%20(1).png)
%20(1).png)
Where to Stay in Palm Springs California: A Guide to the Best Hotels for a Stylish Getaway
- sky mozart
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
Palm Springs is more than a destination; it’s a vibe. From sun-drenched mid-century modern architecture to chic poolside lounges and dramatic mountain backdrops, finding the right place to stay is key to unlocking its magic. This guide cuts through the noise to show you exactly where to stay in Palm Springs, California, highlighting the best boutique hotels and unique retreats tailored to your trip.
Whether you're organizing a bachelorette party, a romantic weekend, or a memorable girls’ trip, the options can feel overwhelming. We've curated a list that covers everything from ultra-private, Instagram-worthy hideaways perfect for groups, like The Muse Hotel Palm Springs, to sprawling resorts. Each recommendation is designed to help you find the perfect desert sanctuary that matches your travel style, whether you need an adults-only boutique stay, a full-property buyout for a large event, or just a stunning pool to relax by. As you plan your trip to this vibrant city, learning about the native cacti of the Sonoran Desert can deepen your appreciation for its unique environment.
This listicle will provide actionable insights, direct links, and a clear breakdown of what each option offers, so you can spend less time searching and more time planning the perfect desert escape.
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
🌟 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 – Best Boutique Hotel for Groups & Bachelorette Parties
For travelers seeking an intimate and impeccably styled answer to where to stay in Palm Springs, California, The Muse Hotel Palm Springs is the definitive choice. This adults-only boutique retreat masterfully combines the iconic mid-century modern aesthetic of the desert with thoughtful, contemporary luxuries. It offers a curated, almost private experience that stands in stark contrast to larger resorts, making it the premier destination for celebratory group travel like bachelorette parties, milestone birthdays, and girls’ getaways. If you’re planning a stylish weekend in the desert, The Muse belongs at the top of your list.
Located just five minutes from the vibrant energy of downtown Palm Springs, The Muse feels like a secluded hideaway designed for creating memories. Its entire concept revolves around creating a picture-perfect environment, from the nine uniquely styled suites—each paying homage to a different iconic muse—to the sun-drenched floral courtyard that serves as the social heart of the property.
Why It's a Premier Choice for Groups and Celebrations
The Muse Hotel excels in hosting groups by offering something truly rare: a full-property buyout option. This allows a party of up to 21 guests to reserve all nine suites, transforming the entire hotel into a private estate for their stay. This exclusive access is a game-changer for bachelorette parties and other private events, ensuring total seclusion and the freedom to enjoy the amenities without interruption.
Even for smaller groups, the property’s layout encourages a sense of community and shared fun in its Instagrammable courtyard. This idyllic oasis features:
A sparkling, heated pool for all-day lounging.
A stylish pergola with chic swings perfect for conversation and photos.
An outdoor fireplace that becomes a natural gathering spot for cocktails under the stars.
The hands-on hosts elevate the experience from a simple stay to a personalized retreat. They specialize in curating local activities, from arranging private yoga sessions to providing insider recommendations for dining and nightlife.
Standout Features and Practical Benefits
What truly distinguishes The Muse is its blend of high design and practical amenities. Guests consistently praise the meticulous renovations and photo spots at every turn.
Key Features Include:
Adults-Only Atmosphere: Provides a sophisticated, tranquil vibe perfect for getaways.
Themed Suites with Kitchens: Each of the nine suites is individually designed with kitchenettes or full kitchens and private patios.
Essential Comforts: All suites are equipped with modern conveniences, including high-end toiletries, making longer stays comfortable and self-sufficient.
To get a closer look at what makes this one of the best hotels in Palm Springs, you can discover more about The Muse Hotel and its unique offerings here.
2. Visit Palm Springs – Best for Local Discovery
For an authentic, locally-vetted perspective on where to stay in Palm Springs, California, the official tourism website, Visit Palm Springs, is an indispensable resource. Unlike massive online travel agencies (OTAs) that prioritize sponsored listings, this city-run platform serves as a curated discovery tool. It shines a spotlight on the unique, independent, and classic mid-century modern hotels that define the city's character.
The platform is particularly useful for travelers planning group getaways, like bachelorette parties or birthday celebrations, who want to find a stay with genuine local charm rather than a generic chain hotel. It simplifies the initial research phase, helping you build a shortlist of properties that capture the true desert vibe.
Why It Stands Out
Visit Palm Springs excels as a starting point for discovery, not just booking. Its strength lies in its curated lists and neighborhood guides, which are often more insightful than the algorithm-driven suggestions on other sites. You'll find dedicated sections highlighting LGBTQ-friendly properties, historic inns, and the latest hotel openings, ensuring your information is both relevant and current.
Pro Tip: Use Visit Palm Springs to create a "dream list" of potential hotels. Once you've identified a few top contenders, you can visit their official websites directly for the best rates, special packages, or information on full-property buyouts—a fantastic option for large groups seeking a private experience.
How to Use It Effectively
Think of Visit Palm Springs as your local guide. Start by exploring its "Places to Stay" section, filtering by property type or neighborhood. Because it’s an official city source, you can trust its information on seasonal travel tips, local events, and visitor center hours to be accurate.
Find Hidden Gems: Browse their features on boutique and independently-owned hotels to discover unique stays you might not find elsewhere.
Plan Your Trip: Use the site’s guides to understand different neighborhoods, from the bustling Downtown to the quieter enclaves, helping you choose the perfect home base for your group.
Verify Information: While the site links out for booking, it serves as a reliable hub to confirm a hotel's legitimacy and get a feel for its local reputation before you commit.
Website: https://visitpalmsprings.com
3. Visit Greater Palm Springs – Best for Regional Options
When your search for where to stay in Palm Springs, California needs to expand beyond the city limits, Visit Greater Palm Springs is the essential resource. As the regional tourism authority, this platform covers all nine cities in the Coachella Valley, including Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indian Wells. It’s an ideal tool for travelers who find Palm Springs proper fully booked or want to explore different desert communities for better value or availability.
This site is particularly useful for flexible groups or families planning a trip during peak season, like a bachelorette party weekend or spring break. If a full-property buyout isn't available in Palm Springs, you might find a fantastic resort with group amenities just a short drive away. It broadens your options without sacrificing the quality and local insight you’d expect from an official destination guide.
Why It Stands Out
Visit Greater Palm Springs shines by offering a wider perspective on the entire desert region. Its strength lies in its comprehensive coverage and frequently updated deals, which can be a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers. Unlike major booking sites that can feel overwhelming, this platform curates its listings with a local's touch, highlighting everything from sprawling golf resorts to intimate boutique inns across the valley.
Pro Tip: Sign up for the Visit Greater Palm Springs e-newsletter before your trip. It’s a direct line to seasonal promotions, "Getaway Offers," and staycation deals that often aren't advertised on larger travel platforms, giving you access to exclusive discounts.
How to Use It Effectively
Treat Visit Greater Palm Springs as your regional planning hub. Start with the "Places to Stay" collections to get a feel for what each of the nine cities offers. Since it's an official source, you can rely on its practical content, like guides to airport-adjacent hotels and neighborhood profiles, to be accurate and helpful for your group's logistics.
Unlock More Options: Use this site when your dates are fixed but your preferred Palm Springs hotels are unavailable. You may discover a perfect alternative in a neighboring city.
Find the Best Deals: Regularly check the "Deals" and "Offers" sections, especially if you have some flexibility in your travel schedule.
Plan a Broader Itinerary: Explore the site's extensive guides to plan activities across the Coachella Valley.
4. Expedia – Best for Bundling Deals
As a major online travel agency (OTA), Expedia offers an exhaustive inventory for anyone searching for where to stay in Palm Springs, California. Its strength lies in its sheer volume and powerful filtering tools, making it a go-to platform for comparison shopping across a wide spectrum of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. From high-end luxury chains to budget-friendly motels, the selection is vast.
The platform is especially beneficial for travelers who value convenience and rewards. Expedia’s ability to bundle flights, car rentals, and activities can unlock significant savings, while its One Key rewards program lets you earn and redeem points across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. This unified system is perfect for group trips that might involve booking a hotel for some guests and a vacation rental for others.
Why It Stands Out
Expedia excels as a one-stop shop for booking and managing your entire trip. Its robust search filters allow you to narrow down options by price, star rating, neighborhood, and essential amenities like a pool or pet-friendly policies. The transparent pricing and member-only discounts offer tangible value, especially for frequent travelers.
