The Ultimate Boys Weekend In Palm Springs

If you’re looking to plan the ultimate boys gaycation weekend with your besties, there’s no doubt that Palm Springs, California, is on your short list of places to go. It’s one of the few LGBTQ+ safe havens in the country that caters to the queer community year-round — and it’s a mid-century modern desert oasis of fun in the sun. In fact, the entire Coachella Valley is one of the most welcoming places for you and your boys to stay, play, and slay (yaaass, queen).

Ready to start making an itinerary? Here are a few of my suggestions for Palm Springs boutique hotels, restaurants, and activities:

Stay

Santiago Resort

The intimate and luxurious Santiago Resort is a paradise for men if you and your boys want to let down your guard – and your swimwear. If you haven’t yet experienced a saltwater (saline) pool, you’re in for a genuine treat at this ever-popular clothing-optional resort. If they happen to be all booked up, check out their brother resort Descanso for a similarly sophisticated experience. From their complimentary poolside lunch to the new friends you’ll meet poolside, you won’t want to stay anywhere that isn’t clothing-optional again after this.

The Santiago Resort at dusk. Photo courtesy of the Santiago Resort

INNdulge Palm Springs

INNdulge is a popular men’s resort in the Warm Sands district of Palm Springs, with a 24-hour heated saltwater pool and 12-man jacuzzi. It’s a more economical option as well if you and the boys are on a budget (or holding out for more of the fun stuff). They have 25 years of experience assisting men with their first time at a clothing-optional resort, but you can also watch the alluring videos on their website in advance if you’re curious.

The INNdulge grounds. Photo courtesy of INNdulge

Desert Paradise Resort Hotel

The Desert Paradise Resort Hotel is an intimate 12-room boutique hotel that strives to go above and beyond for their guests from check in to check out. Also conveniently located in the Warm Sands district, Desert Paradise is a beautiful, relaxing option for an attitude-free atmosphere with spectacular views.

The Desert Paradise’s pool and spa area. Photo courtesy of Desert Paradise

Eat

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge

From its chic, colorful interior to fantastic music playlist, Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge is a must for any first-timer’s boys weekend. Their New American cuisine is as contemporary as their Pop Art atmosphere, and it’s a great option for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and/or dinner. It even has Miley Cyrus’ seal of approval, so need I say more?

Grab a drink at Eight4Nine. Photo courtesy of Eight4Nine

AsiaSF Palm Springs

Now with their second location right here in Palm Springs, AsiaSF is a cabaret dinner show that has been dazzling audiences for 23 years in San Francisco. Think of this as an elevated drag show, with the exception that all AsiaSF performers are transgender women, bringing the house down each night with legendary lip syncs, light shows, and choreography. Their Asian-fusion three-course meals are as memorable as their performers as well, so it’s truly a feast for the senses!

Blackbook Bar & Kitchen

Blackbook is located in the heart of the Arenas district and has a reputation among locals for having the best bar food in Palm Springs. It’s a great place to meet new friends during happy hour — and a great place to sober up if you’re bar-hopping throughout Arenas’ many gay watering holes. Try the cheese-stuffed Juicy Lucy burger (or the Juicy Lucifer if you want to add some heat).

Experience

Drag shows

What would a boys weekend be without drag shows, hunty? Luckily, there are drag shows all throughout the greater Palm Springs area. Drag brunch is a must, so check out the Mile High Boozy Brunch at PS Air Bar & Lounge, a playful airline-themed speakeasy inside the Bouschet wine store. Then check out Vanity’s Doll Haus every Friday night at One Eleven Bar in Cathedral City. You might even catch a Drag Race Ru Gurl there now and again. Here’s a complete list of drag shows from Gay Desert Guide for more ideas. Shantay, you stay!

MOGO Silent Disco

MOGO Silent Disco is Palm Springs’ latest event where you and the boys can turn up the volume on your headsets and dance your a**es off on a private parade through downtown. Kaftans, sequins, and stunning outfits are always encouraged!

Sunday Funday

Everything gay happens here in Palm Springs on Sunday, which is why the locals call it “Sunday Funday.” Start the day with drag brunch, naturally. Then lounge by the hotel pool or crash a pool party until it’s time for Oscar’s legendary tea dance. After you’ve had enough disco, strap on some leather gear and head on over to the Barracks for their legendary Beer Bust.

Explore

Mid-century modern tours

If you’re as big of a fan of mid-century modern as I am, consider Palm Springs Mod Squad Tours or Mid-Century Modern Tours. If a self-guided tour is more your jam, you and the boys can caravan around some iconic mid-century modern neighborhoods with The Palm Springs Guys’ MCM Architecture Self-Guided Tour Guide (Google Maps GPS-ready!). As a bonus, there are always open houses worth checking out here on the weekends that will have you feeling like you’re at Modernism Week.

