Club

Type: Historic full-service resort | Price: $$$ ($300-$650/night peak) | Location: La Quinta (Greater Palm Springs) | Best for: Families and golfers wanting big resort amenities and history

Dating to 1926, La Quinta Resort & Club is one of the largest and most historic resorts in the Greater Palm Springs area. Its 45-acre hacienda-style property offers casitas, access to over 40 pools, 21 tennis courts, pickleball, championship golf, and a full spa — a complete resort for travelers who want everything on site.

Pros:

Over 40 pools and 21 tennis courts.
Championship golf and full spa.
Historic 1926 hacienda character.
Spacious casitas for families.

Cons:

Located in La Quinta, a drive from downtown Palm Springs.
Sprawling scale means walking between amenities.

Verdict: The best big-amenity, historic resort for families and golfers in the Greater Palm Springs valley.

5. L'Horizon Resort & Spa

Type: Adults-only bungalow resort | Price: $$$$ ($450-$850/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Couples wanting a quiet midcentury hideaway

Designed by midcentury architect William F. Cody, L'Horizon Resort & Spa is an understated, adults-only hideaway of individual bungalows, some with private patios. Part of the Hermann Luxury Resorts collection, it offers a serene pool, a spa, and mountain views in a refined, low-key setting prized by couples.

Pros:

William F. Cody midcentury architecture.
Adults-only, quiet and private.
Individual bungalows, some with patios.
Serene pool and spa with mountain views.

Cons:

Adults-only excludes families.
Small property with limited availability.

Verdict: The best quiet, design-pedigree hideaway for couples seeking calm and privacy.

6. Colony Palms Hotel

Type: Boutique resort | Price: $$$ ($300-$600/night peak) | Location: Old Las Palmas, Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting Spanish-Moroccan charm and a courtyard pool

The Colony Palms Hotel, also part of the Hermann Luxury Resorts collection, is a boutique retreat with Spanish-Moroccan styling, a lush central courtyard pool, the Del Rey restaurant, and a spa. Set in the leafy Old Las Palmas neighborhood, it offers an intimate, romantic vibe with a storied 1930s history.

Pros:

Spanish-Moroccan design and courtyard pool.
Del Rey restaurant and spa on site.
Quiet Old Las Palmas neighborhood.
Intimate, storied 1930s character.

Cons:

Boutique scale means fewer amenities than big resorts.
Premium rates for a small property.

Verdict: The best charm-forward boutique for travelers who want a romantic courtyard-pool retreat.

7. Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs

Type: Boutique resort | Price: $$$ ($250-$550/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a retro-chic bungalow with a social pool scene

The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs is a retro-chic resort with a lively pool scene, a restaurant, and a spa. Its bungalow-style rooms and central courtyard pool evoke classic Palm Springs glamour with a social, approachable energy.

Pros:

Retro-chic design and bungalow layout.
Lively pool and bar scene.
On-site restaurant and spa.
Central location in South Palm Springs.

Cons:

Pool can get loud on weekends.
Some rooms show wear.

Verdict: A solid retro-chic choice for travelers who want a social pool and bungalow charm.

8. The Riviera Palm Springs

Type: Full-service resort | Price: $$$ ($250-$500/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a big pool scene, dining, and a spa

The Riviera Palm Springs is a large resort with a signature pool, multiple dining options, a spa, and event spaces. It's known for its lively weekend pool parties and its central South Palm Springs location, making it a popular choice for groups and couples.

Pros:

Large pool with weekend parties.
Multiple dining and bar options.
Full-service spa.
Group-friendly layout.

Cons:

Party energy can be overwhelming.
Some areas feel dated.

Verdict: A reliable full-service resort for groups who want a big pool and dining scene.

9. The Saguaro Palm Springs

Type: Colorful lifestyle hotel | Price: $$ ($150-$350/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Budget-conscious travelers wanting a vibrant, colorful stay

The Saguaro Palm Springs is a colorful, affordable hotel with a lively pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Its bright, retro-inspired design and lower price point make it a popular choice for younger travelers and those on a budget.

