1. The Saguaro Hotel, $119+/night

The Saguaro Hotel is a colorful vintage photographer’s dream, with their fun outdoor pool set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains.  You’ll get tons of stylish photos here (bring a colorful bikini!), & it’s a great place for a girl’s getaway.  Try the fish tacos & happy hour at their newly renovated bar, or play a game of ping pong with your friends.  This is less a romantic place ~ more a fun, happening, & young place. 

Check rates at the Saguaro here.

Another Retro Palm Springs Hotel Under $150/night: The Skylark Hotel.  Rooms are about $149/night, & like the Saguaro, the Skylark has a great pool area with mountain views.  It’s not as colorful as the Saguaro, & rooms are a little more dated ~ but will definitely give you a retro, 1960’s feel.

2. The Riviera Hotel (Now the Margaritaville Resort), $125+/night

The Riviera/Margaritaville is a fantastic place for a girl’s weekend, a solo Palm Springs trip, or even a romantic getaway: it’s retro without being kitschy, & swings more towards the Hollywood-glam side than the retro.  It’s a gorgeous hotel in a great location, right on north Indian Canyon Drive ~ one of the main drags in town.  Feel like a celebrity lounging by their chic pool, & be able to walk to restaurants & bars nearby. 

Check prices here.

Lounge poolside at the Riviera Palm Springs, which is now called the Margaritaville Resort.

3. The Ace Hotel & Swim Club, $175+/night

Ace is the place ~ & at one time, it was the “hippest” hotel in Palm Springs.  Lately, it seems to have turned more into a family vibe, so if you want to bring the kids out to Palm Springs: this could be your place.  It’s hipster.   It’s more minimalist than comfortable ~ but it’s hip!  Good food & drinks, but overall, probably a little over-rated for what you’re paying.

4. The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, $195+/night

The Avalon used to be the Viceroy Hotel ~ & Viceroys, designed by ever-so-chic Kelly Wearstler, always give off movie star vibes.  I stayed at the Viceroy years ago with a fellow, back when it had its sunshine yellow & white theme.  It was definitely a sexy little romantic getaway.  The property is sexier than the rooms though ~ they reminded me of regular motel rooms, with a few vintage touch-ups.  Perfect location though.

The Avalon Hotel & Bungalows in Palm Springs, which used to be the Viceroy.

5. Colony Palms Hotel, $217+/night

If you’re looking for a more comfortable, well-appointed room than most of the rooms above: try the Colony Palms Hotel.  It’s less hipster, with more of a relaxed, adult vibe.  This is the definition of a “boutique” hotel, & strives for an intimate, friendly feel, with an Old Hollywood vibe.  Check prices below.

6. Del Marcos Hotel, $269+/night

The Del Marcos is an “adults-only” hotel, so if you’re looking for a getaway sans children ~ along with a kid-free pool, check into the Del Marcos.  This hotel gives me definite “Mad Men” vibes, with a 1960’s, Rat Pack feel, combined with California indoor-outdoor living spaces.  It’s boutique, quaint, & intimate, with a relaxed vibe, free continental breakfast, & happy hour.

Adults-only. Del Marcos Hotel, in Palm Springs.

7. Korakia Pensione, $300+/night

The ultimate sexy hideaway in Palm Springs is Korakia Pensione.  Its Moroccan-theme lends an exotic vibe, & you can sip afternoon, Moroccan tea with a view of the mountains.  Korakia has been featured in Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, & Vogue; the New York Times calls it “one of the sexiest hotels in America.”  Perfect for romantic getaways ~ & within walking distance of popular Palm Canyon Drive. 

Check prices for the Korakia here.

8. The Parker Palm Springs, $325+/night

The ultimate name in desert chic is the same place where Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie held their infamous photo shoot, post-Jen-breakup: The Parker Palm Springs.  Hidden behind tall cypress trees, & a short drive from town, the Parker is the ultimate celebrity hideaway.  When we ate dinner there, we ran into actors we’d previously seen only on the silver screen.  It’s that kind of place.  It’s expensive, but rooms here will be far nicer than at budget options, with unique touches.  It’s the ultimate in desert “cool.”

The ultimate in desert chic: the Parker Palm Springs.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of the best retro chic hotels in Palm Springs!  My top picks: the Korakia for romance, & the Parker for celeb sightings ~ but the Saguaro for best budget girl’s getaway!  Let me know how your Palm Springs adventures go in the comments below…

xoxo Noelia 

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