The mid-century modern Visitors Center. Photo by Arthur Coleman Photography

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

If you’re looking to cool down, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs up two-and-a-half-miles of Chino Canyon cliffs to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park — an elevation of 8,516 feet and temperature drop of nearly 20 degrees. This is the self-described “world’s largest rotating tram car” and riders enjoy spectacular views of the panoramic valleys below. There are 50+ miles of trails — after a hike through the butterscotch-scented Jeffrey pines, take to the observation decks for happy hour before a nice dinner at Peaks Restaurant.

Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum has an incredible collection of 12,000 works of modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design, and is always inspiring to see. So are the installations surrounding the property, like Palm Springs Babies and the 26-foot sculpture of Marilyn Monroe located directly in front of the museum.

When your ultimate boys weekend in Palm Springs comes to an end, you’ll leave with plenty of memories and photos to post on the Gram — be sure to tag them with #gaycation and #ilovegaypalmsprings.

Marilyn Monroe in all of her glory. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

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The One With The Bachelorette’s Guide To Palm Springs

Pink heart shaped floats in the kidney-shaped pool at the Trixie Motel in Palm Springs, California

Congratulations! You found “the one!” And now you’re in a Friends episode, “The One Where Your Name Here is Having Their Bachelorette Party.” Your bash is going to be as memorable as your wedding because you’re having it in paradise, a.k.a. Palm Springs. Great choice! When you’re not out and about, you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail lounging poolside in the sun with your own Rachel, Phoebe, and Monica.

But first things first: you’ll need a place to stay, and a buyout is just the ticket. Our boutique hotels have quite a few options to choose from, all with different aesthetics and budgets. Let’s get going:

Bachelorette party properties in Palm Springs 

The huge sparkling pool in the back of Limón Palm Springs boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California

The Limón Palm Springs pool. Photo courtesy of Limón Palm Springs

Limón Palm Springs — Six large suites with private patios, a shared kitchen, and dining area. Mostly steel and windows, with pops of bright yellow — like the sun here in Palm Springs, and just as warm and inviting.

Yara Hotel — Seven rooms and three suites all done up in modernist (what I call) Moroccan. Each room/suite is steps away from the pool. It’s great for a smaller party, or you can double up. There’s a heated saltwater pool and a firepit. With its clean lines and white sandy exterior, it’s the opposite of fussy.

The Marley — With its pink and black motif, it’s reminiscent of the swanky Beverly Hills Hotel. This nine bedroom and nine bathroom property has a gorgeous Viking catering kitchen, a spacious pool, and a fire pit. Able to accommodate up to 22 guests.

A gilded elevator cage that has been converted into a bed frame at Dive Palm Springs

The Paris Suite at Dive showcases a 1919 brass and copper elevator cage. Photo courtesy of Dive Palm Springs

Dive — Eleven rooms, yummy property with a great pool. Lots of places to have one-on-ones and the rooms are delicious, just like the food. Oh, did I mention there’s a soundproof room so you can keep the party going after the 10 p.m. noise curfew?

Spirit of Sofia — She’s a very pretty girl, with two pools: one is a lazy teardrop dipping pool, and the other a rectangular beauty. There are 20 rooms and the outdoor space is divine — it’s all very posh and breezy country home.

Trixie Motel — While it’s not cool to bring your bridal party to a gay bar, it is cool to rent out the entire Trixie Motel, designed and owned by Trixie Mattel of Ru Paul’s Drag Race fame. It’s all very Barbie, and it’s absolutely memorable. Seven rooms and suites around the teardrop pool.

Throw your own party

There are a lot of great places to go for a meal, but you can elevate the experience by getting a personal chef for a day, a night, or for the entire weekend. Here are all the personal chefs with five star ratings in Palm Springs:

That’s The Spirit — No one has to pour or get stuck behind the bar making drinks if you get your own bar/bartender. 

MOGO Silent Disco — Palm Springs has a noise curfew, but if you hire Mogo Silent Disco, you can party into the wee hours (as long as you don’t sing too loud!)

Daytime playtime

Vintage airplane seats at the PS Air Bar in Palm Springs, California

Get the vintage airplane experience at PS Air Bar. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

PSAir — It’s like a plane but it’s on the ground. Sundays are Broadway Bound brunches. 

Reforma brunches — Held on Saturdays. Themed, and you’re encouraged to dress up. Past themes: Disney Princess, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift (1989) … you get the idea. Need a costume? Go thrifting.

Play Lounge — All the games, all the fun. Non-fussy food, fussy bevvies.

420 Bank — Dispensary with pool, pinball, board games, giant chess, and live entertainment.

Boomers — Celebrate the kid in you with mini-golf, a huge arcade, bumper boats, and Go-Karts.

Social Cycle — Get your cardio and your drink on by pedaling to some of the fun bars in PS.

Hike Tahquitz waterfall — Go early. It’s gorgeous and not very hard. About one hour hike in, 35 out. Great way to start your day.

Horseback riding — Smoketree Stables is the place to experience Palm Springs the way the pioneers did.

Escape Room Palm Springs — Show off your bridal teamwork by solving the crime and getting out before the timer goes off. I had a blast.

Earthy day trips under an hour

Joshua trees against a blue sky and clouds in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Catherine Garcia

Giggling with Goats — Holy goat yoga in Indio! 

Integratron (it’s a sound bath with an interplanetary connection), then lunch at Pappy & Harriet’s, followed by a self-guided Pioneertown tour. Insta-worthy.

Joshua Tree — It’s a national park with rock formations and Joshua trees. Uncontaminated by settlements, it’s planet Earth in all of her unmanned glory. There is an artist’s scene in town.

If you’re going out for dinner, check out this post that should help you make a decision.

Late night drinks

Truss & Twine — Very L.A.; open until 12:30 a.m.

Seymour’s — A small speakeasy open until midnight, located in/at Mr. Lyons.

Reforma — Nightclub open until 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Tryst Bar & Lounge — On Indian Canyon, open until 2:30 a.m. (industry spot).

Fireside Lounge — This is a local’s spot. Nothing fancy, but has pool tables outside and karaoke inside. You’ll have to take an Uber. It’s near the airport but in the dispensary concentrated section. Open ’til 2 a.m.

For entertainment, check out our monthly events blog. That should get you well on your way to making your bachelorette celebration The One That You and Your Besties Never, Ever Forget.

Cue Friends theme song.

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Revitalized Palm Springs Attracts Multi-Generational Visitors

Walking into the Palm Springs Rendezvous, blogger Jan Smith was taken aback by the hotel’s “timeless elegance.” Her visit only got better when she learned she would be staying in the “Pretty in Pink” room, where Marilyn Monroe would spend the night during her visits to Palm Springs.

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Road Tripping: Las Vegas To Palm Springs

Joshua trees at dusk inside Joshua Tree National Park

Driving the back roads between Las Vegas and Palm Springs is an iconic experience that showcases the stunning beauty of the Mojave Desert and rich tapestry of landscapes and communities along the way. This journey, while less traveled than the busy highways, reveals a captivating side of Southern California and Nevada, filled with unique attractions, scenic vistas, and a sense of adventure.

Why Vegas to Palm Springs?

Las Vegas is an intensely energetic, cosmopolitan city, filled with casinos, clubs, entertainment, and more neon that you could ever imagine. You can fly in from just about anywhere, with great airfare rates year-round. 

Palm Springs is iconic for its natural beauty, mid-century modern architecture, and a chill creative vibe that permeates the entire town.

Both are internationally renowned destinations, and road tripping between the two offers the experience of a lifetime due to the sheer contrast between the constantly buzzing Las Vegas and laidback Palm Springs.

Route overview

The most direct path between Las Vegas and Palm Springs typically follows Interstate 15 and then Interstate 10, but the back roads provide a more immersive experience. One popular route involves taking Highway 95 from Las Vegas, then turning onto Highway 62 toward Joshua Tree before heading south to Palm Springs. This journey is not just a drive; it’s an exploration of the diverse environments that define this part of the Southwest.

Preparing for your road trip

No matter what time of year it is, the dry desert air is dehydrating. Temperatures can hit 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, so it’s important to be prepared. Carry at least one gallon (approximately 4 liters) of water per person in the vehicle with you, as well as a few bottles of sports drinks with electrolytes. Drink regularly because if you start to feel thirsty, it means you’re already dehydrated. 

Make sure you have a full tank of gas and plan to refill it along the way, and it also wouldn’t hurt to carry a good old-fashioned paper map with you because there are places where you simply can’t get cell service or WiFi.

The Mojave Desert

Clouds scattered across blue skies over the back roads from Las Vegas to Palm Springs

Clouds stretch out across the Mojave. Photo by Kimberli Munkres

As you leave Las Vegas behind, the beauty of the Mojave Desert unfolds. The landscape is characterized by its arid terrain, punctuated by rugged mountains, sprawling cacti, and unique rock formations. The vastness of the desert is both humbling and awe-inspiring, inviting travelers to pause and appreciate its quiet majesty.

One notable stop along the way is the historic mining town of Searchlight. Just a short detour off Highway 95, this quaint town offers a glimpse into the region’s mining history, with remnants of old buildings and a small museum that showcases artifacts from its gold rush days. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs and take a step back in time.