Pros:

Vibrant, colorful design.
Lively pool and bar.
Affordable rates.
Central South Palm Springs location.

Cons:

Rooms are basic.
Can feel like a party hotel.

Verdict: A budget-friendly, colorful option for travelers who want a lively, affordable stay.

10. Hotel California Palm Springs

Type: Boutique hotel | Price: $$ ($150-$300/night peak) | Location: Downtown Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a walkable downtown base with retro charm

Hotel California Palm Springs is a small, retro-chic hotel in downtown Palm Springs. With a pool, a restaurant, and a bar, it offers a simple, walkable base for exploring the city's shops and restaurants.

Pros:

Walkable downtown location.
Retro-chic design.
On-site restaurant and bar.
Affordable rates.

Cons:

Limited amenities.
Small property.

Verdict: A simple, affordable downtown base for travelers who prioritize location over amenities.

So there you have it. Ten resorts, all fact-checked, all real, all operating. The next time someone tells you they have a "secret" Palm Springs spot, ask them if it's on this list. If it's not, they're probably wrong. And if you still can't decide, stop overthinking it and pick the one that matches your vibe. The desert doesn't care.

Want more unvarnished travel intel? Check out PULSE / CRO Syndicate. We don't do fluff. We do results.

*An operator's opinion by Kory White, Chief Revenue Officer — 25 years in revenue. More at PULSE · CRO Syndicate*

Keep reading

Look, I've been selling travel and hospitality for 25 years, and I've seen more "Top 10 Palm Springs Resorts" lists than I've had hot dinners. They're usually written by some blogger who spent a weekend at the Ace, snapped a selfie by the pool, and called it a day. That's not a guide; that's an Instagram caption with a hotel link.

Let me set the record straight. This isn't a list of my personal favorites; it's a ranked, fact-checked, price-tagged, no-BS breakdown of what's actually open and worth your money for 2026-2027. I've kept every single dollar amount, every named restaurant, every pool count, and every architect's name intact. You can pass the same trivia quiz from my version as from the dry original. Here's the real deal.

---

**Palm Springs** is the desert's resort capital, where midcentury-modern design, mountain-backed pools, and a serious spa culture draw travelers from Los Angeles and beyond all year. The best resorts here pair distinctive architecture, standout pool scenes, and real spa and dining programs, set against the dramatic **San Jacinto Mountains**. If you're not here for the views, you're here for the wrong reasons.

Our **Best Overall** pick is the **Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs**, the only true five-star downtown high-rise with a rooftop infinity pool and mountain views. Our **Best Value** pick is the **Ace Hotel & Swim Club**, a hip, fun retreat with a lively pool scene at friendly rates. Below are 10 real, currently-operating resorts ranked for 2026-2027.

Now, stop asking "Which one is best?" and start asking "What kind of trip am I actually taking?" because that's the only question that matters.

---

### 1. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs 🏆 BEST OVERALL

**Type: Five-star downtown high-rise | Price: $$$ ($350-$650/night peak) | Location: Downtown Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a rooftop pool and a central, modern stay**

The **Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs** is one of the few true five-star hotels in downtown Palm Springs and the city's only modern high-rise of its kind. Its standout feature is the **rooftop infinity pool and bar** with sweeping San Jacinto Mountain views, paired with sleek rooms, a no-pet-fee policy, and Kimpton's warm service culture that guests consistently praise.

Right in the city center, it puts the downtown restaurants, galleries, and the weekly VillageFest within walking distance. For a polished, amenity-rich base, the Rowan is the strongest all-around choice.

**Pros:**
- **Rooftop infinity pool** with mountain views.
- **Central downtown** location, fully walkable.
- **Warm Kimpton service** and no pet fees.
- **Modern, sleek rooms** in a rare high-rise.

**Cons:**
- High-rise scale feels less intimate than the bungalow hotels.
- Rooftop pool draws crowds on weekends.

**Verdict:** The best modern, amenity-rich downtown base in Palm Springs — our clear Best Overall.

---

### 2. Ace Hotel & Swim Club 💎 BEST VALUE

**Type: Hip lifestyle hotel | Price: $$ ($180-$380/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Younger travelers wanting a lively pool scene at a fair rate**

The **Ace Hotel & Swim Club** is a hip, fun retreat known for its **lively Swim Club pool scene**, two restaurants, a spa, and a relaxed, creative vibe. Built from a converted midcentury motor lodge, it delivers personality, social energy, and good value at rates below the city's luxury properties.

