The California desert city of Palm Springs is home to a huge number of accommodation options, including several with enticing swimming pools.
(Photo: The Saguaro Palm Springs)
Situated in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, Palm Springs is renowned for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses, designer stores, vintage boutiques and luxury spas. For those staying in the city, the often sweltering climate means that choosing a hotel with a swimming pool is bordering on essential. So we’ve done some research and picked out 5 of the best places to stay in and around Palm Springs that offer the chance of a refreshing dip.
The Saguaro Palm Springs
Located just over two miles southeast of downtown Palm Springs, The Saguaro is one of the city’s most recognisable hotels, thanks to its brightly hued exterior painted in 14 different wildflower colours. Perched centre stage is the hotel’s sparkling blue swimming pool surrounded by loungers and cabanas that come with a dedicated server, minifridge, custom menus, TV, and more. With regularly scheduled pool parties and other fun poolside events, there is always something exciting going on here. The pool is reserved for hotel guests only.
Arrive Palm Springs
(Photo: Arrive Palm Springs)
Situated in Palm Springs’ uptown design district, this hotel combines quirky tech features and eye-catching mid-century modern design with funky hang-out areas and a cosy neighbourhood ambience. Boasting a real oasis feel, once inside guests can soak up beautiful views of the San Jacinto Mountains from the bar, restaurant and poolside courtyard. Speaking of the pool, it’s without doubt one of the hotel’s best features and a major focal point for guests, with food and drinks available and DJ sets on Saturdays. Poolside firepits are the perfect place to watch as the sun sets over Palm Springs.
The Ace Hotel & Swim Club
As the name suggests, all things aquatic are at the centre of this fashionable Palm Springs hotel in South Palm Springs,. Originally a mid-century motel, it was transformed into an eclectic 176-room hotel that attracts hipsters, couples, and families, and is a particular favourite among festival-goers and weekenders escaping LA. With a distinctive boho style and retro flair, there’s a buzzing musical vibe with DJ pool parties on the weekends. A poolside bar keeps the libations flowing while cooling off in the pool or lounging on a daybed. If you’re seeking a more tranquil water scene, there’s also a separate zen pool.
Sparrows Lodge
(Photo: Sparrows Lodge)
Rustically romantic, Sparrows Lodge in South Palm Springs has a comfy, communal atmosphere, with guest rooms featuring charming details like pitched wood ceilings, exposed beams and floors handset with pebbles. Perhaps the most enticing rooms are the ten that open directly out to the hotel’s centrepiece, a large pool area, where there’s also a separate whirlpool an outdoor fire pit and a vegetable garden. Tennis courts and free use of bicycles add to the impressive line-up of amenities.
Desert Riviera Hotel
Offering serene garden surroundings and spectacular mountain views, this adults-only boutique hotel two miles from downtown provides a harmonious mix of day-time tranquility and after-dusk fun. Painted in tropical citrus colours, each of the 11 guest rooms boast a striking 1950s décor and open on to lushly landscaped grounds. In the evenings, tea light candles envelope the expansive swimming pool and lights twinkle from the trees. The 24-hour pool is heated to a balmy 33°C and there’s also a hot tub surrounded by a small hedge which provides a sense of privacy, a fire pit, and a hammock.