Known for its lavish events, pampering spas and stylish hotels, Palm Springs is one of the top destinations for LGBTQ travellers in the United States. Once a playground for Hollywood icons, such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, this Southern California getaway now boasts a thriving gay community, enticing food and drinks scene and one of the largest collections of mid-century modern architecture in the world. Shop for vintage treasures along Palm Canyon Drive or embrace the outdoors at the surrounding Coachella Valley, then sit poolside with a cocktail in hand.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve found the best gay-friendly hotels in Palm Springs. From couples retreats to clothing-optional resorts, this beautiful desert oasis boasts a range of accommodations with welcoming perks, such as world-class restaurants, cabana-dotted pools, in-room spa services and rooms with mountain views.
The Willows Historic Inn Palm Springs
The Willows Historic Inn Palm Springs is a historic Mediterranean-style hotel that was originally a millionaire’s private hideaway. It’s easy to see why it has a perfect rating on HotelsCombined, as it boasts individually-styled rooms with antique furnishings, fireplaces, claw-foot tubs and patios or balconies. For spectacular mountain and garden views from a semi-private terrace, stay in the Orchid Tree Room.
Enjoy refreshing iced tea served poolside or soak in the Jacuzzi, then visit the veranda overlooking a 15-metre-tall waterfall. Start your day with a three-course gourmet breakfast and wrap up your day at the evening wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Venture outside to discover Mount San Jacinto State Park, where you can walk along the scenic Pacific Crest Trail.
Hotel Highlights
- The heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
- A nightly wine and hors d’oeuvres reception on the terrace.
- A five-minute walk from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 386 – USD 647
Guest Rating: 10
Address: 412 West Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California, United States
Sparrows Lodge
Sparrows Lodge is an adults-only 1950s retreat with a modern rustic vibe throughout its rooms, communal bar and vegetable garden. Fine art is showcased throughout, while The Barn Kitchen serves sandwiches, salads and small bites. Sip microbrews, wine and champagne at the bar, then gather around the outdoor fire pit with new friends or visit the open-air massage tent for a 90-minute Sparrows Custom Massage.
Choose from one of the 20 rooms with exposed beam ceilings, russet red walls and concrete floors with inlaid pebbles. Cosy up with Swiss army blankets atop plush mattresses and soak up the stunning mountain views from your private patio. Some poolside rooms also feature steel horse trough bathtubs.
Hotel Highlights
- Family-style suppers on themed nights at The Barn Kitchen.
- The private patio in the 46-square-metre Cabin.
- A 20-minute drive from Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 202 – USD 447
Guest Rating: 10
Address: 1330 E Palm Canyon Dr – Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California, United States
Santiago Resort
A luxury getaway for men, Santiago Resort is a swimsuit-optional escape at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. There are 24 spacious rooms with mountain views, individual climate control, king-size beds and flat-screen TVs. The King Suite has a pull-out loveseat to accommodate a third person, while the Casita boasts a fireplace and private patio.
Your only commute is the one from your room to the heated swimming pool or two-man hammock, where the hotel’s bubbling spa, swaying palms and singing birds become your soundtrack. Take advantage of the poolside daybeds and garden shower, as well as the communal fire pit and complimentary “Stay n Splash” poolside lunch with specialty salads, sandwiches and wraps.
Hotel Highlights
- Outdoor heated pool, spa and mist cooling system.
- Complimentary townie bicycles.
- A privacy fence around the entire property for ultimate seclusion.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 198 – USD 277
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 650 E San Lorenzo Rd., Palm Springs, California, United States
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel
With stunning views of the glimmering desert, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel boasts 153 rooms and suites with dramatic views of the adjacent mountains, desert flats or urban scenery. Stay in the King or Queen Deluxe for large windows, plush bathrobes and Atelier Bloom bath amenities. Upgrade to a Spa Suite for a deep-soaking tub, separate living room, floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony.
Soak up spectacular sunset views at the rooftop pool and bar or hang out at the stylish Window Bar, then dine on shareable Mediterranean plates at the open patio at 4 Saints. High Bar sits by the rooftop pool, which is dotted with private cabanas and daybeds and offers views of the San Jacinto mountains.
Hotel Highlights
- Soothing in-room spa services, such as couples massages and body wraps.
- The full barista menu, fresh juice, craft soda, draft beer and cocktails at Juniper Table.