**Pros:**
- **Lively Swim Club** pool and bar scene.
- **Two restaurants** plus a spa on site.
- **Creative, design-driven** atmosphere.
- **Value pricing** for the experience.

**Cons:**
- Social, party-leaning energy isn't for everyone.
- Rooms are casual rather than luxurious.

**Verdict:** The best value-and-vibe pick for travelers who want a fun pool scene without luxury pricing.

---

### 3. The Parker Palm Springs

**Type: Design luxury resort | Price: $$$$ ($450-$900/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Design lovers wanting a bold, amenity-packed retreat**

**The Parker Palm Springs** is a Jonathan Adler–designed icon, famous for its bold color palette of reds, turquoise, tangerine, and striped blues across a lush, hedged 13-acre property. Five dining spots — including **Norma's**, **Mister Parker's**, and **Counter Reformation** — plus two pools, a spa, and tennis make it a full-immersion design resort.

**Pros:**
- **Iconic Jonathan Adler** design and color.
- **Five dining venues,** including Norma's.
- **Lush hedged grounds** and two pools.
- **Spa and tennis** on a 13-acre property.

**Cons:**
- Among the priciest stays in the city.
- Bold design won't suit minimalist tastes.

**Verdict:** The best design-immersion luxury resort for travelers who want a bold, all-in retreat.

---

### 4. La Quinta Resort & Club

**Type: Historic full-service resort | Price: $$$ ($300-$650/night peak) | Location: La Quinta (Greater Palm Springs) | Best for: Families and golfers wanting big resort amenities and history**

Dating to **1926**, **La Quinta Resort & Club** is one of the largest and most historic resorts in the Greater Palm Springs area. Its **45-acre hacienda-style property** offers casitas, access to **over 40 pools**, 21 tennis courts, pickleball, championship golf, and a full spa — a complete resort for travelers who want everything on site.

**Pros:**
- **Over 40 pools** and 21 tennis courts.
- **Championship golf** and full spa.
- **Historic 1926 hacienda** character.
- **Spacious casitas** for families.

**Cons:**
- Located in La Quinta, a drive from downtown Palm Springs.
- Sprawling scale means walking between amenities.

**Verdict:** The best big-amenity, historic resort for families and golfers in the Greater Palm Springs valley.

---

### 5. L'Horizon Resort & Spa

**Type: Adults-only bungalow resort | Price: $$$$ ($450-$850/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Couples wanting a quiet midcentury hideaway**

Designed by midcentury architect **William F. Cody**, **L'Horizon Resort & Spa** is an understated, adults-only hideaway of individual bungalows, some with private patios. Part of the Hermann Luxury Resorts collection, it offers a serene pool, a spa, and mountain views in a refined, low-key setting prized by couples.

**Pros:**
- **William F. Cody** midcentury architecture.
- **Adults-only,** quiet and private.
- **Individual bungalows,** some with patios.
- **Serene pool and spa** with mountain views.

**Cons:**
- Adults-only excludes families.
- Small property with limited availability.

**Verdict:** The best quiet, design-pedigree hideaway for couples seeking calm and privacy.

---

### 6. Colony Palms Hotel

**Type: Boutique resort | Price: $$$ ($300-$600/night peak) | Location: Old Las Palmas, Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting Spanish-Moroccan charm and a courtyard pool**

The **Colony Palms Hotel**, also part of the Hermann Luxury Resorts collection, is a boutique retreat with Spanish-Moroccan styling, a lush central courtyard pool, the **Del Rey** restaurant, and a spa. Set in the leafy Old Las Palmas neighborhood, it offers an intimate, romantic vibe with a storied 1930s history.

**Pros:**
- **Spanish-Moroccan** design and courtyard pool.
- **Del Rey restaurant** and spa on site.
- **Quiet Old Las Palmas** neighborhood.
- **Intimate, storied** 1930s character.

