Cool Hotels in Palm Springs: Why The Muse Feels Like Nowhere Else

The Muse is one of the cool hotels in Palm Springs because nothing about it is generic: nine suites, each named for a famous muse and each decorated differently, around one courtyard pool with pergola swings and a six-person hot tub. It's an adults-only boutique hotel minutes from downtown by car, and you can take over the whole hotel for up to 22 guests. Here's what makes it different, and where to go in town when you want more of the same energy.

What makes a hotel in Palm Springs feel cool?

In this town, cool usually means small, independent and a little bit bold. You want a place with a point of view, a pool you'll actually use and a location that gets you to dinner without a long drive. You don't want a lobby full of strangers or a room that could be in any airport.

The Muse checks those boxes in its own way. The building is pink, the awning is striped, the neon sign glows at night and the courtyard is where everyone ends up. It's fun without trying too hard.

What's unique about The Muse?

• Nine suites, nine personalities. Sophia, Edie, Bowie, Kate, Barbie, Brigitte, Audrey, Marilyn and Taylor. Barbie has pink walls and a pink feather chandelier. Edie has a red accent wall and a sputnik light. Audrey has patterned wallpaper and a chandelier.

• Yards of your own. Brigitte, Audrey, Marilyn and Taylor are king suites with private fenced yards and full kitchens.

• A courtyard built for hanging out. The pool, the hot tub, an outdoor fireplace, pergola swings, a BBQ grill and a lobby with a big table and booth seating.

• The whole place can be yours. A full buyout gives your group all nine suites and nine bathrooms for up to 22 overnight guests, with no bar minimum and no required event package.

• The easy stuff is included. Grab-and-go breakfast from Aspen Mills, parking and Wi-Fi.

Where is the best area in Palm Springs for boutique hotels and local shopping?

Downtown and Uptown along Palm Canyon Drive are the heart of it. The Uptown Design District on North Palm Canyon is lined with vintage furniture, mid-century décor and boutiques, and downtown has the restaurants, bars and Thursday night VillageFest street fair.

The Muse is minutes from all of it by car (about 1.4 miles to the Palm Springs Art Museum). You get the shopping and the dinner reservations, then come home to a pool without a crowd. Our vintage shops guide has the shopping list.

Where should you stay for arts and culture in Palm Springs?

Somewhere close to downtown, because that's where most of it is. A few favorites:

• Palm Springs Art Museum. Check the museum's calendar for its free Thursday evenings.

• Backstreet Art District. A cluster of galleries and working studios off the main drag, with monthly art walk nights.

• Modernism Week. The design festival runs February 11 to 21, 2027, with architecture tours, home tours and parties. See our Modernism Week guide.

• VillageFest. Thursday nights on Palm Canyon Drive with local artists, food and music.

For an authentic local weekend, mix one of those with a morning hike and a long afternoon at the pool. Our Palm Springs weekend getaway page has more ideas.

Is The Muse a fun hotel for a group?

That's the whole idea. Bachelorettes, birthday crews and friend trips book the full hotel so the pool, the hot tub and the playlist are theirs. Music is welcome at reasonable volumes until 10PM, so the loud part of the night happens downtown and the late part happens by the fireplace.

Add-ons make it easy to stay in: a private hibachi dinner, in-room massages, private yoga for the whole group and more in Muse Experiences. Whoever made the group spreadsheet will be thrilled.

Is The Muse cute enough for the photos?

Yes, and we say that with love. The flamingo floats, the scalloped umbrellas, the pink exterior and the floral wallpaper do most of the work. Golden hour by the pool is the shot. The Barbie Suite is the other shot.

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Cool hotel FAQ

What makes The Muse different from other boutique hotels in Palm Springs?

Nine individually designed suites named for famous muses, an adults-only courtyard with a pool and hot tub, and the option to book the entire hotel for up to 22 guests.

Where is the best area in Palm Springs for unique boutique hotels and local shopping?

Downtown and the Uptown Design District along Palm Canyon Drive. The Muse is minutes from downtown by car.

Is The Muse adults-only?

Yes. The Muse is adults-only, and all guests on a full hotel buyout must be 21 or older.

What's a good hotel for a weekend in Palm Springs with local art and food?

Stay close to downtown so galleries, VillageFest and dinner are a short drive. The Muse is about 1.4 miles from the Palm Springs Art Museum.

Easy to get to. Hard to leave. Pick your suite and we'll save you a swing.