Best Hotel Pools in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the “pool capital” of the world. When you fly into Palm Springs International Airport, you’ll see little blue dots sprinkled all over the city, like mini-mirages beckoning you to cool off from the desert heat. Nearly every hotel in Palm Springs has a pool ~ & many have absolutely amazing pools. Below, I’m breaking these fabulous pools down by category: the best for families, laying out, partying, & the 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 ~ & is a favorite with families.
Best Pools in Palm Springs for Partying
Our list of the best pools in Palm Springs starts at The Saguaro: which is a colorful vintage photographer’s dream. Their rainbow-colored pool is framed by the San Jacinto Mountains, making it 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 the fish tacos & happy hour at their newly renovated bar, or play a game of ping pong while making new friends.Â
Check rates at the Saguaro 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 is the place ~ & at one time, it was the “hippest” hotel in Palm Springs. Some say it still is, & their pool is definitely one of the most happening places in Palm Springs. There’s a hipster vibe here (which some people love, some people….not so much). Their food, drinks, & mini-bar all garner HIGH ratings from guests ~ so make sure to partake during your stay. They also have the “Feel Good” spa here, in case you feel like a pool-side massage…
The Ace Hotel has long been known for its “hip” vibe ~ & its Palm Springs pool scene is no exception.
3. Splash House
Splash House isn’t just one place: it’s a roving “Pool Party Music Festival” that takes place yearly in June & August (when it’s uber-HOT in the desert)!! Hotels where Splash House been held include The Riviera (now the Margaritaville), The Saguaro, & the Renaissance Esmeralda. This is one of the biggest parties in the desert, & is definitely for the young & beautiful crowd….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, & in this category: we need to venture outside of Palm Springs proper. The better family pools lie in Palm Desert & beyond. First up, in Indian Wells (near the Tennis Gardens) is the massive Renaissance Esmeralda. Their outdoor pool features a sandy beach, making it popular with kids ~ but their spa also features an indoor pool, so if you’re looking for a more “adult” escape, you can still find it here. Soak in the gorgeous mountain views poolside, & grab food from their H20 Pool Bar or one of their many dining options.
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 that we ALWAYS looked forward to visiting when we were kids! From the flamingos to the huge pool, to taking their “gondolas” around the lake & over to delicious Mikado’s restaurant: there’s SO much for kids to “oooohhh” & “AHHH” over here! And the JW’s two championship 18-hole golf courses & world-class spa will keep mom & dad busy. In their large pool area, sip a cocktail from the Oasis Poolside Bar & Grill or grab a Starbucks in the hotel.Â
There’s something for everyone here…
The JW Marriott is a huge hotel with a massive pool area overlooking their golf course. A GREAT place for families.
When we were kids, we LOVED taking the boats at the JW out to the hotel’s restaurants!
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’s quite possibly the best pool for kids in the desert, with its meandering “lazy river” AND 100-foot water slides! What more could a kid ask for??! There’s also a sandy beach, cliff-side hot tub, & an adult’s-only pool.Â
But my guess is: even adults will enjoy the lazy river here….not just the kids : )
The Omni in Rancho Mirage is famous for its “Splashtopia” pool & kid-friendly paradise….lazy river included!
AND they have water slides!
Best Palm Springs Pools for “Chill” Laying Out
The Riviera/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 has a “party” vibe at times, but most often, it’s a great place to chill out, enjoy the mountain views & some solid people-watching. With a cocktail. Even the names of their restaurants & bars invite you to “chill-ax:” with the Come Monday Cafe, the 5-O’Clock Somewhere Bar, & the License to Chill, where you can grab a cold brew or frozen beverage.
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 Hotel ~ & Viceroys, created by celebrity designer Kelly Wearstler, always give off movie-star vibes. This hotel is much smaller & more intimate than the Margaritaville (as you’d expect), & their pool is likewise smaller than most on this list. Upscale white cabanas invite you to kick off your flip flops & soak in the sun, read a magazine, & sip a bellini…
“Chill” & “adult” 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, while 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 30+ pools here, you can ALWAYS find a “chill” one…just avoid the two main (& largest) pools.Â
Maps are located all over the property, or simply wander & pick your favorite pool. Almost all have views of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains.
The La Quinta Resort has MORE pools than any hotel in the desert, with 35+ sprinkled around their sprawling property. Photo: La Quinta Resort.
10. Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs
Kimpton Rowan is the “new kid in town,” & its rooftop restaurant & pool give it a firm place on this list. 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. And from the chic lobby to glamorous rooftop, the whole place looks like it could be in a fashion magazine.Â
Bring your camera & best swimsuit here!
One of the newest hotels in Palm Springs, the Kimpton Rowan is tucked right against the mountains with a STUNNING rooftop pool. This is a great place to chill, lay out, & enjoy a drink from their rooftop bar as well….with massive mountain views. Photo courtesy of the 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 best in the desert. It’s recently been re-branded into a Tommy Bahama property ~ but I’ve always found it extremely peaceful & relaxing here. 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” Chic Pools in Palm Springs
12. Del Marcos Hotel, $269+/night
No hotel on this list gives more “Mad Men” vibes than adults-only, mid-century modern Del Marcos Hotel. If you’re looking for a getaway without the kids ~ with a chic, intimate pool: check in here. The property’s 1960’s, Rat Pack feel, combined with well-designed, indoor-outdoor living spaces make this a very comfortable, nostalgic stay. Walk next-door to sister property La Serena Villas & try the gorgeous rooftop Azucar restaurant.Â
And bonus: there’s happy hour AND you can bring your pets here!
Adults-only Del Marcos Hotel, in Palm Springs.
Azucar Restaurant is located right next-door to Del Marcos.
13. Sparrows Lodge
They call themselves “rustic chic,” but there’s nothing rustic about their prices! I joke, but this is one of the most exclusive, adult’s-only properties in Palm Springs, with a cozy & intimate pool area….perfect for a romantic retreat. When you’re here: 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 earned a reputation as one of the valley’s best chefs, turning out tasty fare that “feels homey,” as he says. SO PROUD of him!!!
Check out their Barn Kitchen for the latest creations, open daily from 11AM-8PM.
Sparrows Lodge is the ultimate adult’s retreat.
14. The Parker Palm Springs
The ultimate name in desert chic is where Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie held their infamous photo shoot, once upon a time: The Parker Palm Springs. Hidden behind tall cypress trees, the Parker is the ultimate adult, celebrity hideaway. When we ate here, we ran into actors you’d know from both movies & television. It’s that kind of place. Though the Parker is the ultimate in desert “cool,” there are better pools in Palm Springs.Â
But if you want to spot celebrities: this is your place.
The ultimate in desert chic: Parker Palm Springs.
The Parker has amazing restaurants, & the property overall is gorgeous & very photogenic.
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