- A five-minute drive from Palm Springs International Airport.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 303 – USD 451
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: 100 W Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California, United States
Colony Palms Hotel
The desert’s most iconic retreat since 1936, Sinatra even called Colony Palms Hotel his home away from home. Rooms are adorned with mosaic tiles, rich woods and black-and-white vintage photos. The Colony Guest Room features a refrigerator, pillow top mattress and flat-screen TV, while the Colony Palms Suite has a semi-private balcony, wet bar and seating area.
Dine on fresh seasonal California-inspired cuisine at Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar before indulging in a healing massage or revitalising facial at The Spa at Colony Palms. Dip your toes in the 19-metre-long saltwater pool or cycle one block to the shops, galleries and restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive.
Hotel Highlights
- Gas-burning fireplaces and claw-foot baths in many rooms.
- A three-hour happy hour with creative cocktails, special appetizer menus, craft beers and boutique wines.
- A short drive from the swanky El Paseo district, known as the “Rodeo Drive” of the desert.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 236 – USD 401
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 572 North Indian Canyon, Palm Springs, California, United States
Vista Grande Resort – A Gay Men’s Resort
Vista Grande Resort – A Gay Men’s Resort is a stylish clothing-optional resort in the heart of the Warm Sands district. Stay in one of the budget-friendly poolside studios with California king-size beds and mini fridges or splurge on a luxurious villa with a full kitchen and separate living room.
Mingle with fellow travellers around the communal tables in the Dining Room, before soaking up the California sunshine at one of the two pools. Swim underneath the waterfall, lounge in the lagoon or sunbathe on the rocks, then relax in the dry sauna and steam room enhanced with eucalyptus oil.
Hotel Highlights
- Two on-site pools heated to 32 degrees Celsius.
- A complimentary breakfast and poolside lunch.
- A 15-minute walk from the gay bars, shops and restaurants on Arenas Road.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 160 – USD 593
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 574 Warm Sands Drive, Palm Springs, California, United States
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
The artsy Ace Hotel and Swim Club boasts an outdoor fireplace and lounge area, lively bar and coffee shop and stylish rooms and suites with vintage furnishings. Visit the hotel’s roadside diner, King’s Highway, for comfort food or swim in the outdoor pool, then recharge with a massage or facial at the Feel Good Spa.
Budget-conscious travellers can stay in the Standard King, which comes with a flat-screen TV, hypoallergenic mattress and fully-stocked mini bar. Upgrade to the Ace Suite for a separate living room, radio and record player and private patio with fireplace. Travelling with your four-legged best friend? Stay in the dog-friendly Patio with Garden room.
Hotel Highlights
- The popular Bingo nights at King’s Highway.
- Body scrubs, scalp massages and reflexology treatments at the on-site spa.
- Under a 10-minute walk from Moorten Botanical Garden.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 109 – USD 397
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 701 East Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, California, United States
Triangle Inn Palm Springs
Triangle Inn Palm Springs is a clothing-optional hotel for gay men, offering laid-back suites and Southern California hospitality within its secluded complex. All eight suites come with kitchens or kitchenettes, large baths and private reading libraries. For extra space, stay in the Two Bedroom Suite or adjacent Four Bedroom house.
The hotel promotes an outdoor lifestyle with its inviting pool and Jacuzzi, where you can enjoy afternoon mixers. Its large sundecks, mountain views and lush tropical gardens set the scene for a relaxing getaway, while nearby restaurants, clubs and bars keep your days varied.
Hotel Highlights
- A full breakfast served by the outdoor pool.
- The large sundecks with stunning mountain views.
- The separate living room with a queen-size sofa bed in the One Bedroom Suite.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 145 – USD 235
Guest Rating: 9.8
Address: 555 San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs, California, United States
Korakia Pensione
Korakia Pensione is a Mediterranean-style resort adorned with bougainvillea vines, Moroccan fountains and a stone waterfall. Read classic books in the Library or catch a movie under the stars, then cruise around the neighbourhood on a complimentary bike. You can relax at the two heated pools and surrounding fire pits or enjoy the hotel’s Moroccan tea time, poolside lunch and morning yoga sessions.
Stay in the one-bedroom Aegean Bungalow for a Japanese-style soaking tub and Mediterranean-style pool or enjoy the sunlit Casablanca Studio with Tahquitz Canyon and San Jacinto Mountains views. For a wraparound courtyard, stone Jacuzzi and private citrus grove, stay in the Orchard House.