Exploring Joshua Tree National Park

Visiting Joshua Tree National Park is a must. The park, named for its iconic Joshua trees, boasts otherworldly landscapes where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Visitors can hike among the bizarre rock formations and twisted trees, climb boulders, or simply enjoy a picnic under the vast, open sky. The surreal scenery offers countless photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Check out the Cholla Cactus Garden, located within the park. This dense concentration of cholla cacti is mesmerizing, particularly when they bloom in spring. The cacti, glowing in the sunlight, create an almost ethereal atmosphere.

Small town stops

There are a few small towns that dot the route between Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. Pioneertown, originally built in the 1940s as a movie set for Westerns, now serves as a quirky roadside attraction. The town’s Old West charm, complete with saloons and shops, provides a nostalgic feel. Visitors can enjoy live music at Pappy & Harriet’s, a famous venue that draws in a crowd for its lively atmosphere and great food.

Continuing south, the town of Yucca Valley offers a blend of local culture and outdoor activities. Here, you can stop by the Hi-Desert Cultural Center for local art exhibits or take a hike on one of the nearby trails, like the Black Rock Canyon Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the desert landscape.

Scenic beauty and natural wonders

The drive between these towns is nothing short of picturesque. The roads wind through canyons and over mesas, with breathtaking views at every turn. The colors of the desert shift with the light, revealing vibrant oranges, reds, and purples, especially during sunset. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the vast stretches of land and the dramatic mountain backdrops.

Palm Springs: The final destination

As you approach Palm Springs, the barren desert gives way to the lush, palm-lined streets of this oasis city. Known for its mid-century modern architecture and vibrant arts scene, Palm Springs offers a perfect contrast to the rugged beauty of the journey. Take time to explore the downtown area, with its eclectic shops, art galleries, and cafes.

One of the highlights of Palm Springs is the Aerial Tramway, which transports visitors to the top of Mount San Jacinto. The views from the tram are spectacular, providing a panoramic look at the desert below. Once at the top, you can hike through the alpine forest or simply enjoy the cool mountain air. It can be 30 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket.

Your Palm Springs stay

Forgo the multinational chain hotels and stay local at one of the more than 75 boutique hotels and resorts that make Palm Springs so memorable.  They range from quirky to charming, mid-century modern to clothing-optional, quiet and romantic to playful, and are known for exceptional architectural and cultural diversity. Many are independently owned and operated. 

We recommend booking directly with a hotel, as it allows you to more easily make changes to your reservation (plus most hotels will meet or beat the prices listed on the booking sites). They all belong to a local association, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, and you can book directly with the hotel through this site.  Special offers are often available, especially in the shoulder and low season of June through November.

Make it happen

Driving the back roads from Las Vegas to Palm Springs is more than just a road trip; it’s an adventure that immerses you in the unique landscapes and cultures of the American Southwest. Each mile of this journey offers something new and exciting for every type of traveler, from the outdoor enthusiast to the history buff. This route allows you to escape the ordinary and develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the desert.

Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable experience on the back roads of the Southwest!

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Palm Springs Is Always Swinging

Trying to figure out how many golf courses there are in the Coachella Valley is not as easy a task as one would think. Some e-publications say over 120, others claim there’s more than 125, and one suggested there are at least 130. No matter which one you believe, that’s a lot of golf courses!

Links Magazine called Pam Springs a “Golf Mecca” while a Google request for “best cities to play golf in America” turned up 100 and not a peep about our 120/125/130+ courses. Meanwhile, Pete Dye’s scratching his head about that Google return because he was busy out here. He designed two beauts at La Quinta Resort; the TPC Stadium at PGA West, ranked one of the top 100 designed courses by GOLF Magazine; and one at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort. Throw in some courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Jack Nicklaus and you’re in golfer’s paradise.

Full disclosure: I cannot even hit a golf ball on an Xbox, so my level of skill is zero. But I thrifted some golf clothes and I absolutely look like I know what I’m talking about. Unless those little cute little skorts are for tennis. Either way, swing batter batter…no wait, I think that’s baseball.

Many of our clubs are members only, but there are some terrific public courses here as well:

Indian Canyons Golf Resort: This golf club dates back to 1961, and it’s where Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Dwight D. Eisenhower used to play. There are also two courses: the North Course and — any guesses? — yes! The South Course!

These courses are on Murray Canyon Drive and were formerly part of The Canyon Country Club, which was situated on the corners of South Palm Canyon and Murray Canyon. That club is long gone, but if you wander the corner, look down and squint, you might see it in your mind’s eye. There is still landscaping visible and a long bougainvillea’d upper path you can walk down to the golf shop and bar and grill with a spectacular view of the South Course’s greens and the mountains. But you came here for the golf, so let’s talk about that.

