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.
Before you book your next stay at a men’s clothing-optional hotel in Palm Springs, take a virtual tour of some of the city’s finest resorts.
These YouTubers did the legwork for you, showcasing in their videos the best of the best when it comes to gay boutique hotels and other LGBT-friendly restaurants, shops, attractions, and hot spots.
Spartacus International Gay Guide takes viewers on a journey through the city, discussing its history and showcasing the different clubs, bars, and restaurants that heat up after dark. This video puts the spotlight on several men’s clothing-optional resorts, including Hacienda at Warm Sands, INNdulge, Escape Resort, Santiago, and Triangle Inn. Host Philip Kanchana called Palm Springs “the coolest, hottest place I’ve ever been, and I will be back.”
“Palm Springs has the atmosphere of a small village, but one that’s very gay friendly. That’s a combo you won’t find in a lot of places.”
Esteven and John shared their Palm Springs couple’s escape, vlogging about the sun-filled vacation. They stayed at Escape Resort — where they loved the comfortable robes and the fact the hotel is owned by a gay couple — and INNdulge, where they appreciated the massive room, complete with a kitchen, and beautiful pool. They also visited several restaurants and got a taste of the nightlife. “I’m ready to come back,” Estevan said while lounging by INNdulge’s pool, “and we haven’t even left yet.”
Josh Rimer of Gayosphere trekked across Palm Springs for his video about fun things to do in the city. He went hiking in Indian Canyons and Palm Canyons, swung by the Palm Springs VillageFest, and lounged by several pools. Palm Springs, he said, “has the atmosphere of a small village, but one that’s very gay friendly. That’s a combo you won’t find in a lot of places.”
Finally, Who’s Hot in Palm Springs checked in to the Santiago Resort in order to show viewers the recent changes made to the property. He didn’t leave any part of the hotel out — he showed off the continental breakfast available for guests, filmed close-ups of the room, interviewed a few of his fellow guests, and even shot footage of the grounds after dark. “One of the best qualities of Santiago is the service,” he declared. “When I said the guys are the greatest, they really are.”
If you’re heading to Palm Springs for Pride Week, forget the big hotels and experience what community is all about. Palm Springs has dozens of charming, independently-owned boutique hotels that are just as unique as you.
And that’s important because Palm Spring Pride is like no other. Here, community is defined very broadly and allies are enthusiastically celebrated.
Proof in point: this year’s Pride Week theme, inspired by (and in support of) “youth-led movement-building efforts that are awakening critical conversations for social change,” is Youth Power for Change. In a profoundly symbolic gesture, the youth of Coachella Valley were collectively named Grand Marshalls of the 2018 Pride Parade.
The Palm Springs is unusual because it does not contain gay ghettos like most cities. Decades ago, when Palm Springs was drifting into oblivion like so many small desert towns, it was the gay community who infused it with new life, starting hotels and other businesses that set the course for the Palm Springs of today.
And to this day, many Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels are owned or managed by members and allies of the LGBTQ community.
Case in point: For women who remember the Bee Charmer Inn, it is now called La Maison and under the gay-friendly new ownership of allies Cornelia and Robert. Voted one of the most romantic inns in the country by Trip Advisor over the past few years, La Maison provides a safe and welcoming haven for solo travelers and couples. Exceptionally serene and lush, La Maison prides itself on small touches of perfection that make guests feel cherished.
The woman-owned, Alcazar Palm Springs, is managed by the talented Robert Hunt. This stunningly beautiful contemporary hotel is conveniently located near some of the best restaurants and shopping in town. Known for its diversity and inclusiveness, The Alcazar enjoys bragging rights for its salt water purified pool and garden courtyard with fire and water walls. It’s even pet friendly.
If clothing-optional man space is your thing, there is no better place to celebrate Pride than at one of the men’s resorts on San Lorenzo Road. In one short block, you’ll find at least four of the best (and most beautiful) resorts owned and operated by and for men, including: The Triangle Inn Palm Springs, Santiago Resort, Tortuga del Sol, and Escape Resort.
