Our Palm Springs adventure began as we stepped off our plane into the Palm Springs International Airport. The first thing we noticed was the aroma. The open air design of the airport means that passengers are immediately greeted by the fresh, clean Palm Springs air. After six hours on a plane, it is a simple pleasure.
Big changes at work had me feeling stressed and I needed some relaxation. While gossiping around the water cooler, a co-worker suggested doing something I’d never considered before: staying at a gay, all-male, clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs. I, being a guy who likes putting on pants in the morning, wasn’t sure about the idea. I didn’t really know much about Palm Springs—from the freeway, it looked like a wind farm. But the idea lingered and doing something wildly out of character was exactly what I needed for perspective.
The Chaps Inn offers comfort and relaxation in a secluded environment.
Stuart and Ian have owned the resort for almost 20 years, coming to Palm Springs from the UK.
“We had nothing to do with the hotel business at all, we just went straight in cold turkey,” Ian said. “We woke up one morning and thought, ‘Now what?’ It’s been a very good experience.”
The Chaps Inn is a 10-room clothing-optional gay resort, with a saltwater pool and spa. Most rooms have kitchens or kitchenettes, some have private patios, and the hotel is within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs. It caters to the leather and bear communities, and sees a lot of return guests.
“They always tell us what a wonderful time they’ve had, and that they will be back,” Ian said.
When they purchased the property, it was a straight resort and not clothing optional, but Stuart and Ian quickly picked up a client base through word of mouth. The couple enjoys getting to meet their new guests and greet return ones, and they don’t mind when the temperature soars.
“The weather is fabulous,” Ian said. “We’re both from England, so we absolutely love the heat.”
Palm Springs, known for its welcoming, “come as you are,” spirit and iconic desert modern living, has rightfully earned its place on every self-respecting queer’s bucket list. But be warned, once you visit, you’ll want to keep returning to this desert paradise where privacy is prized, the parties can last for days, art and culture thrive, and the San Jacinto Mountains offer selfie-worthy settings at every turn.
For Michael Green, the past two decades feel like they’ve gone by in the blink of an eye.
Michael and his husband Stephen Boyd own The Triangle Inn (https://www.palmspringspreferredsmallhotels.com/stay/triangle-inn-palm-springs), a gay men’s clothing-optional resort, having purchased the property in January 2000. They bought the hotel after spending their careers in advertising, embracing the opportunity to try something new. Now, nearly 20 years later, Michael can’t believe they’ve been hoteliers for so long.
People often ask them if they’re tired of running their own business, or want to try something new. “To me, as long as we still enjoy it, we should keep doing it,” Michael says. “It’s great owning a small hotel. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a great lifestyle.”
The Triangle Inn was built in 1958, and Michael and Stephen are its fifth owners. They’ve been through renovations and upgrades, and are always doing something to enhance the property. Along the way, they’ve made tons of friends, and have created such a welcoming atmosphere that it’s inspired several guests to actually move to Palm Springs.
“It’s what happens when people come and fall in love with the hotel, fall in love with the city,” Michael says. “All of a sudden, they think, wow, we need to have a part-time place here, or retire here. That has really been a phenomenon that has fueled a lot of Palm Springs’ resurgence.”
Now in its 12th year, Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival will run from Thursday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 22, at the historic Camelot Theatres. Cinema Diverse celebrates LGBTQ movies, presenting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films from around the world.
The opening night film, For They Know Not What They Do, will screen at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 19, with special guests in attendance, including the Rev. Dr. Mel White, a Palm Springs clergyman and activist. For They Know Not What They Do is the latest film from Daniel Karslake, the director and producer of For the Bible Tells Me So. The movie focuses on families caught up in the campaign to limit the rights of LGBTQ citizens in the United States, and how the way to move forward is through love, acceptance, and reconciliation.