Pro Tip: Look for the "free cancellation" filter when booking for a group. Plans can change, and this flexibility allows you to lock in a good rate without the risk. Also, always double-check the fine print for resort fees, as these are set by individual hotels and can significantly increase your total cost.
How to Use It Effectively
Use Expedia for broad-stroke planning and comparison. Its map view is an excellent tool for visualizing where properties are located in relation to downtown or specific attractions.
Maximize Rewards: Sign up for the free One Key program to access member pricing and earn rewards on every booking.
Bundle for Savings: If you need a flight or rental car, always check the package deals. The savings can often be substantial compared to booking á la carte.
Filter Precisely: For a bachelorette party, you might filter for "pool," "free breakfast," and properties in the "Downtown Palm Springs" area to find the perfect celebratory home base.
While Expedia is great for booking mainstream hotels, remember that some of Palm Springs’ best boutique gems, like The Muse Hotel Palm Springs, offer unique experiences that are best understood by visiting their direct sites.
5. Booking.com – Best for Flexible Bookings
For travelers who prioritize flexibility, extensive options, and a wealth of user-generated feedback, Booking.com is a go-to platform for finding where to stay in Palm Springs, California. As one of the largest Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), its inventory is vast, covering everything from sprawling resorts to the intimate boutique hotels that give Palm Springs its unique character. It's particularly powerful for those who value transparent cancellation policies.
This platform excels for planners who need to keep their options open. If your group's dates might shift or you're waiting for everyone to confirm, the "free cancellation" and "no prepayment" filters are invaluable. These features allow you to secure a great room without the immediate financial commitment, reducing the stress of organizing group trips like bachelorette parties or birthday weekends.
Why It Stands Out
Booking.com’s key advantage lies in its sheer volume of user reviews and powerful filtering capabilities. Its filters let you drill down to find exactly what you need, whether it’s an adults-only property, a room with a kitchenette, or a hotel with a hot tub, making it easy to find a place that ticks every box.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the "most booked" tags and review scores, but also read the most recent comments. Previous guests often leave practical tips about specific rooms, noise levels, or proximity to the pool, which can help you select the perfect suite for your group's needs.
How to Use It Effectively
Treat Booking.com as a powerful research and booking tool, but be a savvy user. Start with a broad search for your dates, then use the extensive filters on the left-hand side to narrow down the options based on your group's non-negotiables.
Leverage Granular Filters: Go beyond price and use filters for "adults-only," "hot tub," "private pool," or "kitchen facilities" to quickly find properties that cater to specific group needs.
Scrutinize the Fine Print: Always expand the details to check for resort fees, taxes, and cleaning charges.
Create a Shortlist: Use the "heart" icon to save potential hotels to a list. This makes it easy to compare your top choices side-by-side.
6. Airbnb – Best for a Home-Like Feel
For groups, families, or travelers seeking the comforts of a private home, Airbnb is an essential platform for finding a place to stay in Palm Springs, California. It offers an unparalleled inventory of unique properties, from iconic mid-century modern houses with private pools to stylish condos and cozy casitas. This marketplace gives you direct access to thousands of local homes, making it ideal for those who value space, privacy, and amenities like a full kitchen.
The platform is especially powerful for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and family getaways where a shared living area and backyard are key to the experience. Airbnb’s extensive filter system allows you to zero in on specific needs, such as a pet-friendly yard, a specific number of bedrooms, or a hot tub, ensuring you find a rental that feels like your own private desert retreat.
Why It Stands Out
Airbnb’s main advantage is the sheer variety and residential character of its listings. While hotels offer convenience, Airbnb provides an opportunity to live like a local in one of Palm Springs’ famed architectural neighborhoods. The detailed reviews from past guests offer transparent insights into the property, the host's responsiveness, and the overall experience.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the total price, which includes the nightly rate plus cleaning fees, service fees, and local taxes. Always read the house rules and cancellation policy thoroughly, as these are set by the individual host and can vary significantly from one property to the next.
How to Use It Effectively
Treat Airbnb as your tool for creating a customized home base for your trip.
