“I want to be alone” is not just something that Greta Garbo said — it’s a thing. Sometimes you just want to get away from the noise of the crowds, maybe even from everyone and everything, just for a week or weekend. Your goal is recalibrate, rejuvenate, relax, renew — all the “re’s” except responsibility. What do you say to a great hideaway in a small hotel with an inviting pool and some chill amenities? If the answer is yes, let’s go!

We’re talking small here. No chance of the outside world creeping into your zen. You’re not looking for a spa, you’re looking for a hideaway from the world. I get it, and I’ve got you. Here’s a list of hotels that not only fit the bill, but at some of them you don’t even have to see a soul, even when you check in. 

Hotel hideaways in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has been a friendly hideaway since the early 1900s, where people minded their own business while providing hospitality to others. If you’re looking for small and intimate accommodations, look no further. All of our hotels are small-ish but some are even more intimate. Here’s a non-exhaustive list: 

Coyote Inn — A charming 10 suite boutique hotel just a few blocks from downtown.

Dive Palm Springs — It’s the 11-room, walled-in resort on the south end of Palm Canyon Drive with the 1950s bathing-suit clad woman in neon diving into a sidewalk an imagined pool. The pool is actually inside and is one of my favorites. Gorgeous rooms. You’ll feel special.

Old Ranch Inn — Slightly west (toward the mountain) of downtown, this charming inn has eight suites fit for a queen or king, all located around a beautiful pool.

Yara — South Palm Springs, tucked back next to the Deepwell neighborhood. This boutique hotel has 10 rooms.

The Three-Fifty Hotel — This seven room hotel has a great location, and features oversized guest rooms. While most of the hotels on Belardo are on the west side of the street, Three-Fifty bucks convention, making in it a great choice for the maverick in you.

The Cactai — Built in the 1940s as Los Dolores, this 12-room modernist revival is bright, with high-end amenities. Recently remodeled to perfection. 

Talavera — Known for its spacious suites with private patios, jacuzzis, and abundant foliage, it offers contactless check in and has 11 rooms. 

The Weekend — Located in Old Las Palmas, this 10-room resort hotel is on the north end, great spot for checking out old celebrity homes just a stone’s throw west, and stumbling distance to The Tailor Shop.

What’s The Tailor Shop? You’re so impatient, I’m getting there. Read on

A quiet little place

When you go out at night, and you will because Palm Springs nights are beautiful, you want somewhere cozy. You’re not here for people watching, you’re here to give your body and brain a rest from bumping into people — those you know, and those you don’t.

Here are a few places that fit that “leave me alone” vibe. (You could go to a busy bar and just get ignored, but it doesn’t have the same after glow.) 

Tailor Shop — Tucked back on Via Lola behind Bootlegger Tiki. It’s so small and special reservations are required. It took me a minute to find the menu (there’s cool food options too). 

As to the vibe of the place, they’ve painted a very nice picture for you on their website: “The journey of Tailor Shop began with two co-founders who were passionate about exploring the world, deepening their love for unique spirits and authentic ingredients. They wanted to create a space where people could gather with their friends and have a good time. Through their adventures and discoveries, they’ve woven together a haven that’s perfect for enjoying innovative cocktails, but also a creative hub where unique programming creations and culinary explorations come to life. Opens at 6 p.m.”

Canopy Wine Lounge — Upscale, fine wine and bar bites. Another great place to stare at the mountains and contemplate your life.

PS Air — Maybe you can handle a little nightlife. Located in Bouschet, a fine wine store. It’s small-ish, with food and drinks, and you’re in the cabin of an airplane that has nightly entertainment. Two snaps up to Sunday’s Mid-Mod Boozy Brunch. (Also, takeaways for lunch are delish!)

La Boisson — Up near Vista Chino on Indian is a gorgeous hotel called Fleur Noire. The hotel has 21 rooms, but that might be a bit much for you. However, that’s where you’ll find La Boisson, featuring several varieties of rosé and champagne, as well as curated selections of packaged cocktails, hard seltzers, and beers. When the pink doors swing open they are ready to serve — but make a reservation. They do not list their hours.

Dining out

Clandestino — Contemplation, cocktails, and what was once described to me as food from Jalisco, a.k.a. seafood. However, in Mexican slang, “jalisco” means intoxicated or drunk, and you can do both here.    

Rooster and Pig — Dinner, Vietnamese. Coveted by locals. Small.

Crudo Cervicheria — (Yeah, that’s spelled right, thanks for checking.) Lunch and dinner.

Il Giardino — Dinner. Small, unassuming, “authentic Italian” restaurant on Indian Canyon.

L’Atelier — Breakfast and lunch. Delicious quiche, and pastries. Champagne and wine too.

Cafe Mon Amor — They don’t seem to have a website, but their address is 333 N. Palm Canyon Dr., in what is called the Amado Center (which is news to me). Open until 3 p.m.

Although it’s great, I’m not going to recommend The Front Porch, the little offshoot of Farm, because that spot right there is always flooded with people. You’re better off across the way at L’Atelier. That side of La Plaza is infinitely less busy than the side where Farm and The Front Porch live.