Twin Palms Resort is Palm Springs’ newest kid on the block.
An upscale boutique hotel, Twin Palms is a brother property to the Santiago and Descanso. This trio of remarkable resorts offer gay men a gorgeous selection of naturally chic, swimsuit-optional retreats right in the heart of Palm Springs, and having now experienced all three properties myself, I can happily say “the third time’s a charm” with Twin Palms Resort.
Welcome to Twin Palms Resort. Photo by Gregory Douglass
Santiago was my first experience at a men’s resort in Palm Springs, back in 2018. As a 40-year-old gay man living in Los Angeles at the time, I’d never felt such freedom and restoration from a long weekend away from my big-city life. It was a game-changing experience for me.
I was curious how the other men-only resorts here in the Coachella Valley compared to the distinguishable Santiago experience. “How different can they all be?” I wondered. Having now experienced the majority of gay hotels here, it’s a privilege to be writing about what a spectrum of enticing options we have — each with its own flavor, vibe, and healing benefits.
The modern clubhouse. Photo courtesy of Twin Palms Resort
Twin Palms Resort is no different from its brother properties when it comes to top-notch luxury and leisure. The “casually extravagant” experience is what many have come to expect from a Resorts Palm Springs property, and yet Twin Palms already has a distinct personality of its own. Santiago has a modern Spanish aesthetic, while Descanso boasts a “California garden patio” motif. Twin Palms is the first to celebrate a true mid-century modern concept inside and out.
Nested in Palm Springs’ first modernist neighborhood, Twin Palms Estates, the resort looks as timeless as it does fresh in style, with its pops of yellows, blues, and greens. These colors accent that classic, clean white modernism style that makes Palm Springs architecture so iconic. It might even rival the hotel’s historic start — opened in 1959 as the Brentwood Apartments, the property was originally developed to blend in with the neighborhood’s 90 modernist tract homes, designed by one of the founding fathers of Palm Springs modernism, William Krisel.
Hotel guests can use these bikes to tool around town. Photo courtesy of Twin Palms Resort
What really makes Twin Palms Resort unique is its communal layout. The perfectly heated saltwater swimming pool acts as a centerpiece to its 20 single-story guest rooms, yellow umbrellas, and chaise lounges that all wrap around the pool like a rainbow. The 12-man spa is just as welcoming as the luxurious patio space, which faces a breathtaking view of the San Jacinto Mountains.
You have to love those mountain views. Photo courtesy of Twin Palms Resort
Like Santiago and Descanso, the Twin Palms experience also includes a hip clubhouse guest lounge, a communal fire pit, an outdoor mist cooling system, a 24-hour canteen with complimentary beverages, a daily complimentary continental breakfast, and complimentary poolside lunch.
You can expect the same level of guest service as well from Twin Palms’ friendly staff, and in-room welcome amenities too. Some highlights include beautiful modern gay artwork, a resort texting hotline for direct communication with the staff, lamps with charging stations, luxurious heavy-weight bathrobes, some fun “adult goodies” in the drawer of each bedside table, and even a personalized welcome note upon your arrival.
A plush king room at Twin Palms. Photo courtesy of Twin Palms Resort
In addition to an outdoor shower and pool bathroom communal showers, every room features grand marble bathrooms with spacious walk-in glass showers, sporting both rain and handheld shower heads – lending even more community appeal to the place.
The outdoor shower is one perk of staying at Twin Palms. Photo by Gregory Douglass
Twin Palms Resort is also as earth-friendly as it is gay-friendly, offering off-street guest parking with four electric vehicle chargers, sustainable bath products from Public Goods, and even bicycles you can borrow to explore the neighborhood.
It’s easy enough to retreat from the community as well. Every room features remote lighting and window shades, as well as private rear patios. Even the mini-fridge is tucked away in the bathroom vanity, which I thought was a clever decision.
The author enjoying his room at the Twin Palms. Photo by Gregory Douglass
What makes the communal aspect of Twin Palms Resort so special is its potential for new friends and new connections to be made. In an environment somehow as nonchalant as it is enveloping, it was seamless to connect with fellow guests and then naturally go our separate ways.
I’ve learned that every resort has a “scene” of its own. Time will tell what the Twin Palms scene is — but the stage is set for all sorts of possibilities. I suspect it will help spark a long line of lasting friendships that will all begin at the charming little gay hotel in Twin Palms Estates.
Unwind in the resort’s pool and spa. Photo courtesy of Twin Palms Resort
When it comes to holidays, nothing says “gay” as loud as Halloween. While Arenas never lacks for action, it can’t be beat at Halloween — there’s a wild party with bands and costumes galore. It’s merrier than Christmas.
And you know what Halloween rolls right into, right? Pride! So why not come out and stay for both? Most of the men’s boutique resorts in Palm Springs have their own fridge, with many, if not all, supplying breakfast, and a few even have lunch brought in for their guests. You just need to worry about dinner. Some hotels have kitchenettes, and some are homes away from home with lots of living space, kitchens, and patios. Of course they all have pools — this is Palm Springs!
With many businesses allowing their employees to work remotely, you can (if necessary) bring your laptop and plug in. We have work space available if being in your room, poolside, or at a coffee shop is not your style (but we’ve got plenty of those too).
“There is magic in the night when pumpkins glow by moonlight.” — Unknown
Halloween is so special in Palm Springs that it has its own website. But there are other very fun and notable Halloween-y events not on their agenda.
Oct. 27: From the owner of Chill Bar, new-ish nightclub Reforma is having a four-hour party with Gasolina for a night of reggaeton, a combo of EDM, hip hop, and Latin American-spiced music en español. I haven’t been yet, but word on the street is, “It’s fuego.”
Oct. 28: Four Twenty Bank & Dispensary is haunting the very cool lounge with some spooky fun. Enjoy a game of billiards or giant chess, play Operation or pinball, or just groove back and enjoy the atmosphere and the music.
Oct. 27, 28 & 31: Every year, PS Underground brings Bite back to life. The twist? Each resurrection it morphs into something different, straight from the brilliantly twisted brain of Michael Fietsam, but it’s always a thriller of a dinner show.
Oct. 31: If scary movies are your jam, catch Night of the Living Dead on the big screen at PS Cultural Center. Wear the adult diapers.
If Halloween is Gay Christmas, then Pride is Gay Independence Day. And it’s an even bigger, gayer party than Halloween. Let’s get into it.
Leather Pride
Oct. 26: Leather Pride Pop Up Museum benefit party in Hotel Zoso lobby
Oct. 28: Leather Pride Pool Party — The title says it all, except whether leather speedos are required. If you’re interested, you likely already know.
All the Pride
Nov. 4: Pride Ride from Townie Bagels — Grab a bagel with some protein, and get one for the road with a schmear. If you brought your own bike, yay. If not, your Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel likely has a cruiser you can use.
Nov. 3-5: Desertopia Festival — An entire weekend planned for you at some very cool places. You’ve gotta find your own hotel though, and luckily I know a guy. Gays go here. All the other letters go here.
The hyperlinks on the official Pride website weren’t all working, so I’ve broken them out because I got you, boo.
First is the official Pride Guide with every event and a few working links; there’s also a party for those in recovery. For folks that aren’t traveling that road, you’ll definitely want to go to Friday night’s kickoff party, and of course I’m going to give you the link to parade details.
Curious about the colorful LGBTQ+ history of Palm Springs? Here’s a primer.
I can’t encourage you hard enough to book your Palm Springs stay now. It’s one of the busiest times of the year, and absolutely the best party you’ll ever attend outside your own wedding — and the success of that relies entirely on your family. Do the math.
See you on the street!
Holy Ned, October is jamming! We’ve got Modernism Week Preview plus Palm Springs Leather Pride. If neither of those float your boat, there’s HALLOWEEN! It’s a huge holiday here in Palm Springs, and Halloween on Arenas is sick (in the best way possible). Costumes are off the charts creative, and the whole town is one big party.
And now that it’s cooling down, all of our venues are heating way up. Keep in mind many indoor events require a vaccination card and a mask. Hey, the world is a bit of a horror show these days, but Palm Springs knows how to be safe and party.
So now, without further ado, say hello to October events:
Jazzville Shows at Agua Caliente Casino Cascade Lounge
MFUO Featuring Jacques Lesure — Thursday, October 7, 7 p.m.
Rumproller Organ Trio at Jazzville Palm Springs — Thursday, October 14, 7 p.m.
Dan Delgado Sextet — Thursday, October 21, 7 p.m.
Agua Caliente Casino Caliente Comedy
Craig Conant — Friday, October 1, 8 p.m.
Pablo Francisco Comedy — Friday, October 8, 8 p.m.
Brian Scolaro — Friday, October 15, 8 p.m.
Tom Arnold — Friday, October 29, 8 p.m.
Lalo Guerrero Tribute Show — Thursday, October 28, 7 p.m.
Cultural Center – Camelot Theatres
Drag O Rama featuring Rosemary Galore
Sunday, October 3, 2:30 p.m. (repeating Sundays)
Tickets starting at $15
Presenting Drag O Rama
REPO! The Genetic Opera — special screening of the cult horror film
Thursday, October 7, 6 p.m. social hour, event at 7 p.m.
Chip ‘N’ Dru: Our Favorite Sings
Saturday, October 9, 6 p.m.
Multi-talented singer Dru Rutledge and veteran Broadway pianist Chip Prince present Our Favorite Sings. Featuring a multi-genre selection of songs in the style of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Debussy, Puccini, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Broadway, Opera, Top 40 chart toppers, and more!
Martinis and Moxie: A Society Social
Friday, October 15, 6 p.m.
A “My Way” society revue celebrating the life and music of Frank Sinatra.
2021 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival
Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m.
Founded in 2000 by the late mystery author and Palm Springs community leader Arthur Lyons, the popular Film Noir Festival includes an eclectic mixture of prestigious and obscure black and white B movies from the classic film noir period. The festival is known for unearthing and screening rare films, restored classics, and for the special appearances of the stars who were in them.
Tuesdays: Rose Mallett
Wednesdays: Michael Holmes and Darci Daniels
Thursdays: Sharon Sills
Fridays and Saturdays: Ticketed events
Sundays: The Judy Show
That’s Amore, an Italian feast set to music.
Saturday, October 2, 7 p.m.
Gospel Brunch featuring great music and Keisha D.
Sunday, October 3, 11 a.m.
Ovation! A Jazzed Up Sunday Brunch
Sunday, October 10, 11 a.m.
Death by Cheese, a ghoulishly cheesy Sunday brunch.
Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m.
420 Bank Dispensary and Lounge
Cheech Meet & Greet
Friday, October 1, 3 p.m.
Kottonmouth Kings with DLOC
Saturday, October 23, 9 p.m.
Rabbit Country
Friday, October 15, 6 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Thursdays — October 7, 14, 21
Saturdays: Mimosa Men (Brunch)
Sundays: Bitchiest Brunch
Sundays: World Famous T-Dance
Edie Las Vegas Showgirls: Unleashed (ticketed event) — Saturday, October 2, 7 to 9 p.m.
Sandra Bernhardt — Monday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 5
Remembering The Golden Girls — Wednesday, October 6
An Evening With Cameron Ross — Thursday, October 14
Melissa Manchester outdoor concert — Thursday, October 21 and Friday, October 22
Theater
Desert Rose Playhouse Presents Xanadu
Thursday to Sunday, through October 17
(Note: So far their season has been spectacular!)