Turn your trip to the film festival into a quick getaway by booking a room at one of our boutique hotels. All are gay friendly, and there are several men’s resorts (many clothing-optional!) catering to different communities, including leather and bear. The 32-room Canyon Club is within walking distance to the restaurants, shops, and museums in downtown Palm Springs, while Desert Paradise is in the center of Warm Sands, with 14 poolside rooms.
El Mirasol Villas is known for its spacious grounds, with two pools, an outdoor shower, a steam room, and a lanai with a fireplace, and the Hacienda at Warm Sands boasts unobstructed views of the gorgeous San Jacinto Mountains, a staff to guest room ratio of 1:1, and breakfast and lunch served daily.
If you’re seeking a unique, inviting getaway tailored to the gay male community, Palm Springs, California, has a vibrant scene that leaves no stone unturned. There’s truly nowhere else quite like Palm Springs for LGBTQIA+ vacationers to unwind and feel embraced, and at the heart of this welcoming culture lies a hidden gem of the hospitality scene: the Desert Paradise Resort Hotel.
Situated at 615 S. Warm Sands Drive, the Desert Paradise Resort Hotel stands as a charming oasis just for men, welcoming visitors from across the globe. As one of the longest-running gay resorts in Palm Springs, the Desert Paradise invites you to “escape to paradise” in a place where you can relax, be authentic, and feel wholeheartedly welcomed.
The rooms at Desert Paradise are cozy and serene. Photo courtesy of Desert Paradise Resort Hotel
The resort’s mission is straightforward: to provide an atmosphere where gay men can escape the daily grind, unwind, and simply be themselves. That’s exactly how I felt during my recent overnight “staycation” at the resort. Nestled within its walls, you’ll find ground-level rooms overlooking the pool and gardens, a spacious heated saline swimming pool, and a hot tub. You can further indulge in the dry sauna, steam room, or the outdoor garden shower.
The outdoor shower. Photo by Gregory Douglass
All rooms come with central A/C and heat, California king beds, ceiling fans, mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and Keurig coffeemakers. Complimentary snacks, Beekman luxury bath and body products, free WiFi and high-speed internet, and a lovely continental breakfast are also part of your stay.
What sets Desert Paradise Resort Hotel apart from other clothing-optional resorts in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley is its cozy, unpretentious, and low-key vibe. The communal property fosters an easy camaraderie among guests, with a relaxed, friendly, and attitude-free atmosphere. The staff is so welcoming, you’d think you’ve stumbled upon a reunion of long-lost friends.
While the rooms offer all the essentials, the outdoor common area steals the show. It features art installations, water features, a clay pot collage flowing into a koi fish pond (sans the koi fish, but with a charming turtle named George), and even a permanent outdoor massage area.
Meet George. Photo by Gregory Douglass
The intimate feel of the place has made it a favorite among repeat guests. Here, you’ll find folks from Seattle to San Diego, Tucson to Puerto Rico, all bonding over the shared love for this desert paradise. The outdoor landscaping, lush with tropical plants and trees, is as much a draw for the local birds as it is for the guests. And let’s not forget the breathtaking view of the San Jacinto Mountains directly behind the property.
Upon arrival, you’ll notice the attention to detail, including little modern vases filled with succulents mounted by each room number. It’s these small touches that make the Desert Paradise Resort Hotel an endearing and memorable experience.
Welcome to your room at the Desert Paradise Resort Hotel. Photo by Gregory Douglass
Choosing to stay at independently-owned small boutique hotels like the Desert Paradise doesn’t just ensure a special vacation experience. It also supports local businesses and contributes to the unique culture and economy of Palm Springs. So why not make your next gaycation getaway to the Desert Paradise Resort Hotel?
The sparkling pool at Desert Paradise. Photo courtesy of Desert Paradise Resort Hotel
Palm Springs, California is a wonderful place for anyone to visit but it is especially significant for gay travelers. Palm Springs has an inclusive, welcoming vibe, excellent entertainment and dining options, beautiful views and a variety of quality gay resorts to choose from.