Indian Canyons’ South Course. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Indian Canyons’ 6,582-yard South Course was remodeled in 2004 by architect Casey O’Callahan with consultation from LPGA legend Amy Alcott. There are four ponds, 850 palms, and 500 Washingtonia filifera, a native palm that is important to the Agua Caliente tribe. The North Course was designed by William F. Bell, son of famed golf course architect William P. Bell. The longer of the two courses, the par-72 North Course plays 6,943 yards. The course is surrounded by mid-century modern homes, including many that were once owned by Walt Disney. There are six water hazards, including a lake with a fountain that shoots spray more than 100 feet into the air. 

Book the North Course or South Course here.

Escena Golf Club: A Nicklaus Design golf course, Escena is ranked among the top public courses in California, with unobstructed sightlines and carefully placed bunkers and water hazards. “With back tees stretching to nearly 7,200 yards, Escena offers a formidable test for the skilled player, but with four sets of tees, two additional combo tee options, and room to roam, how you satisfy your personal appetite for challenge is entirely up to you,” the club says. Book tee times here. The Grill has good food and spectacular views.

The Escena Golf Club. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort: This was just rated “One of the Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest, and it has two courses to choose from.

The Resort Course at Tahquitz Creek — Designed by Ted Robinson, this “friendly, yet demanding” desert links-style gold course has beautiful mountain views and scenic waterscapes. Click the link for diagrams and statistics on each hole. Tee times for Resort Course.

The Legend Course at Tahquitz Creek — This William F. Bell-designed country club style golf course has incredible mountain views. Tee times for Legend Course. If you work up an appetite, visit Traditions Cafe for aprés golf.

Gorgeous views seen from the Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

If you’re downtown, you might notice a golf course behind the Hyatt. That’s the O’Donnell Course and sadly, it’s private. It is, however, the oldest golf course in Palm Springs. Stop by and stare at it for a minute.

With 120/125/130+ golf courses there are clearly many I haven’t mentioned, but the last three are public and are in Palm Springs, close to your preferred small hotel, so you can get in an early game then enjoy some time poolside before you hit the town.

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Palm Springs Makes Hot Fun

Alcazar Palm Springs’ outdoor pool, patio, and terrace at night

Dry Heat Creates Cool Experiences

PALM SPRINGS, California (May 25, 2018) —Summers in Palm Springs sizzle, but given its low humidity, summer is celebrated in ways that other destinations simply can’t match. From museums to Botanical Gardens, homemade gourmet ice cream to mile-high fun, Palm Springs is perfect for luxuriating in dry summer heat.

In Palm Springs, the pools are legendary. Imagine an oasis with hundreds of sparkling pools, each one with its own personality. Alcazar‘s saltwater purified pool is surrounded by misters and shaded by palms, while The Santiago’s huge swimming pool — it’s 20 feet by 50 feet — is the largest hotel pool in the city.

Once a month, Arrive presents a Dive-In Movie, with the flick starting at dusk. Open to the public (21+), there are seats available poolside, and if you get there early enough, you can grab a float and watch the movie from the pool. This summer’s selection includes The Hangover (May 25), Austin Powers (June 29), Risky Business (July 27), and Grease (August 31). You’ll want to buy a beverage, but the movie and popcorn are free. And to satisfy a late night craving for cold, Arrive’s Ice Cream and Shop(pe) stays open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The Moorten Botanical Garden is home to more than 3,000 types of cacti and desert plants, grouped by geographic locations. To keep guests cool, it’s only open in the summer from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The Moorten Botanical Garden is so cute,” Kathy Friedle, owner of The Monkey Tree Hotel, said. “If you’re not from this area and haven’t seen cactus life, go there.”

In just 10 minutes, the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts visitors up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto State Park, where the temperatures are always lower and the views unparalleled. Grab dinner at the Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café, and stop for a drink at the Lookout Lounge. Several Palm Springs Boutique Hotels, including Los Arboles and La Maison, offer tram packages to eliminate waiting in line to purchase tickets.

Felipe Castañeda, owner of Los Arboles Hotel, recommends visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum, which boasts 59 flyable and static planes inside four air-conditioned hangars. “You can look at the planes, and if you’re lucky, some of the servicemen who flew them hang out there and when they see you are interested, start telling stories,” he said.

Another suggestion: check with the hotel host for summer recommendations. Boutique hoteliers often distinguish themselves by offering an insider’s perspective to Palm Springs hidden summer treasures.

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Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is a consortium of independently owned, boutique hotels, which are an essential part of this desert resort town’s unique culture and economy. From quirky, to charming, mid-century modern to clothing optional, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has got your stay. Follow the fun on Facebook and Instagram.

