7 Best Pool Hotels in California for Your 2025 Getaway
- The Muse Hotel
- Sep 16
- 14 min read
Updated: Oct 14
TL;DR – Why The Muse Hotel Palm Springs Is a Standout
Adults-only boutique hotel with private patios
Located minutes from downtown in Warm Sands
Each suite features a unique muse-inspired theme
Heated floral pool, fire pit, swings, & stylish common areas
Great for couples, bachelorettes, and full property buyouts
Dive into California's Most Enviable Hotel Pools
California's sunshine is legendary, and there’s no better way to embrace it than by lounging beside a stunning hotel pool. From chic desert oases in Palm Springs to sprawling coastal resorts with ocean views, the Golden State offers an aquatic escape for every traveler, whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a bachelorette party, or a relaxing solo trip. But sifting through endless options to find the perfect spot, one that combines style, top-tier amenities, and that perfect sun-drenched vibe, can feel overwhelming.
That's where this guide comes in. We've curated a definitive list of the best pool hotels in California, designed to help you find your ideal getaway without the guesswork. We'll explore everything from exclusive boutique properties to iconic luxury resorts, providing actionable details to streamline your planning. Topping our list for group getaways and stylish celebrations is the incomparable [The Muse Hotel Palm Springs](https://www.themusehotelpalmsprings.com), a private, adults-only retreat that sets the standard for a memorable desert escape. Ready to find your perfect poolside paradise? This list details the top hotels and the platforms to book them, complete with insider tips and direct links to simplify your search.
🌟 Spotlight on The Muse Hotel Palm Springs ✔ Adults-only, private & peaceful ✔ Hot tub + floral pergola courtyard ✔ Stylish mid-century aesthetic ✔ Kitchenettes & patios in every suite ✔ Ideal for groups & full buyouts 👉 Check it out
1. The Muse Hotel Palm Springs – A Boutique Stay with Style, Soul, and Seclusion
For those seeking an intimate, design-forward escape, [The Muse Hotel Palm Springs](https://www.themusehotelpalmsprings.com) is a definitive standout and a premier choice among the best pool hotels in California. A true adults-only oasis, The Muse blends mid-century modern design, private patios, and group-ready suites into one of the most stylish hotels in Palm Springs. Its prime location, just five minutes from the vibrant energy of downtown Palm Springs, offers the ideal balance of seclusion and convenience. With a heated floral-covered pool, full kitchens, and iconic muse-themed rooms, it’s perfect for bachelorette weekends, romantic getaways, or private hotel buyouts.
The heart of The Muse is its sun-drenched floral courtyard, which centers around a sparkling, heated pool. This isn't just a place to swim; it's a meticulously curated social hub designed for relaxation and creating Instagram-worthy moments. The space features comfortable recliners for sunbathing, a glam swing pergola, and an outdoor fireplace that invites guests to gather for cocktails under the stars. The desert-chic design ensures every corner is a photo opportunity, making it a dream for group getaways and celebrations.
Why It Excels for Bachelorette Parties and Group Getaways
What truly sets The Muse apart for groups is its unique accommodation structure. With suites that sleep up to 21 guests, the hotel fosters an exclusive atmosphere. This layout is exceptionally well-suited for group travel, offering flexible indoor/outdoor hang spaces and private patios. For the ultimate private experience, the entire property can be bought out for a totally private experience, transforming the hotel into your own personal desert compound.
This flexibility makes it the go-to destination for bachelorette parties, girls’ weekends, and milestone birthdays. The hotel enhances the experience by curating bespoke local adventures, like private yoga sessions by the pool, further personalizing your stay. If you’re planning a stylish weekend in the desert, The Muse belongs at the top of your list.
Key Features and Amenities
Accommodation: Uniquely styled suites that can sleep up to 21 guests with a full property buyout.
Pool & Courtyard: A heated pool surrounded by a floral-lined courtyard, glam pergola swings, and an outdoor fireplace.