Sordid Lives — Through October 3
Shrek The Musical — Beginning October 22
More options
Wind and Wine Paint Party
Saturday, October 16, 11 a.m.
Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Wine glass painting class and Windmill Tour
Paint Splatter at Superbloom Studios
Thursday, October 14, 6 p.m.
Starts at $150.00
The Gem Show at Palm Springs Convention Center
October 21 through 24
Modernism Fall Preview
October 14 through 17
Halloween
Palm Springs Cultural Center
Jazzville Creepy Cocktail Party
Sunday, October 31, 3 p.m.
Cinema Bizarro: Best of Retro Cartoon Halloween Specials
Sunday, October 31, 1 p.m.
Jazzville Presents The Jazz Cartel Halloween Special
Sunday, October 31, 5 p.m.
Hocus Pocus hosted by the Sanderson Sisters
Sunday, October 31, 5 p.m.
A screening of Hocus Pocus with special guests the Sanderson Sisters. Kids receive a (kinda) real magic wand from the spooky woods of Salem.
Zombie Burlesque Cocktail Party
Sunday, October 31, 6 p.m.
The Three Michaels playing the Halloween score live, plus private party
Sunday, October 31, 8 p.m.
An ode to John Carpenter’s Halloween with the musical score, scares, and skits performed live in front of an abbreviated version of the film projected on the big screen.
Dirty Little Secrets Presents Shock Theater Spooktacular
Sunday, October 31 8 p.m.
California’s longest running burlesque and variety show. From zombies to fire performers, this eclectic shock theater of sensational striptease will keep you laughing and howling all night!
PS Underground
BITE – a bloody vampire dinner
October 26, 27, 28, 31, 7 p.m.
Halloween on Arenas Road – The Queen Of All Halloween Parties
The party starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 11 p.m.. Take an Uber/Lyft, parking will suck, and you’ll likely get pretty boozy. There’s too much to talk about, so I’m just sending you to the link. Prizes up to $1,800!
For Gay Men Only
The Dirty Show with Skyler Gentry
Wednesday, October 6, 7 p.m.
$25 includes complimentary booze, snacks, pre-show and post-show party after every performance. The venue is outdoors with spaced seating.
Hot Uncle at the Barracks
Saturday, October 16, 9 p.m.
Palm Springs Leather Pride 2021: Unlocked: Full Release
Begins October 26 and runs through October 31. Multiple venues, starting at Eagle 501 bar. SO MANY EVENTS! Event packages (too easy) here. Need some leather? Try Gear and Rough Trade Gear.
That’ll do it for October. Don’t forget to shop and stay local. See you in November!
Author: Andrew Schaeffer
I’m not an outdoorsy guy. I’m in my element when I’m lounging on the couch binging something on Netflix. But, I needed to change that habit and get out and get moving—and what better way to do so than by going somewhere with plenty of outdoor activities?
Don’t bother looking for the gay district in the desert resort town of Palm Springs. That’s because LGTBQ culture is the back bone of all of Palm Springs life. From night clubs to restaurants, boutique hotels to well, boutiques, Palm Springs may be the queerest, gay-fueled resort town on the planet.
The name says it all.
At INNdulge, guests take full advantage of being on vacation, relaxing in the saltwater pool and 12-man jacuzzi and reveling in the property’s gardens. This clothing optional gay men’s resort in the Warm Sands neighborhood is a mid-century modern hotel built in 1958, with 24 rooms. Jon Jackson has owned INNdulge for 10 years, becoming a hotelier after retiring as an attorney.
“My hospitality experience is in restaurants, but those skills easily converted,” he said.
An expanded continental breakfast is served in the morning, and an evening social hour and weekend pool parties bring guests together. Visitors often tell Jon they enjoy “the social aspect of staying with other like-minded gay men,” and in turn, he’s thrilled to provide “a great product and service.”
INNdulge, he added, “is a property that caters to gay men, who appreciate the pride of ownership we take in maintaining our property, and who in turn treat it with the type of respect deserving of a home away from home.”