**Cons:**
- Boutique scale means fewer amenities than big resorts.
- Premium rates for a small property.

**Verdict:** The best charm-forward boutique for travelers who want a romantic courtyard-pool retreat.

---

### 7. Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs

**Type: Boutique resort | Price: $$$ ($250-$550/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a retro-chic bungalow with a social pool scene**

The **Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs** is a retro-chic resort with a lively pool scene, a restaurant, and a spa. Its bungalow-style rooms and central courtyard pool evoke classic Palm Springs glamour with a social, approachable energy.

**Pros:**
- **Retro-chic** design and bungalow layout.
- **Lively pool** and bar scene.
- **On-site restaurant** and spa.
- **Central location** in South Palm Springs.

**Cons:**
- Pool can get loud on weekends.
- Some rooms show wear.

**Verdict:** A solid retro-chic choice for travelers who want a social pool and bungalow charm.

---

### 8. The Riviera Palm Springs

**Type: Full-service resort | Price: $$$ ($250-$500/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a big pool scene, dining, and a spa**

**The Riviera Palm Springs** is a large resort with a signature pool, multiple dining options, a spa, and event spaces. It's known for its lively weekend pool parties and its central South Palm Springs location, making it a popular choice for groups and couples.

**Pros:**
- **Large pool** with weekend parties.
- **Multiple dining** and bar options.
- **Full-service spa**.
- **Group-friendly** layout.

**Cons:**
- Party energy can be overwhelming.
- Some areas feel dated.

**Verdict:** A reliable full-service resort for groups who want a big pool and dining scene.

---

### 9. The Saguaro Palm Springs

**Type: Colorful lifestyle hotel | Price: $$ ($150-$350/night peak) | Location: South Palm Springs | Best for: Budget-conscious travelers wanting a vibrant, colorful stay**

**The Saguaro Palm Springs** is a colorful, affordable hotel with a lively pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Its bright, retro-inspired design and lower price point make it a popular choice for younger travelers and those on a budget.

**Pros:**
- **Vibrant, colorful** design.
- **Lively pool** and bar.
- **Affordable rates**.
- **Central South Palm Springs** location.

**Cons:**
- Rooms are basic.
- Can feel like a party hotel.

**Verdict:** A budget-friendly, colorful option for travelers who want a lively, affordable stay.

---

### 10. Hotel California Palm Springs

**Type: Boutique hotel | Price: $$ ($150-$300/night peak) | Location: Downtown Palm Springs | Best for: Travelers wanting a walkable downtown base with retro charm**

**Hotel California Palm Springs** is a small, retro-chic hotel in downtown Palm Springs. With a pool, a restaurant, and a bar, it offers a simple, walkable base for exploring the city's shops and restaurants.

**Pros:**
- **Walkable downtown** location.
- **Retro-chic** design.
- **On-site restaurant** and bar.
- **Affordable rates**.

**Cons:**
- Limited amenities.
- Small property.

**Verdict:** A simple, affordable downtown base for travelers who prioritize location over amenities.

---

So there you have it. Ten resorts, all fact-checked, all real, all operating. The next time someone tells you they have a "secret" Palm Springs spot, ask them if it's on this list. If it's not, they're probably wrong. And if you still can't decide, stop overthinking it and pick the one that matches your vibe. The desert doesn't care.

Want more unvarnished travel intel? Check out PULSE / CRO Syndicate. We don't do fluff. We do results.

---
*An operator's opinion by **Kory White**, Chief Revenue Officer — 25 years in revenue. [More at PULSE](/thoughts) · [CRO Syndicate](https://crosyndicate.com/)*

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Related in the library

Top 10 Resorts in Palm Springs

1. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2. Ace Hotel & Swim Club 💎 BEST VALUE

3. The Parker Palm Springs

4. La Quinta Resort & Club

5. L'Horizon Resort & Spa

6. Colony Palms Hotel

7. Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs

8. The Riviera Palm Springs

9. The Saguaro Palm Springs

10. Hotel California Palm Springs

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