Where to stay?

Question

Hello!

Looking for some advice from the experts. We are traveling from the UK on a mini road trip through Nevada and California and planning to stay in Palm Springs for a Thursday and Friday night.

We have never been before and from what we have read it sounds like staying downtown is best for first-timers so we can easily walk to restaurants and bars. There are hundreds of hotels in the area and we are struggling to pick one! We love the look of Sparrow Lodge but it is not walkable to downtown.

We prefer small boutique hotels with a pool and ideally a relaxed vibe - so hopefully no big stag or hen dos. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Answer

Palm Springs is perfect for a boutique hotel stay, especially if you want to be within walking distance of downtown restaurants, bars, and shops. Since you prefer small boutique hotels with a relaxed vibe and a pool, here are some options that fit your criteria and are conveniently located for first-time visitors.

Downtown Palm Springs Boutique Hotels:

Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs: A modern boutique hotel right in downtown with a rooftop pool and bar. Very walkable to restaurants and shops, with a relaxed yet stylish vibe.
Palm Springs Hotel California: A smaller boutique hotel just a short walk from downtown. Offers a pool, courtyard, and intimate atmosphere. Great for avoiding the larger party crowds.
The Avalon Hotel: Classic mid-century Palm Springs design, small hotel with a pool, quiet and charming. About a 10-minute walk to downtown.
Triada Palm Springs: Small, stylish, and serene boutique hotel with a pool. Close enough to downtown for walking, but tucked away for privacy and relaxation.
Korakia Pensione: A Mediterranean-style boutique property with lush gardens and multiple small pools. Short walk or a quick ride to downtown; offers a calm and luxurious feel without party crowds.

Other tips for your stay:

Booking early is recommended, as boutique hotels can fill up quickly, especially for weekend stays.
Check if the hotel offers bike or scooter rentals; it’s a fun way to explore downtown and nearby mid-century architecture.
If you want a quiet stay, check reviews for mentions of private pools and adults-only areas, as some downtown hotels can have small events or bachelorette groups.

In summary, staying downtown gives you easy access to Palm Springs’ lively dining and nightlife, while choosing a boutique hotel like the Kimpton Rowan, Avalon, or Korakia Pensione ensures a stylish, relaxed environment with pools. Sparrow Lodge is beautiful, but since it’s not walkable to downtown, it’s better suited if you plan to drive everywhere.

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