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Unique Touches Found in Five of Palm Springs Small Hotels

With the world opening up more, it is the perfect time to visit Palm Springs. With 70 plus small hotels to choose from within Palm Spring’s city limits, deciding which one may seem like an overwhelming task. However, here are five hotels that each have a unique touch that might help with your selection.

Photo of Arrive Hotel pool

You Never have to Leave the Premises when you Stay at Arrive

Arrive

Located on North Palm Canyon, the adults-only Arrive hotel is a playful  oasis in the desert.

Here is the best thing about Arrive that you will not find anywhere else in town: their Poptails.

Made for adults only, Poptails are boozy, frozen ice pops aka childhood nostalgia for the very grown-up you. Available in rotating flavors like Aperol Spritz, Paloma, and Sex by the Pool, these housemade treats are a must. They’re available poolside for hotel guests but the locals know they can pop by and pick them up to go. It might be the best $8 you can spend on a hot day.

If you need to satisfy your caffeine or sugar craving, Arrive also has the Ice Cream Shop(pe) right on site, which is perfect if you want something a little less adult-like to cool your palate. And you can pick up speciality drinks for poolside enjoyment  or to go from the Cartel coffee shop.

 

The Cole Hotel and Biscuit and Counter Develop a Partnership

The Cole Hotel

This Palm Springs boutique hotel, designed by American Architect Hugh Kaptur in 1959, is restored and opened during the pandemic. The kitchen was expanded for the owners wanted to make their space one where visitors didn’t have to leave the premises for superb food.

Suddenly, things closed down because of Covid-19. It no longer made sense to have a full menu and chef on the premises. Biscuits and Counters had recently come to town and had no venue consistently to produce their melt-in-your-mouth biscuits, which were quickly becoming in great demand.

A partnership was developed. Biscuits and Counter made their savory biscuits in the kitchen and started to serve them in creative ways to The Cole’s guests. Now you walk out of your room and enjoy brunch by the pool.

If you want, you can meet local Palm Springs residents, for they have heard about the brunches and are coming to The Cole for a Sunday morning meetup with friends.

 

Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy the Gardens at the Dive Hotel

Dive Palm Springs

Are you dreaming of going to Europe and visiting the French Riviera?  We cannot help you with that right now, but we have a suggestion: reserve a room at Dive Palm Springs, an 11-room, adults-only boutique resort located in the heart of Palm Springs.

There are several stand-out  aspects to Dive but one of them is LuLu — an 8-foot-tall woman in a blue swimsuit and bathing cap made of neon and aluminum— who coyly greets you when you arrive.

And the other thing is Dive’s magnificent two-room, two-bed Paris Suite. It’s centerpiece is a 1919 belle époque brass and copper elevator cage that has been fully restored and converted into a Queen bed and lounge. There’s also the vintage“Not-So-Minibar” — a full-sized bar in a stunning vintage Tambour cabinet featuring 8 full bottles of premium liquors, elegant glassware and premium wines and Dom Perignon. There’s also an original copper-clad exterior window from the Flatiron building in NYC (c. 1903), reborn as an oversized antique wall mirror, the Christian Lacroix butterfly wallpaper, and antique Parisian chandeliers.  Très magnifique!

 

The Monkey Tree Offers Relaxation and Scandinavian Spa

The Monkey Tree

The 60-year old The Monkey Tree hotel has been restored to its mid-century modernism grandeur. Step back and feel what it was like when Palm Springs was the haven for movie stars escaping from the glare of the cameras.

This is the only place with an authentic Scandinavian Spa.  It has three components:

  1. First, you go into a dry sauna. (Presently, it is not open due to Covid-19 regulations – However, as soon restrictions are eliminated, it will be available again.)
  2. Then you jump into a pool cooled to 55 degrees and is for single occupancy.
  3. Finally, you go into an extra-deep jacuzzi. You sit on a bench, which allows you to have water over your shoulders. It is heated at 102 degrees and has room for two.

There are no day passes, so you can only have this “refreshing” unique experience if you are a hotel guest.

 

The Santiago Hotel has the Largest Resort Pool in Palm Springs

Santiago  

The Santiago hotel has a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier small hotels in Palm Springs that caters to gay men. This swimsuit-optional, 24-room boutique hotel is set amid luxurious and meticulously cared-for gardens.

Time for a dip? You can get plenty of exercise, for the Santiago has the largest pool at any Palm Springs resort. Enjoy a poolside lunch and drinks with misters providing the perfect cooling system on hot summer days. Picture swinging in a two-man hammock among the lush garden planted with exotic plants and cacti.  When you look up, you see the majestic mountain views with the occasional cloud dancing on the horizon.

Bonus wow: The Santiago  is the only resort in Palm Springs that includes complementary breakfast, lunch, and refreshments (served all day in the cantina).

