14 Breathtaking Palm Desert Resorts for the Ultimate California Getaway - Domaine Daily

14 Breathtaking Palm Desert Resorts for the Ultimate California Getaway

First-time visitors to Palm Desert are often fascinated by the colors and vibrancy of this topographically unique province with mountains and deserts. Decades of regional development in the area have led to cities such as Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Coachella becoming commercial centers and top tourist spots in the country. It’s no surprise that more and more people are seeking out the best Palm Desert resorts. We’ve looked over dozens of Palm Desert Resorts in the area in search of the best. Here are the best resorts in Palm Desert.

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The Best Palm Desert Resorts

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

Best Resorts in Palm Desert Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa 2

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Indian Wells, California

As family travel has recently seen a surge across the country, hotels are busy transforming their properties to attract travelers of all ages. Keeping this in mind, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells now has a new water park, making it one of the best resorts in Palm Springs for families. So, in addition to the resort’s seven pools, the park features a splash pad, dueling water slides, and a lazy river.

Adults who’d instead unwind can make the most of the Aqua Serena Spa with an array of treatments available, from facials to massages. To dine, the resort has a few different options. The poolside snack bar and the lounge-like Agave Sunset bar and grill are the more popular ones among guests.

Choices never seem to end at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort. The 530-room property has an extensive catalog of accommodations, including suites and villas. Ample and aesthetically furnished, the well-appointed rooms have open living areas, desks, dual vanities, spa-inspired baths, balconies, TVs, sofa beds, and more.

Sands Hotel & Spa

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Indian Wells, California

Situated within 5km of The Gardens at El Paseo, Alumni Park, Living Desert Zoo Gardens, and several restaurants, Sands Hotel is a great place to bunker down during your Coachella Valley vacation.
Said to be the “first designer boutique hotel” in the region, the adults-only establishment impresses with its eye-catching, colorful interiors having a chic artsy appeal.

Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the hotel’s 46 rooms and suites each have a different decor and pastel-colored palette. Moroccan inspiration is evident across the property, whether inside the guest rooms or in the common areas.

Furthermore, the bedrooms come with Diptyque bath amenities, Carrara marble countertops, personal entertainment like Netflix, and private patios with Moroccan fountains.

Also on site is the hip and bright Pink Cabana. This vibrant restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine under the tutelage of Chef Jason Niederkorn. As for guests looking to relax, the hotel’s spa and pool are ideal for a refreshing treatment or an invigorating swim after a full day’s worth of sightseeing.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert

Resorts in Palm Desert Hilton Grand Vacations Club Palm Desert

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Palm Desert, California

One of the best resorts in Palm Desert, Hilton Grand, and its buildings merge beautifully with its surroundings. Natural and rustic, the retreat further epitomizes lavishness and sophistication through its amenities, accommodations, and service.

Although popular with couples, rooms at the resort range from studios to three-bed suites. They all feature at least a kitchenette and a patio with a built-in gas fireplace. The larger rooms have well-stocked kitchens and private balconies, making them ideal for families.

Even though the resort camouflages itself by using subdued natural colors, splashes of bright reds and oranges pop up alongside the pool and in the bedrooms. The latter has large king-size beds, walk-in showers, TVs, coffeemakers, dishwashers, and air conditioners. Outside, you can make the most of the resort’s all-age or adult-only pools, basketball and tennis courts, game room, movie theater, and fitness center.

Marriott’s Shadow Ridge 1 – The Villages

Palm Desert Resort Marriott's Shadow Ridge I - The Villages

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Palm Desert, California

Yes, you can spend your entire stay at Shadow Ridge lounging by the outdoor heated pool, eating, reading a book, or doing nothing. However, the buzz of activities in and around this family-centric retreat makes it very hard to sit still.

The two most prominent attractions of Shadow Ridge are its on-site golf course and the hotel’s four pools. There’s even a waterslide, water playground, mini golf, and kids’ club to keep the little ones busy. Now, all the activities are bound to make you feel peckish. For that, the hotel has the Snake Bite Pool Bar & Grill, The Chuckwalla Pool Bar & Grill, and The Bunker, a casual space serving comfort bites.

A stay in The Villages is a bit different. While there are diverse guest accommodations, the resort’s one or two-bedroom villas are usually in demand. Spacious with fully-stocked kitchens, living spaces, lavish bedrooms, bathtubs, balconies, and free WiFi, they quickly become your home away from home.

