The Best Hotels to Book in Palm Desert, California

With Joshua Tree National Park less than an hour’s drive away, the Inn at Deep Canyon is a suitable basecamp for between hike hangouts. Don’t be surprised if you make a few new friends in the heated saltwater pool or hot tub; the Inn has a reputation for turning strangers into old acquaintances. Prefer a little privacy for your group? Then the private pool behind the duplex has your name on it.

If the Rodeo Drive of the Desert gets your wallet a little warm, then a room at the Hotel Paseo is a must. Shops, restaurants, galleries and more surround this luxury hotel in Palm Desert. Practice your haggling skills in the mirror of your marble bathroom and then head out onto El Paseo in search of the best sales. Return to your Glamour room only to freshen up and slip on your new threads for a night spent scouting the best happy hours under the moonlight.

Think you could survive living under the Palm Desert sun? The Westin Desert Willows wants you to give desert life a try in one of their stylish villas. Each villa has a fully equipped kitchen, but you won’t have to fend for yourself with the Agave Grill and the Mountain View Marketplace on the property. There’s no longer an excuse to skip leg day with the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio open 24/7. Still not sure if you can cut it in the desert? Watch the sunset from your villa balcony, and you’ll know the answer in a heartbeat.

Your arms are going to be tired by the time you leave this resort hotel in Palm Desert. The 27 holes of golf and all-night tennis matches will tire you out well before you use your favorite stroke in the adults-only pool. Your muscles will get no reprieve at Bluember restaurant, as your arm lifts bite after bite of slow-braised boneless short ribs to your mouth. And just when you think you’re free to relax, you’ll realize that your yoga class in the gym is about to begin.

What’s better than waking up to a sunrise over the pool? Ending the day watching the sunset behind the mountains. The Hilton Garden Inn’s backyard is a sight to behold and an even better site to explore. Hilton’s 24-hour Pavilion Pantry is stocked with food so you can recharge before and after your hike. You can also quickly cool off in their indoor and outdoor pools. Too tired for either? Your premium king suite has in-room drinks and snacks ready to eat.

We’re no mathematicians, but the Well Spa’s three outdoor relaxation spaces, nine indoor treatment rooms and five heavenly pampering sessions equals one serene stay. There’s more to the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort and Spa than soaking pools and steam rooms, but who has time for golf, tennis or swimming when there are massages, body scrubs and facials to be had? Not someone who’s busy receiving a specialty citrus treatment, that’s for sure.

Heading to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for the first time? If camping is out of the question, Courtyard by Marriott will put you up for a few nights. Your king suite is a great retreat from a day spent rocking out in the sun. The shower may not seem like a luxe amenity at first, but by the third day of the festival, you’ll realize that a little soap and water goes a long way.

Consider the Holiday Inn Express and Suites your oasis hotel in Palm Desert. Blackout shades in your room and an indoor pool keep you cool and comfortable no matter how high the mercury rises. Throw some ice in the lobby’s complimentary coffee while you’re at it, and cool the sweat away. If you can stand a little sun, you can get some retail therapy next door at the River Mall; it is an outdoor mall, so feel free to dart into the movie theater if you can’t take the heat.

With only 24 rooms, you will hardly have to share your experience at the Chateau at Lake La Quinta. Work on your all-over tan on your private patio and cover up with a soft robe when you want to head down to the bar for a Moscow mule. Mingle with the few other guests over champagne, then head back to your lakeside bungalow – unless, of course, your new friends insist on another round.

Your short game needs work, especially if you’re playing the back nine at Palm Royale Country Club. Consider Desert Breezes Resort your caddie; their on-property putting green will help you sink those long putts. Whenever you feel like donning the lucky red shirt, head across the street to the first tee. Meanwhile, if you’re the one rolling your eyes at the thought of losing your partner to the links on your vacation, Desert Breezes has three pools and 11 spas to help you forgive and forget.