Complimentary Perks: Free breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, and on-site parking are included.
In-Room Comforts: Suites feature private patios and kitchens/kitchenettes for added convenience.
Atmosphere: Adults-only and peaceful, ensuring a serene yet vibrant environment.
Pricing: Nightly rates generally range from $150 to $300, offering exceptional value for a boutique experience. Full property buyout options are available for those planning larger events. The Muse has carved a niche for itself as a top-tier destination, and you can explore more about what makes it a top choice in this 2025 guide to Palm Springs hotels with outdoor pools.
2. Booking.com
For travelers who value comprehensive options and user-driven insights, Booking.com is an indispensable tool for finding the best pool hotels in California. Its massive inventory covers everything from sprawling luxury resorts in Los Angeles to charming boutique stays in Palm Springs. The platform's dedicated landing page for California hotels with pools serves as a powerful starting point, streamlining the search for your perfect poolside escape from the very beginning.
The real strength of Booking.com lies in its robust filtering system. Users can effortlessly narrow down thousands of listings by essential criteria like "outdoor pool," "indoor pool," guest rating, and specific neighborhoods. This level of detail is perfect for planners of bachelorette parties or group trips who need to match specific vibes and budgets. You can explore a wide variety of stylish pool-centric hotels, and discover more about them through resources that break down the top options.
Key Features and User Experience
What sets Booking.com apart is its transparency. Verified guest reviews, complete with candid photos and detailed ratings for categories like staff, cleanliness, and location, provide a realistic preview of the experience. This helps you avoid properties where the professional photos might not match reality. Many listings also offer flexible booking options, including free cancellation and "pay at the property," which adds peace of mind when organizing group travel. The "Genius" loyalty program offers progressive discounts, making it a rewarding platform for frequent travelers.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Search
Filter with a Strategy: Start broad with the "Pools" filter, then layer on others like "Guest rating: 8+" and "Free cancellation" to quickly find high-quality, flexible options.
Read the Fine Print: Always expand the "House rules" and "Facilities" sections. This is where you’ll find crucial details about pool hours, guest policies, and potential resort fees not always included in the initial price.
Verify Pool Status: If the pool is the main event, it's wise to call the hotel directly after booking to confirm its operational status and any seasonal hours, especially during the off-season.
3. Expedia
For travelers seeking value and convenience, Expedia is a powerhouse for discovering the best pool hotels in California, particularly when bundling flights or car rentals. The platform excels at packaging entire trips, often unlocking exclusive discounts that aren't available when booking a hotel alone. Its dedicated landing page for California hotels with outdoor pools makes it easy to start your search, whether you're planning a family trip to Anaheim or a group getaway to Palm Springs.
Expedia’s primary advantage is its integrated travel ecosystem. You can seamlessly transition from finding a chic hotel with a rooftop pool in San Diego to adding a rental car for a coastal drive, all within a few clicks. The filters allow users to narrow options by property class, neighborhood, and guest rating, ensuring you can find a stay that matches your specific needs. This makes it an ideal one-stop-shop for organizing bachelorette parties or group trips where coordinating multiple bookings is essential. For those seeking inspiration, resources breaking down dreamy hotels with heated pools provide excellent ideas.
Key Features and User Experience
What makes Expedia a standout choice is its One Key loyalty program, which consolidates rewards across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. This means every booking helps you earn "OneKeyCash" that can be applied to future travel, creating significant long-term value. The platform also offers member-only pricing, giving you instant access to lower rates just by signing in. Many listings feature clear cancellation policies and "reserve now, pay later" options, which provide crucial flexibility for group planners. The mobile app is another highlight, often featuring exclusive app-only deals and a smooth, user-friendly interface.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Search
Always Compare Bundle Deals: Before booking a hotel separately, always check the "Hotel + Flight" or "Hotel + Car" package price. The savings can often be substantial, sometimes making the flight or car nearly free.
