The Stardust Hotel is one of those classics re-envisioned and ready for its close up. Owners Jessica and Tim Spry revived this 1955 mid-century charmer, even bringing back its original pink exterior. “The Stardust is perfect for groups or just you and your dog,” Jessica said. “It’s a dream escape. Imagine walking into a time capsule from the ’50s, complete with one-of-a-kind vintage art and decor.”
The nine rooms have rich, jewel-toned walls and warm furnishings, with bold tiles in the bathrooms and funky wallpaper in the shared gourmet chef’s kitchen. If you don’t want to cook, The Stardust is in Palm Springs’ vibrant Tahquitz River Estates neighborhood, and “you’re just a block from a great restaurant, bar, bike shop, ice cream shop, liquor store, and dispensary,” Jessica said. “Come where the weather is fantastic, the people are friendly and all you need to worry about is where your next cocktail is coming from. We can’t wait to meet you.”
The Cactai offers a modern take on classic Palm Springs hospitality. This mid-century modern hotel has deep roots in the city, originally opening in the late 1940s as the Los Dolores. Today, it is owned by three friends who revitalized the property, doing everything from replacing the cabinets to installing heated bidet toilets. The rooms have kitchens or kitchenettes, making them feel more like apartments, and some also come with large private patios. The Cactai is AI managed for guest convenience, and to make visitors even happier, the hotel has a curated selection of wine and spirits to enjoy while sitting poolside.
At the wellness-focused Terra Palm Springs, the goal is for every guest to check out feeling rested and rejuvenated. Here, you are immersed in a world of tranquility, with amenities including a Himalayan salt sauna, cold plunge, rain room, pool, and sauna. When you are ready to drift off to sleep, turn on Loftie, a bedside device found in every room that offers guided meditations, breathwork, and soundscapes. The 13 serene rooms each have their own special highlight, like the Deluxe Spa with an indoor soaking tub and the Firepit Suite complete with a private lounge area.
El Noa Noa is just as vibrant as the song it’s named after. This 8-room boutique hotel was once owned by legendary singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel, who wrote his hit “El Noa Noa” about the club in Mexico where he got his start. Designed for couples seeking a peaceful getaway, the highlight of El Noa Noa — besides its spectacular mountain views — is the Honeymoon Suite, which boasts a private outdoor waterfall spa. All of the rooms have special touches, like balconies or luxurious bathtubs, and guests looking for relaxation will find it by the pool, in the hot tub, or while getting a treatment in Pura Vida, the hotel’s wellness space.
Casa Oliver is redefining what an oasis means for gay men to unwind and indulge. This clothing-optional haven boasts luxurious accommodations and thoughtfully designed spaces with a beautifully revamped garden and breathtaking views of lush greenery and majestic mountains. Casa Oliver even offers day, night, and weekend passes for those who want to take advantage of its 24/7 heated outdoor pool, hot tub fire pit, and an indoor maze with playrooms. Don’t forget the Sunday Funday lunches with entertainment and refreshing poolside drinks.
Other properties that opened/re-opened in the past year include:
The Skylark, a fabulous throwback to the heyday of Palm Springs’ mid-century modern era, also went through a transformation. The hotel’s 28 rooms have been meticulously restored, with new furniture and sleek linens, and there is now an on-site restaurant, Lost Property, serving up breakfast and lunch daily and dinner on Friday and Saturday. For all the fun new features added, like the vintage Airstream that doubles as a registration area, there are still several old favorites on property, including the gorgeous pool.
The Muse Hotel Palm Springs is pretty in pink. This is the color of the building and a shade that pops up in the pet-friendly hotel’s nine rooms, which are named after inspiring women and filled with gorgeous touches like feather chandeliers and vibrant floral wallpaper. It’s easy to stay awhile — rooms come with kitchens and private fenced-in patios and are just steps away from a sparkling pool, hot tub, and dreamy courtyard featuring a pergola and swings. The Muse’s intimate size and offerings make it perfect for a buyout or celebrations.
Palm Springs is home to more than 80 small boutique hotels of exceptional architectural and cultural diversity. From quaint inns and quietly secluded bungalows to hip and modern poolside-hangouts, they cater to the spectrum of Palm Springs travelers’ tastes. From quirky to charming, mid-century modern to clothing-optional, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has got your stay.
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SOURCE Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels
