the muse hotel palm springs Archives | Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels

At The Muse Hotel Palm Springs, prepare to be inspired.

This new pet-friendly boutique hotel in the Warm Sands neighborhood, formerly known as the Avance, is now owned by Greg Williams and Maggie Vineyard. The creative couple transformed this nine-suite property from the 1960s into a bright and airy space with feather chandeliers, bold floral wallpaper, striped awnings and pops of color everywhere. The layout lends itself to groups, and the hotel can be bought out for girls’ weekends, reunions, birthday parties, and other celebrations.

“We wanted to create a fun vibe that instantly relaxes people,” Maggie said, adding, “it’s really hard to be unhappy or stressed while under a pergola of beautiful flowers with a pink hotel in front of you.”

A woman wearing an orange hat lounges in a flamingo pool float at The Muse Hotel Palm Springs

Floating in the pool is a must-do for every guest at The Muse Hotel. Photo courtesy of The Muse Hotel

The Muse is their first foray into the hotel business, with Maggie having more than a decade’s worth of experience in the Airbnb world. Greg and Maggie enjoyed visiting Palm Springs during weekend getaways, and when they found what would become The Muse, both were excited over the possibilities.

“We were pleased with the environment and atmosphere and size, and thought we could really have fun with it and embrace the culture of Palm Springs,” Greg said. “It lacked a little bit of identity, so we brought in bougainvilleas to Palm Springs it out.”

Maggie and Greg chatted with guests who gave them valuable insights on what worked at the hotel and what didn’t, and they kept this feedback in mind while working on an 8-week property renovation. Cosmetic updates were made to each room, giving them a one-of-a-kind feel, but Maggie and Greg also worked with elements already in place, like the pool.

“A new coat of paint and decor makes a huge difference,” Greg said. “Tile is also fun and livened things up.”

Greg is a musician, and one idea was to turn the new property into a Taylor Swift-themed hotel, reminiscent of the colorful trailer park from her “You Need to Calm Down” music video. From that brainstorming session, the name evolved to The Muse, giving guests the opportunity to embrace the Frida Kahlo quote, “I am my own muse, I am the subject I know the best, the subject I want to know better.”

A blonde woman in a white dress and white man in a dress vest and pants stand in a restaurant with the bar behind them

Maggie Vineyard and Greg Williams became engaged while staying at their hotel during renovations. Photo courtesy of The Muse Hotel

Maggie and Greg have already made lasting memories at the property. During the renovation process, they lived here with their dogs, got engaged, and discovered the little details that make The Muse stand out. Both love the pergola and swings and the “peaceful and serene courtyard,” Greg said. “There are some lounge chairs right there I could live in, with the mountains in the background and the pool right there.”

Guests also have access to a hot tub, community room, grab-and-go Aspen Mills pastries and croissants for breakfast, snacks, and picnic baskets. Several rooms have backyard areas and nearly all have full kitchens with stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves. If you like what you see, most of the hotel is shoppable, with QR codes so you can buy your favorite items and have them shipped home.

Greg and Maggie have one goal: to treat guests to a vibrant experience during their fabulous Palm Springs vacation. The Muse offers all of that and more in a “girly and fun” package, Maggie said, that leaves people “feeling good about themselves.”

There is nothing static about Palm Springs, California, and 2025 has been no exception with several new and refreshed boutique hotels recently opening their doors.

“Our desert paradise is constantly evolving,” says Michael C. Green, co-owner of the iconic Triangle Inn Palm Springs and chairman of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. “New hotels add personality and vibrancy to our community.”

The Stardust Hotel

Funky wallpaper and colorful kitchen appliances at The Stardust Palm Springs

Funky wallpaper is a Stardust staple. Photo courtesy of The Stardust Palm Springs

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.

The Cactai

Welcome to The Cactai. Photo courtesy of The Cactai

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.

Terra Palm Springs

Guests at Terra Palm Springs can Indulge in a private outdoor bath. Courtesy of Terra Palm Springs

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

The colorful sunset matches the vibe at El Noa Noa. Photo courtesy of El Noa Noa

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.

Casa Oliver

Casa Oliver’s room are spacious and comfortable. Photo courtesy of Casa Oliver

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 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.

The Skylark

People play in the courtyard pool at Skylark Hotel in Palm Springs on a sunny day

The pool is the hottest spot at Skylark Hotel. Photo courtesy of Skylark Hotel

The Skylark, a fabulous throwback to the heyday of Palm Springs’ mid-century modern era, 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.