Leverage the 'Outdoor Pool' Filter: Use the specific "Outdoor pool" filter under amenities to immediately weed out properties with only indoor options, saving you time in your search for a sun-drenched California experience.
Scrutinize the Final Price: Be mindful that resort fees and parking charges are sometimes added on the final checkout page. Always click through to the last step to see the true total cost before confirming your booking.
Use the App for Extra Savings: Download and browse on the Expedia app. It frequently offers mobile-exclusive discounts that aren't visible on the desktop site, giving you an edge on the best deals.
4. Hotels.com
For travelers seeking a blend of broad selection and rewarding loyalty benefits, Hotels.com is a reliable resource for finding the best pool hotels in California. Its platform is exceptionally user-friendly, offering a straightforward search experience across countless cities from San Diego to Napa Valley. With powerful visual tools and a simple filtering system, it’s easy to find properties that match your group’s specific needs, whether you're after a budget-friendly motel with a simple pool or a five-star resort with cabanas.
The platform excels at providing a quick overview of each property through strong photo galleries and a helpful map view, allowing you to see a hotel's proximity to beaches or downtown districts. This is particularly useful for bachelorette parties or girls' trips where location is key. You can discover a range of properties, from intimate boutique stays to larger resorts, and gain more inspiration by exploring guides that highlight chic boutique hotels with swimming pools.
Key Features and User Experience
What makes Hotels.com stand out is its integration with the One Key loyalty program, which lets you earn and redeem rewards across Expedia and Vrbo. This unified system is a major perk for frequent travelers. The platform also provides useful neighborhood guides on many city pages, giving you a better feel for the area before you book. Its interface is clean, with guest review summaries that help you quickly gauge a property's strengths and weaknesses.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Search
Leverage the Map View: After filtering for "Pool," switch to the map view. This is the best way to find a hotel that is not only pool-equipped but also perfectly located for your itinerary.
Look for Flexible Rates: Many listings offer "fully refundable" and "pay at property" options. Prioritize these when planning group travel to accommodate potential changes in your guest list.
Check the "Amenities" Tab Closely: The accuracy of the pool information depends on the hotel's updates. Always double-check the amenities list for specifics like "outdoor pool" or "heated pool" before booking.
Account for Extra Fees: Be aware that taxes and mandatory resort fees are often disclosed late in the checkout process. Factor these into your budget to avoid surprises.
5. Tripadvisor
For travelers who trust the wisdom of the crowd, Tripadvisor is a powerhouse for discovering the best pool hotels in California based on real-world experiences. It excels at curating ranked lists of properties with outdoor or heated pools, allowing you to see which hotels consistently impress fellow visitors. This peer-reviewed approach cuts through the marketing fluff, giving you an honest look at what to expect from your poolside retreat.
Tripadvisor's strength lies in its vast repository of user-generated content. You can sift through candid traveler photos, read detailed reviews, and even ask previous guests specific questions in the Q&A section, like "How crowded does the pool get?" or "Are there any rules against bringing drinks to the pool area?" This makes it an invaluable resource for bachelorette party planners and groups needing to verify amenities and atmosphere before committing. The platform also compares prices across multiple booking sites, helping you snag a great deal.
Key Features and User Experience
What makes Tripadvisor unique is its focus on community validation. You can filter reviews by traveler type (e.g., "couples," "families," "friends trip") to find feedback from people with similar priorities. The ranked lists for "Hotels With Outdoor Pools" provide a clear hierarchy of top-rated options, often unearthing hidden gems that might not appear on larger booking engines. You can discover unique properties, like those offering private pool suites in Palm Springs, by seeing what other travelers are raving about. Its interface clearly displays price comparisons, so you can book through your preferred partner.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Search
Dive into the Q&A Section: Before booking, check the "Questions & Answers" tab on a hotel’s page. This is where you'll find candid, direct answers about pool hours, guest policies, and other crucial details.