Hotel Highlights
- An indoor-outdoor spa and in-room spa services.
- A picturesque Moroccan pool with views of the San Jacinto Mountains.
- Complimentary bikes with helmets and bike-friendly routes.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 213 – USD 375
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 257 South Patencio Rd., Palm Springs, California, United States
La Dolce Vita Resort
Located in the upscale residential neighbourhood of Deep Well, La Dolce Vita Resort is a swimsuit-optional resort catering to gay men. There are 18 guest rooms, from studios to spacious one-bedroom apartments. Each one has a flat-screen TV, mini fridge, luxury linens and luxe Aveda bath products. For a private patio, stay in the Roma – Junior Suite or Siena – Studio King.
Lounge by the heated outdoor pools and hot tub or relax in the steam room. Cook your meals at the outdoor barbecue or enjoy a poolside lunch, then join the weekend social hours from 5pm to 6pm. Recharge with a Swedish, Deep Tissue or “Sweet Life” massage at the on-site spa.
Hotel Highlights
- The only professional spa in Palm Springs dedicated exclusively to men.
- Complimentary daily continental breakfast.
- Five minutes from Downtown Palm Springs’ most popular attractions, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 169 – USD 428
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 1491 S Via Soledad, Palm Springs, California, United States
Two Bunch Palms: Desert Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Set on 30 picturesque hectares of desert, Two Bunch Palms: Desert Hot Springs Resort & Spa offers adults-only accommodation with beautiful mountain views. A Double room in The Springs includes a mini fridge and queen-size beds, while The Casablanca Suites boast large living and dining rooms, spa-suite showers and private outdoor Jacuzzis.
HotelsCombined visitors love the resort’s dining options, particularly the extensive menu of farm-fresh produce and artisanal cocktails at Essense restaurant. Book a Custom Facial, Mud Bath or Water Yoga session at the on-site spa, then stroll by the meditation pond or relax in one of the two hot spring pools in the natural grotto.
Hotel Highlights
- A historic spa with outdoor treatment gazebos.
- The sustainable, local, seasonal and organic foods at Essense.
- One kilometre from Cabot’s Pueblo Museum.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 266 – USD 638
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, California, United States
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Backed by swaying palm trees, Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel captures the essence of desert living with its large outdoor pool, luxurious day spa and a trendy bar. Rest easy in one of the rooms and suites, which feature pillow top mattresses and spa-inspired bathrooms. For mountain views, a mini fridge and a separate living area, stay in the Junior Suite.
The on-site restaurant, Date, pays homage to the revered locally-grown fruit while featuring fresh ingredients in its dishes. Rocks, meanwhile, serves handcrafted cocktails and locally-brewed beers in a chic lounge and outdoor space with fire pits. Kick back in a private cabana poolside or watch the kids play in the children’s pool.
Hotel Highlights
- The variety of massages, facials and body treatments at Spa Del Sol.
- Private cabanas at the outdoor pool.
- A 10-minute drive from Wet ‘N’ Wild Palm Springs.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 106 – USD 388
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 888 Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California, United States
Tortuga Del Sol
Located in the serene Tahquitz River Estates, Tortuga Del Sol is a clothing-optional hotel for gay men. Save money by staying in the Pueblo Queen Room with a flat-screen TV, mini fridge and coffee maker or upgrade to the one-bedroom Tortuga King Suite for a separate living room and fully-equipped kitchen.
Embrace the laid-back California lifestyle by lounging in a private cabana by the pool or cooling off in the poolside misting system. Hang out by the fire pit and barbecue area or play a game at the outdoor pool table, then spend an evening at one of the bars or clubs within walking distance.
Hotel Highlights
- The fully-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes in the suites and studios.
- A heated pool and Jacuzzi.
- The pet-friendly Pueblo King Suite.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: USD 123 – USD 235
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 715 East San Lorenzo Road, Palm Springs, California, United States
Hotel Location
Discover a Desert Oasis in Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers endless outdoor activities and year-round sunshine. With one of the largest gay communities in the United States, this alluring region boasts world-class shopping and dining, a lively nightlife scene and inviting gay-friendly hotels. The 13 popular hotels above typically feature on-site restaurants and bars, sparkling pools, pampering spa treatments and easy access to the dining, shopping and nightlife in Palm Springs.
Where will you stay in Palm Springs? Let us know in the comments below.