Enjoy the tastefully decorated rooms, luxury bath products, and flat-screen TVs. You deserve a stress-free, pampered getaway.

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Instagram-able Palm Springs Small Hotels: Villa Royale

Next up in our series of articles on the most Instagram-worthy small hotels in Palm Springs is Villa Royale. This beautiful property reopened in 2018 after an extensive renovation by its new owners, turning the property into a very popular destination that is full of photo ops.

Villa Royale was originally built in 1947 and was one of the first small hotels in south Palm Springs. It was frequented by Hollywood celebrities as a getaway that met the “two-hour rule” implemented by Hollywood studios at that time, which required that actors under studio contracts could not be farther than two hours from set.

The redesigned Villa Royale retains the charm of its past roots, while adding unique contemporary design details, such as custom murals and artwork throughout the property. A large mural welcomes guests to the property, entitled “Welcome to Your Paradise,” by Sagent Staygold.

A series of geometric murals by Los Angeles-based artist Sara Radovanovitch are located around the property, as well as her travel-inspired “El Viaje” painting in the poolside lanai, and portraits of Hollywood stars in some of the guest rooms. Additional paintings by Juan Casas and Lou Kregal were painted on site at the hotel, featuring desert landscapes, classic cars and movie and music icons.

Villa Royale is a pet-friendly property, so you can enjoy this beautiful hotel with your four-legged friends!

There are three pools on the property, all with gorgeous mountain views that make them the perfect spot for enjoying the scenery with a cocktail in hand. And speaking of cocktails: the team at Del Rey, the hotel’s onsite restaurant and bar, are known for their excellent drinks, as well as a delicious Mediterranean-inspired tapas menu.

Other Instagram-able details we love include the intricately patterned tiles around the property, the bikes available for guest use during your stay, and the vintage 1960 Oldsmobile 88 parked out front by the hotel’s entrance.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore other great Instagram-friendly small hotels in Palm Springs in this series of blog posts coming out each month!

Images via Instagram and courtesy of Villa Royale.

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Give Dad A Father’s Day To Remember

A man and a woman on skateboards high five by the Palm Springs windmills

One day, when I was a kid, we forgot Father’s Day. He never attended church with us, and I don’t even know why we went that particular Sunday — our attendance was pretty sporadic, so maybe Mom had enough of Dad and decided to get away to church. Who knows. But at church they reminded us that it was Father’s Day. Whoops. 

It was the mid-1960s and nothing was open on a Sunday except the 7/11 and they didn’t sell cards back then – nor booze on Sunday, nor milk (for some ridiculous reason). When we arrived home empty handed, Dad was mowing the lawn and while we apologized profusely, he was quite the sad sack for the rest of the day. And no one was happy when Dad wasn’t happy.

Do not let your dad be an unhappy sad sack on Father’s Day. You can show up for him in a big way by bringing him to Palm Springs. That’s right. Palm Springs has something for everyone: young and old, straight and gay. Lots of specials going on at the small boutique hotels, so check those out for a great deal. Use the drop down to sort amenities that fit your dad to a T.

If Dad is gay, he’ll already know where to go for fun; the Arenas District is our fabulous gayborhood with great options for the three Ds: Dining, Drinking and Dancing (what, you think I meant something else?).

I can’t give you something specific for your dad because I don’t know him. I mean, I might, used to get around, but your dad likely did not. 

Here we go:

Fun things to do in Palm Springs

Power Baseball — Summer baseball is a thing here in Palm Springs. It is held at our stadium behind Sunrise Park, on Ramon and Sunrise. And according to statistics, they are a pretty good team. Here’s what I found out: They have won 10 outright league championships in their history, including back-to-back wins in the California Premier Collegiate League (CPCL). As of the end of the 2024 season, their all-time record is 678-153, which translates to a winning percentage of 81.6%, making them one of the best summer collegiate teams in the country. 

BMW Performance Center — It is a bit of a drive to get to Thermal, but your dad won’t mind if he’s a bit of a speed demon or gearhead. This is the ultimate experience in driving.

The Spa at Sec-he — Some dads are gearheads, and some are in touch with their inner selves and like a nice relaxing day at the spa. Hey, maybe he’s both? Sec-he is 20 stars. And seriously, you can and will want to spend the whole day with a treatment or two and lunch, etc. It’s gorgeous!

Gambling at the casino — Slots, tables, food, and entertainment can be found at Agua Caliente, our local casino.

Comedy: Rock Gallery — This club has been around for about a year. It’s cozy, and it’s quite fun. Great list of up-and-coming comedians.

Drag 

Brunch — There are quite a few drag brunches, including Oscar’s. But I am going to let you Google that because sometimes they pop up unexpectedly. Bring singles, even Dad will get in on the fun. 