Filter Traveler Photos: Use the "Traveler Photos" filter and search for "pool." This shows you unedited pictures of the pool area, giving you a realistic sense of its size, condition, and vibe.
Check Recent Reviews: Sort reviews by "Date" to see the most current feedback. This is essential for confirming if the pool is well-maintained and if any policies have recently changed.
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsList-California-Hotels-With-Outdoor-Pool-o450-zfp17178706.html
6. Google Hotels
For the savvy traveler focused on finding the best value, Google Hotels is an essential first stop. As a powerful metasearch engine, it aggregates pricing from countless sources-including hotel websites and online travel agencies-to give you a comprehensive overview of the market. Its clean, map-based interface makes it incredibly easy to visually locate and compare the best pool hotels in California, from a sun-drenched resort in San Diego to a chic urban oasis in Los Angeles.
The real advantage of Google Hotels is its ability to streamline price comparison. After filtering for properties with a pool, you can click on any hotel and instantly see a side-by-side list of booking options and their corresponding rates. This is perfect for group organizers, like those planning a bachelorette party, who need to find the most cost-effective way to book multiple rooms. The platform often uncovers limited-time deals and direct booking discounts you might otherwise miss.
Key Features and User Experience
What makes Google Hotels stand out is its speed and visual-first approach. The live map view with price overlays allows you to gauge affordability based on location at a glance, a huge plus when planning a Palm Springs weekend getaway. Rich photo galleries and aggregated guest reviews provide a quick, reliable snapshot of the property's atmosphere and amenities. The user experience is seamless, especially on mobile, although it's important to remember that the final booking happens on a partner website, not on Google itself.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Search
Use the "Amenities" Filter: Immediately select "Outdoor pool" or "Pool" under the amenities filter to clear out irrelevant options and focus your search on poolside properties.
Compare All Booking Options: Don't just click the top-listed price. Scroll through the full list of sellers, as booking directly with the hotel might unlock special perks or a better rate.
Cross-Reference Pool Details: While Google is great for discovery, always click through to the final booking site or the hotel’s official page to confirm crucial details like pool hours, adult-only policies, or potential resort fees.
Website: https://www.google.com/travel/hotels
7. ResortPass
For those who want the luxury pool experience without committing to an overnight stay, ResortPass is a game-changing platform. It unlocks access to some of the best pool hotels in California by offering day passes, cabanas, and spa access at prestigious properties. This is an ideal solution for locals planning a staycation, travelers on a budget who still want a taste of luxury, or groups looking for a memorable day-trip destination in places like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Palm Springs.
ResortPass allows you to search by city and date to find available hotel pools, complete with clear pricing and a detailed list of included amenities. This model is perfect for bachelorette parties or birthday celebrations that want the ambiance of a high-end resort pool for the day without the expense of booking multiple rooms. You can lounge by the water, order poolside service, and enjoy a five-star atmosphere for a fraction of the cost of a full stay.
Key Features and User Experience
The platform’s strength is its simplicity and transparency. You can instantly see calendar-based availability and pricing, which makes planning straightforward. Each listing clearly outlines what the day pass includes, from pool and hot tub access to complimentary Wi-Fi and valet parking. The booking process is seamless, with mobile confirmations sent directly to your phone. Many passes also come with flexible cancellation policies, adding a layer of security to your plans. For group events, booking a private cabana through ResortPass provides a dedicated, stylish home base for the day.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Search
Book Mid-Week for Deals: Weekend and holiday passes are in high demand and sell out quickly. For the best prices and availability, plan your poolside day for a weekday.
Check the Amenities List: Don't just look at the photos. Carefully read what’s included with your pass, such as food and beverage credits, spa facility access, or fitness center use, to maximize its value.
Arrive Early: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on sunny days. Arrive when the pool opens to claim the best lounge chairs and enjoy the amenities before the peak afternoon rush.
