Palm Springs Lodging

There’s a hip hotel for every budget when planning a Palm Springs vacation. So many hotels, so much style—from luxury lodgings to boutique bargains. So just how does one determine where to stay in Palm Springs?

While there are the usual hotel chains (the Hyatt is nice—and conveniently located on Palm Canyon Drive), the cool Palm Springs accommodations are the mid-century gems that have been tastefully spiffed up, redone and renovated with contemporary tastes in mind. Every year, a few more get added to the limelight. Here are some favorite Palm Springs lodging choices, for budgets big and small.

Del Marcos Hotel: How Low Can You Go?

Decent rooms from $49 per night? What year is this? Yes, the Del Marcos Hotel lists $49 as the price for its standard room, with deluxe rooms from $161 per night and suites from $189 per night. And this is high season.

This hotel was designed in 1947 by William Cody, known for his desert architecture, and has 16 rooms with private patios or balconies. While up to date, it’s not as stylish as the others on this list, but at $49 a night, it’s not half bad. Wireless Internet is free—and so is the parking. There’s some retro flair, the modernist bones of the original place are intact, and it’s a block from downtown Palm Springs.

From $49 per night. 225 W. Baristo Road. Tel 800-676-1214. www.delmarcoshotel.com

The Horizon Hotel: All Spiffed Up

This newcomer (newly renovated, that is) is still wet behind the ears, which is probably why it looks so spiffy and white. This 1952 modernist statement was also designed by renowned architect William Cody and began its life as the homestead of oilman Jack Wrather. In the Horizon Hotel’s heyday, Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe and Rosalind Russell could have been found poolside. Today, it’s ready for you with 22 sleek rooms on 2.5 acres.

With retro style, the amenities are as up-to-the-minute as they come: European beds, Italian cotton linens and sharp white bathrooms. Even an outdoor shower! Feel like staying indoors? There’s a cozy robe and an LCD TV with free DVD rentals. Then step outside to the angular pool and chemical-free natural therapy pools. There’s a Jacuzzi and a nifty poolside bar. Mornings at the Horizon begin with a complimentary newspaper and a continental breakfast. And it all comes with spectacular mountain views.

 

• The Movie Colony Hotel was originally designed as a three-bedroom townhouse by legendary architect Albert Frey in 1935.

Courtesy of Movie Colony Hotel

Rates start at $139 per night. 1050 E. Palm Canyon Drive. Tel.800-377-7855. www.thehorizonhotel.com

Movie Colony Hotel: High Style, Low Price

In the Movie Colony neighborhood lies the Movie Colony Hotel. This enclave of 170 homes in downtown Palm Springs still goes by its old moniker from the days when Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Benny and Dinah Shore were among its many famous residents. The Movie Colony Hotel has been renovated to perfection. Today, it’s simple, modern and chic. The bedding is luxe and the robes are comfy. You can almost feel like a Movie Colony resident if you go for one of the poolside townhouses. Other rooms have private patios to gaze upon the mountains and starry skies above. 

Luxuriate inside and catch a film on the DVD player. Or venture out during the sunset wine hour for a glass of one of California’s best around the outdoor fire pit. Breakfast is included—and with rooms starting at $129 a night (depending on the season), that’s even more incentive to consider the Movie Colony.

Classic Rooms start at $129 per night, from April 1 to May 31. Summer 2009 rates start at $99 per night. 726 N. Indian Canyon Drive. Tel. 888 953-5700. www.moviecolonyhotel.com

Next: Viceroy Palm Springs and Parker Palm Springs Hotels