Where to Stay in Palm Springs: 3 Luxury Hotels Worth Knowing About
Last Updated on March 4, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
I’ve never really considered myself a “desert girl,” but my 29th birthday stay at La Quinta Resort & Club surprised me in the best way — and it’s only a short drive away from us in Orange County! Even with some rain (yes, it drizzled the entire weekend!), I found myself loving the quiet, the mountains, and that signature desert stillness. It left me wanting to come back when the sun is actually shining — and to finally check out a few of the other properties I’ve had saved on my list (and have obsessed over on Instagram) for years.
Before we dive in, a quick caveat: La Quinta is the only place I’ve stayed in the California desert so far. But if you know me, you know I live for researching hotels, bookmarking boutique stays, and keeping a running list of places I will stay someday — manifestation, right? The roundup below is a mix of firsthand experience and deeply researched, future trip contenders.
Whether you’re planning a sunny weekend escape, a spa-forward retreat, or simply craving that slow, golden desert energy, these hotels and resorts are absolutely worth considering for your next California desert stay.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
La Quinta feels like its own little desert village — Spanish-style casitas, citrus trees, bougainvillea, palm-lined pathways, and 41 (!!) pools tucked throughout the property. Even with the drizzle during my 29th birthday weekend, the resort still had this slow, nostalgic charm that made me want to wander, read by the fireplace, and pretend I lived in one of the casitas full-time.
There’s a timeless quality to La Quinta that makes it feel both relaxed and elevated. The rooms are spacious, the grounds are lovely, and the mountain backdrop is gorgeous in every direction. It’s the kind of place where you check in for a weekend and immediately start planning your return trip — preferably on a sunnier weekend next time.
Why it’s worth considering: A quintessential California desert classic with resort amenities, beautiful landscaping, and a peaceful atmosphere that works for couples, families, or a quiet solo retreat. And, if you’re a spa-goer, the on-site spa is calm, luxurious, and perfect for a slow, restorative afternoon. And if you love tennis or pickleball, La Quinta’s world-class courts and coaching make it one of the desert’s top destinations.
Parker Palm Springs
If La Quinta is serene and classic, Parker Palm Springs is the bold, playful, design-obsessed sister. This iconic property is full of personality — think eclectic mid-century style, vibrant colors, retro-yet-modern decor, and endless fun corners to explore. It’s one of the most photographable hotels in the desert, and I can see why!
From the incredible pool scene to the whimsical outdoor pathways, this is a property that leans into escapism in the best way. I haven’t stayed here yet, but it’s been on my list for years — partly because of the design, partly because everyone I know who has stayed here (or been to a wedding here) raves about it.
Why it’s worth considering: For the design lovers, the creatives, and anyone who wants a Palm Springs stay that feels stylish, energetic, and unique.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Above the valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is all about incredible views, sophisticated luxury, and that signature Ritz attention to detail. It’s one of the best vantage points in the desert — sunrise, sunset, nighttime twinkle lights… You name it. The property is perfect if you want a more secluded, resort-forward stay.
The spa is top-notch, the pool views are stunning, and the atmosphere leans more calm and refined than trendy or social scene-y. This is a place you go to reset, sip something cold by the pool, read a book, and let your nervous system come all the way down (somewhere I definitely need to find myself eventually). It’s a dream for wellness weekends, anniversary trips, or anyone wanting a quiet, elevated escape.
Why it’s worth considering: Luxe, calm, and perched on one of the best viewpoints in the desert — ideal for relaxation, spa time, and taking in the desert mountain views.
Whether you’re a longtime desert lover or someone (like me) who is slowly warming up to it, the California desert truly has something for every type of traveler. From iconic design-forward hotels to classic resorts to relaxed, mountainside retreats, each of these properties brings its own version of the desert experience to life. I’m already dreaming about my next sunny weekend out there (at one of these luxury spots, or a smaller boutique hotel in Palm Springs) — and fingers crossed, the weather decides to cooperate this time.