Website: https://www.resortpass.com
Top 7 Pool Hotels in California: Platform Comparison
Item | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Muse Hotel | Medium – Boutique property with curated experiences | Moderate – Small property, tailored amenities | High – Unique stay with personalized service | Couples, groups, event planners, pet lovers | Unique themed suites, pet-friendly, boutique luxury |
Booking.com | Low – Online platform with extensive filters | High – Large database, real-time updates | High – Wide hotel options and deals | Travelers seeking variety and deals | Large inventory, transparent reviews, frequent discounts |
Expedia | Low – Integrated search with package bundling | High – Broad listings with loyalty program | High – Hotel + flight/car bundled savings | Travelers booking full trips | Package deals, member rewards, app discounts |
Hotels.com | Low – Hotel search with filters and maps | Moderate – Inventory across budget to luxury | High – Diverse options with loyalty perks | Budget-conscious to luxury travelers | Wide coverage, neighborhood guides, photo galleries |
Tripadvisor | Low – User-generated content with price comparison | Moderate – Review aggregation and ranking | Medium-High – Trusted reviews and rankings | Travelers valuing peer feedback | Extensive reviews, Q&A, price comparison |
Google Hotels | Low – Metasearch engine with filtering | High – Multiple data sources integrated | High – Quick visual price and amenity comparison | Price-conscious travelers wanting visual aids | Live maps, multi-seller comparisons, fast interface |
ResortPass | Medium – Day pass booking system with calendar | Moderate – Contracts with hotels, availability updates | Medium – Access to luxury pools without overnight stay | Locals, day-trippers, non-staying guests | Affordable luxury pool access, flexible cancellations |
Your Perfect California Pool Getaway Awaits
California's sun-drenched landscape is dotted with incredible hotels, but the right pool can elevate a great trip into an unforgettable experience. It's more than just a place to swim; it's the heart of your vacation, a vibrant backdrop for connection, laughter, and pure relaxation. From the chic desert oases of Palm Springs to the glamorous rooftop escapes in Los Angeles and the serene coastal retreats in San Diego, the Golden State offers a perfect poolside setting for every type of traveler.
This guide has equipped you with the tools and insights to navigate the booking process like a pro. Whether you're using a comprehensive platform like Booking.com to compare amenities, leveraging Expedia's package deals for a cost-effective getaway, or using ResortPass to dip your toes into luxury for a day, you now have a clear path to finding your ideal spot. While Palm Springs is filled with boutique options, The Muse Hotel Palm Springs consistently stands out thanks to its thoughtful design, curated experiences, and peaceful vibe just minutes from the city’s best restaurants and shops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes The Muse Hotel unique among boutique hotels in Palm Springs? The Muse Hotel offers a rare combination of an intimate, adults-only setting with amenities designed for groups. Its unique muse-themed suites, private patios, and the option for a full property buyout make it feel like a private estate, perfect for bachelorette parties and stylish getaways.
Is The Muse Hotel adults-only? Yes, The Muse Hotel is a serene, adults-only property, ensuring a peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere for all guests.
How close is The Muse Hotel to downtown Palm Springs? It's ideally located just minutes from the heart of downtown Palm Springs, offering easy access to top restaurants, bars, and shops while being tucked into the peaceful Warm Sands neighborhood.
Is The Muse a good hotel for groups or bachelorettes? Absolutely. With the ability to sleep up to 21 guests, private common areas like the floral pool courtyard, and full property buyout options, it is the premier choice in Palm Springs for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and group celebrations.
Are there full kitchens and private patios? Yes, many suites at The Muse feature full kitchens or kitchenettes and private, sun-drenched patios, providing the convenience and comfort of a home away from home.
Whether you're planning a Palm Springs weekend getaway, a girls’ trip, or simply want a more stylish place to unwind, The Muse Hotel Palm Springs brings together privacy, design, and atmosphere in one beautifully curated package. Discover the desert hideaway that blends intimacy with impeccable design by visiting [The Muse Hotel](https://www.themusehotelpalmsprings.com).

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