Filter for Your Must-Haves: Use filters for "Pool," "Hot Tub," "Air Conditioning," and "Self check-in" to find properties that match your ideal vacation.
Read Reviews Carefully: Look for consistent positive feedback about cleanliness, accuracy of the listing, and host communication.
Communicate with the Host: Don't hesitate to message the host with questions before booking, especially if you have specific requests or are planning a celebration.
7. Vrbo – Best for Private Home Rentals
For groups seeking the ultimate private escape, Vrbo offers a different way to experience Palm Springs, shifting the focus from hotels to entire homes. As part of the Expedia Group, this vacation-rental platform specializes in whole-home stays, making it a go-to for families, large friend groups, and bachelorette parties who want their own exclusive desert oasis, complete with a private pool and outdoor kitchen.
The platform is particularly strong in its inventory of classic mid-century modern homes that define Palm Springs architecture. It allows groups to live like locals, with multi-bedroom layouts, full kitchens, and spacious living areas that a traditional hotel room can't match. This makes it ideal for planning multi-night celebrations where communal space is just as important as private bedrooms.
Why It Stands Out
Vrbo excels by focusing exclusively on private vacation rentals, giving travelers a clear alternative to the hotel scene. Its search filters are highly intuitive, allowing you to quickly narrow down options by must-have amenities like a private pool, a hot tub, pet-friendly policies, or specific accessibility features.
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the "House Rules" section on every Vrbo listing. Palm Springs has strict city ordinances regarding noise and occupancy, especially for vacation rentals. Understanding these rules before you book can prevent any issues and ensure a smooth, enjoyable stay for your group.
How to Use It Effectively
Think of Vrbo as your key to unlocking a private Palm Springs residence.
Filter for Your Crew: Start by filtering for the number of bedrooms and bathrooms your group needs. Then, add non-negotiable amenities like a pool or pet-friendly status to refine your search.
Read Reviews Carefully: Look for recent reviews that mention the host's responsiveness, the property's cleanliness, and the accuracy of the listing photos.
Understand the Fees: Be aware that a traveler service fee is added at checkout. Compare the total cost, including all fees and taxes, when budgeting for your trip.
While a private home rental offers incredible freedom, for a truly seamless and stylish group celebration, a boutique hotel buyout like the one offered at The Muse Hotel Palm Springs provides the best of both worlds: privacy and full-service amenities.
Your Unforgettable Palm Springs Stay Awaits
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. It’s about securing a place that feels less like a temporary stop and more like your own private, stylish sanctuary. For many travelers, especially those planning milestone celebrations like bachelorette parties, birthdays, or girls' getaways, the decision of where to stay in Palm Springs, California, ultimately defines the memories you'll create.
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. It captures the essence of a private, stylish hideaway, making it the perfect home base for creating lasting memories.
Ready to book a stay that combines the privacy of a villa with the chic amenities of a boutique hotel? Discover why The Muse Hotel is the premier choice for bachelorette parties, group getaways, and stylish weekends. Explore our unique suites and private buyout options at The Muse Hotel to start planning your perfect desert escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Muse Hotel unique among boutique hotels in Palm Springs?
The Muse Hotel stands out with its adults-only policy, individually themed suites, and a strong focus on group travel. Its full-property buyout option, which accommodates up to 21 guests, is perfect for bachelorette parties and private events, offering the exclusivity of a villa with the service of a hotel.
Is The Muse Hotel adults-only?
Yes, The Muse Hotel is an adults-only property, creating a peaceful and sophisticated atmosphere ideal for couples, friend getaways, and group celebrations.
How close is The Muse Hotel to downtown Palm Springs?
The Muse Hotel is conveniently located just minutes from the heart of downtown Palm Springs, offering a quiet, secluded feel while still providing easy access to the city's best restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Is The Muse a good hotel for groups or bachelorettes?
Absolutely. The Muse was designed with groups in mind. Its flexible suites, communal courtyard with a heated pool and fire pit, and the option for a full property buyout make it one of the top choices in Palm Springs for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and girls’ trips.
Are there full kitchens and private patios?
Yes, every suite at The Muse Hotel is equipped with either a kitchenette or a full kitchen, along with a private patio. This allows for comfortable, self-sufficient stays where guests can prepare their own drinks and snacks.
Comments