Drag and Fly — Great little tour of Palm Springs in a very cool ride with amazing access to visuals. It’s like no tour bus you’ve ever seen, with unusual guides for anywhere else except Palm Springs 

Dad Bars

Palm Canyon Roadhouse

Hair of the Dog

Mickey’s Irish Pub

Tiki Bars

Bootlegger Tiki

Tonga Hut 

Local Breweries

Las Palmas

La Quinta Brewing Co

Coachella Valley Brewing Co Tap Room 

Dinner

Churrasco Brazilian Steakhouse — If dad is a fan of the meats, this is his Mecca.

Johnny Costas — Old school Italian, dark wood walls, bright white table cloths, and waiters that know what they’re doing.

Zin American Bistro — Right on the strip. Good food, good people watching. Wine specials too.

Lulu — Fun, buzzy place with great happy hour specials on food and drinks at the bar area. A Palm Springs favorite. 

Trio — Nice balance of comfy and upscale. It can be a bit loud in the dining room, but the food and drinks are great. 

Spencer’s — When my uncle was alive, we used to go to this gorgeous place for dinner on special occasions. I actually enjoy their breakfast and lunch menu quite a bit, and the ambiance is unparalleled.  

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! 

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Why The Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels Website Makes it Easy To Plan A Vacation

We’ve been watching the weather and see snowflakes are starting to fly in many parts of the country. While we’re not fortune tellers, we can tell you a sure way to avoid some of the winter snow: come visit Palm Springs, California, where the sun shines 350 days a year. 

Our pools are heated, and most assuredly, you will find palm trees nearby to take the perfect picture to send back home to your friends. If you want a cocktail in your hand for the photo while you are relaxing, that can be arranged, too.

We may be a little prejudiced, but we think one of our more than 70 boutique hotels will meet the vision you had in your head of a winter getaway. The official definition of a boutique hotel is 50 rooms or less. However, when you start looking, you will discover Palm Springs has many small hotels with under 20 rooms. One of the more intimate hotels was once the home of movie star Gloria Swanson. Now called Amin Casa, it has one studio; four private bungalows with full kitchens, living areas, and bedrooms; and Swanson’s original residence, a premier space with a grand living area and historic stone fireplace.

Our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website is the place to start your exploration, and here’s why:

1. Honest descriptions of our hotels

Journalists and travel writers have written the descriptions of our hotels, so you won’t read hyped-up marketing speak on our site. We strive to tell it like it is and often interview the property managers and owners, so what you read is what you can expect to experience once you arrive at your hotel.

The beautiful pool at Amin Casa. Photo courtesy of Amin Casa

2. A search tool that works

Whether you’re looking for a gay men’s clothing-optional resort, a hotel where you can bring your dog, or a property with a spa, all you have to do is put the specific term in our search bar and you’ll find what you’re looking for. Speaking of bringing your pup to Palm Springs, this is a very dog-friendly town, and you can take Fido just about everywhere. It’s not unheard of to arrive at a hotel and see a welcome sign waiting for Fido at the registration desk. By the way — be ready to find water bowls in front of storefronts and cashiers asking if your dog can have one of the treats carefully hidden behind the counter. 

3. Dining and shopping recommendations from insiders

With no empty storefronts, this town is thriving, and new shops are enticing visitors and residents alike. Our Boutiquely Palm Springs blog may help you decide where to start, but be aware that it can be hard even for locals to keep up with our ever-changing town, so you may discover some locally owned shops that just popped up.

Our food scene is also attracting some of the finest chefs in the nation, who know sophisticated foodies from all over the world flock to Palm Springs — and they are not about to disappoint. Our bloggers are writing in depth about restaurants and chefs, making our site is an excellent place to start researching restaurants that serve your favorite cuisine.

Everyone — dogs included — love shopping in Palm Springs. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

4. Extensive event guides to find out what’s happening in town

With the busy season starting, you will want to check out the many attractions open and special events taking place in our city during your stay. Our blog has comprehensive articles about everything from Pride and Modernism Week to the best hiking trails in the desert. In addition, you will find articles written about lesser-known places you might want to visit.

5. Maps to show you the way

The Palm Springs International Airport is only about two miles from downtown. The Coachella Valley, home to Palm Springs and eight other cities, is 45 miles long, and some destinations are pretty far from the airport — Indio, for example, is 20 miles away. If you’re not renting a car, you can see why our proximity to the airport is a superb reason to stay nearby. The Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website has a map that shows all of our hotels in relation to the airport, as well as landmarks, attractions, and neighborhoods.

Cruising up to the Palm Springs International Airport in style. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs

There is so much to explore in our area, and some planning can help ensure you have a stress-free vacation. Doesn’t it sound easy to sit in your comfy chair at home, favorite drink in hand, and use our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels website to plan your dream vacation?

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