Best Hotel Pools in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the “pool capital” of the world. When you fly into the Palm Springs airport, you’ll see little blue dots sprinkled all over the city, like mirages beckoning you to cool off from the desert heat. Nearly every hotel in Palm Springs has a pool ~ & many have amazing pools. Below, I’ll break these pools down by category: the best for families, laying out, for partying, & ones with the most “adult” vibe. So if you’re ready to dream about warmer temperatures, enjoy this tour of the “Best Hotel Pools in Palm Springs!”
The Renaissance Esmeralda hotel in Indian Wells has one of the largest pools in the desert ~ & a perennial favorite..
In a Rush? Here are the Top Hotel Pools in Palm Springs:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The La Quinta Resort (35+ pools) – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Renaissance Esmeralda – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Saguaro Hotel – Click here for rates & availability
Best Pools in Palm Springs for Partying
The Saguaro is a colorful vintage photographer’s dream. Their rainbow-colored pool area is framed by the San Jacinto Mountains, a great backdrop for photos. Known for its young, fun vibe ~ the Saguaro is more of a “party pool” than a chill one: so bring your girlfriends here for a fun retreat. Try their fish tacos & happy hour at their newly renovated bar.
Check rates at the Saguaro on Booking.com here.
The Saguaro Hotel is an Instagrammer’s DREAM with colorful umbrellas & its rainbow-colored building. Come for the pictures ~ stay for the party…
Ace was once the “hippest” hotel pool in Palm Springs. Now, you might see a few more families with kids here ~ except during Coachella, when it turns into a real SCENE. The vibe is old-school hipster. Their food, drinks, & mini-bar all get high marks. They also have the “Feel Good” spa here, in case you feel like a pool-side massage…
The Ace Hotel pool in Palm Springs..
3. Splash House
Splash House isn’t just one place: it’s a roving “Pool Party Music Festival” that takes place yearly in August (when it’s uber-HOT)!! Its been held at The Riviera (formerly the Margaritaville Resort), The Saguaro, & the Renaissance Esmeralda (one of my favorite pools). This is one of the biggest parties in the desert….with a similar vibe to Coachella.
Pool parties in Palm Springs don’t get bigger than the Splash House, which takes place every August.
Best Pools for Families in Palm Springs
4. Renaissance Esmeralda in Indian Wells
Next up are the best pools for families. For this, we need to venture outside of downtown Palm Springs. In Indian Wells (by the Tennis Gardens) is the massive Renaissance Esmeralda. Their outdoor pool has a sandy beach, that’s popular with kids ~ but their spa also has an indoor pool, which is great for a more “adult” escape.
Soak in gorgeous mountain views & enjoy drinks & food from their H20 Pool Bar.
The beauty of Indian Wells is its location super close to the Santa Rosa Mountains, which gives you beautiful mountain views.
5. JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert
This is the hotel we ALWAYS looked forward to visiting when we were kids! From flamingos to their huge pool, to riding gondolas around the lake: there’s SO much for kids to have fun with here! And their two championship golf courses & world-class spa will keep mom & dad happy. Sip a cocktail from their Oasis Poolside Bar, or grab a Starbucks in the hotel.
Check prices at the JW Marriott Desert Springs.
The JW Marriott is a huge hotel with a large pool area overlooking the golf course. A GREAT place for families.
6. Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage
My childhood memories include a lot of nostalgia for this hotel, which is now called the Omni Rancho Las Palmas. It may be the best pool for kids in the desert, with its meandering lazy river AND 100-foot water slides! There’s also a sandy beach, cliff-side hot tub, & an adult’s-only pool.
The Omni Rancho Mirage is famous for its “Splashtopia” pool & lazy river.
AND they have water slides!
Best Pools for “Chill” Laying Out
The Riviera Resort (formerly Margaritaville) is a fantastic place for a girl’s weekend ~ especially if laying out with a drink in hand is your #1 goal. Their chic pool area is a great place to chill out & enjoy the mountain views. With a cocktail.
Check prices at the Margaritaville here.
Lounge poolside at the Riviera Palm Springs, which is now called the Margaritaville Resort.
8. The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
The Avalon used to be called the Viceroy. And Viceroys, created by celebrity designer Kelly Wearstler, always give off celebrity vibes. This hotel is small & intimate: perfect for couples. Upscale cabanas invite you to kick off your shoes & soak in the sun, read a magazine, & sip a bellini…
“Chill” is the vibe at the Avalon (formerly the Viceroy).
There’s no resort on this list I’ve been to more frequently than the La Quinta Resort. I used to live down the street, when I opened popular Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill with my family. The La Quinta Resort was my favorite getaway ~ either with friends or by myself. Because they have 35+ pools here, you can ALWAYS find a “chill” one. Just avoid the two main pools.
What I like to do is to simply wander & pick my favorite pool for the day. Almost all have views of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains.
The La Quinta Resort has MORE pools than any hotel in the desert. Photo: La Quinta Resort.
10. Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs
Kimpton Rowan is a newer hotel with a gorgeous rooftop restaurant & pool. It’s a swanky spot to stop in for a drink or grab a lounge chair, & the vibe is “trendy chill,” with great people-watching. Tucked up against the mountains, views are stunning.
Bring your camera & best swimsuit here!
The Kimpton Rowan is tucked right against the mountains with a STUNNING rooftop pool. Photo: Rowan Kimpton.
11. The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort, in Indian Wells
I love this resort. My friends & I used to do yoga on the lawn here, & their Well Spa is one of the most peaceful in the desert. It has recently been re-branded into a Tommy Bahama property. Their beautiful pool epitomizes relaxation. Bring your favorite new book….because this is the ultimate place for a relaxing desert retreat.
The Miramonte Resort is now the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort. Photo: Miramonte.
Best “Adult” Pools in Palm Springs
12. Del Marcos Hotel – Adults-Only
No hotel gives more “Mad Men” vibes than mid-century modern Del Marcos Hotel. If you’re looking for a desert getaway without kids ~ check in here. The property’s 1960’s, Rat Pack feel, combined with well-designed, indoor-outdoor living spaces make this a comfortable, nostalgic stay. Walk next-door to sister property La Serena Villas & try the gorgeous rooftop Azucar restaurant.
Adults-only Del Marcos Hotel, in Palm Springs.
13. Sparrows Lodge
This is one of the most exclusive, adults-only properties in Palm Springs, with a cozy & intimate pool area….perfect for a romantic retreat. Make SURE to try their food!! I’ve got a personal connection here: their renowned chef, Gabriel Woo, used to work at our family’s restaurant ~ & now he’s one of the valley’s best chefs. SO PROUD of him!!!
Check out the Barn Kitchen for the latest creations.
Sparrows Lodge is the ultimate adult’s retreat.
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