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 literally see little blue dots sprinkled all over the city, like mini-mirages beckoning you to cool off from the desert heat. As such, nearly every hotel in Palm Springs not only has a pool ~ but many of them have absolutely amazing pools. Below, I’m breaking these fabulous pools down by category: the best for families, for laying out, for partying, & the ones with the most “adult-chic” vibe. So if you’re ready to dream about warmer climes, enjoy this tour of the “Best Hotel Pools in Palm Springs!”
The Renaissance Esmeralda hotel in Indian Wells has one of the largest, most iconic pools in the desert ~ & it’s an especial 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.
Check rates at the Saguaro here.
The Saguaro Hotel is an Instagrammer’s DREAM with its colorful umbrellas & 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 chain 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 June & August (except not in 2020).
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 from its pool area.
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. There’s something for everyone here…
The JW Marriott is a huge hotel with a massive pool area overlooking their golf course. This is 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??! (Especially one who’s been cooped up for the last year!) There’s also a sandy beach here, a cliff-side hot tub, & an adult’s-only pool called the Azure Pool. 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
7. The Riviera Hotel (Now the Margaritaville Resort)
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.
9. La Quinta Resort
There’s no resort on this list I’ve been to more frequently than the La Quinta Resort. Part of the reason: I used to live down the street, while I opened & ran the popular Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill restaurant with my family. The La Quinta Resort was my favorite getaway ~ either with girlfriend’s or by myself. Because they have over 30 pools here, you can ALWAYS find a “chill” pool…you just need to avoid the two main (& largest) pools. Maps are located all over the property, or you can simply wander around & pick your favorite pool. Almost all have views of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains.
The La Quinta Resort has MORE pools than any hotel on this list, with more than 35 sprinkled around their sprawling property. And what I love is: you can ALWAYS find a more “chill” pool to lay out at. Photo courtesy of the La Quinta Resort.
10. Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs
The 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 here is “trendy chill,” with a side of great people-watching. Tucked right up against the mountains, views are stunning ~ & from its chic lobby to the glamorous rooftop, the whole place looks like it stepped out of a fashion magazine. 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 Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells
I love the Miramonte Resort. My friends & I used to do yoga on the lawn here, & their Well Spa is one of the finest in the desert. I’ve always found the vibe here extremely peaceful & relaxing (particularly compared to the Renaissance Esmeralda across the street) ~ & their beautiful pool area epitomizes relaxation. Enjoy farm-to-table offerings from their Citrus & Palm restaurant, & bring your favorite new book….because this is the ultimate place for a relaxing desert retreat.
The Miramonte Resort pool is the epitome of “chill” ~ with the exception of Coachella week (when NOwhere is chill)! Their lovely Well Spa is also next to the pool area, in case you feel like wandering over for a relaxing spa treatment. Photo courtesy of the Miramonte Resort.
Best “Adult” Chic Pools in Palm Springs
12. Del Marcos Hotel, $269+/night
No hotel on this list gives off more “Mad Men” vibes than the adults-only, mid-century modern-styled Del Marcos Hotel. If you’re looking for a getaway without the kids ~ with a chic, more 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 to try the gorgeous Azucar restaurant.
And bonus: there’s happy hour AND you can bring your pets here!
Adults-only. Del Marcos Hotel, in Palm Springs.
The only restaurant that’s more photogenic than Azucar is the Sands’ Hotel’s Pink Cabana.
13. Sparrows Lodge
They call themselves “rustic chic,” but there’s nothing rustic about the Sparrows’ prices! Ha ~ 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. This is less girl’s getaway, more second honeymoon kind-of-feel. And when you’re here: make SURE to try the 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 most well-respected 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.
Screaming kids you will not find at the upscale Sparrows Lodge: this is the ultimate adult’s retreat.
Make sure to try the fabulous creations at the Barn Kitchen!
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,” in my opinion, there are better pools in Palm Springs.
But if you want to spot celebrities: this is your place.
The ultimate in desert chic: the Parker Palm Springs.
The Parker is one of the chicest hotels listed ~ but in my opinion, for its extremely high price, their pool area is slightly underwhelming. But the property overall is gorgeous & highly photogenic.
Best Hotel Pools in Palm Springs
Because I used to live in the desert, I’ve written extensively on it! For my favorite Palm Springs day hikes, read this post. To check out the best brunch spots in town, click here. Or maybe you want to road-trip out to Salvation Mountain or Joshua Tree. Options abound here…
xoxo Noelia
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