And come evenings, the fireplace in the living area creates warmth and the perfect mood that brings everyone together for hours of spirited discussions and family time.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Resorts in Palm Desert

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Rancho Mirage, California

There is forever a furry of excitement from morning till night, around every nook and corner of this four-star property in Rancho Mirage, California. Furthermore, the Coachella Valley escape has an impressive 444 suites and guest rooms, placing it among the best Palm Desert resorts.

However, its popularity relies significantly on all the extra facilities available for guests of all ages. So, as a couple, you can relish the adult-only pool, lounge in the cliffside hot tub, or relax with a massage and treatment at the 20,000 sq ft European spa.

For families, there are state-of-the-art tennis courts, a championship golf course, waterslides, and a lazy river at the resort’s waterpark Splashtopia. When it comes time to fuel up, you can savor culinary delights at one of Omni Rancho’s five bars and restaurants.

Las Palmas Resort is a pet-friendly retreat with well-appointed poolside, lake-view, or vista-view suites and rooms. Most abodes come with furnished patios or balconies, colonial-inspired interiors, and colorful accents that make the rooms a pleasure to lay in. If staying with family, we suggest booking the suite with an extra bathroom, pool table, dining area, and a wet bar.

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Indian Wells Resort Hotel Best Resorts in Palm Desert

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Indian Wells, California

Steeped in Hollywood legacy, Indian Wells is a boutique resort founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1957. As expected, it still proudly displays an old-world Hollywood charm, albeit updated to suit the needs of a modern-day traveler.

The hotel lies next to the Indian Wells Country Club, where guests can play at the 36-hole championship course. Back on the property, you can immerse into a celebrity lifestyle through Indian Wells’ 60s décor, a heated swimming pool, therapy pool, two outdoor tennis courts, and a fitness center.

Additionally, the hotel’s legendary IW Live restaurant offers nightly entertainment in a speakeasy-like setting with black and white photos of vintage Hollywood adorning the walls around you.

Rooms at Indian Wells Resort Hotel consist of deluxe and suite accommodations. The suites have marble bathrooms, queen-size sofa beds, sunken tubs, living rooms, and mountain or fairway views. However, all rooms feature air conditioning, heating, Pillow Top mattresses, free WiFi, TVs, and private balconies.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Best Palm Desert Resorts JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa 2

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Palm Desert, California

A sprawling resort and spa spread over 450 acres, JW Marriott is a newly refurbished retreat presenting an array of amenities for families, couples, and business travelers. The hotel’s landscape featuring lakes, gardens, and astounding mountain vistas, is a sight for sore eyes, placing you instantly in the lap of nature amidst unmatched luxury.

Inside, the resort boasts a whopping 884 rooms, from the Vice-Presidential suite to Parlor and standard abodes. In-room amenities include hardwood floors, carpets, mountain-themed decor, and en-suite baths with rain showers. Admittedly, the rooms are inviting, luring you to stay in for hours. Nevertheless, the resort encourages its guests to experience its many communal offerings.

The retreat has two championship golf courses and excellent tennis facilities. For families, there’s the entertainment zone, arts and crafts activities, boat tours, and poolside cabanas.

Desert Springs Resort is especially ideal for gourmands, who can dine at any of its ten F&B outlets. From the casual sushi bar and Starbucks to the locally owned Fisherman’s Landing, T&T Innovation Kitchen, and Rockwood Grill, your palate is in for a treat to remember.

The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa Palm Desert Resort

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Rancho Mirage, California

An oasis in the desert, Westin Mission Hills occupies a prime location in Palm Springs. We particularly love how the all-villa resort, with its low-level buildings, merges seamlessly with the surroundings. As such, it creates a beautiful respite that celebrates the very essence of the Californian desert.

A family-friendly retreat, Mission Hills’ proximity to attractions such as Joshua Tree National Park, Coachella Valley Reserve, and Palm Canyon makes it a popular stay option among adventure tourists.
Within the retreat, guests can cool off in the pool, play a round at the 18-hole golf course or enjoy a BBQ and a picnic at designated spots.

The Villas at Mission Hills are cozy nests that will coddle you into a restful slumber come night-time. Elegantly furnished, they feature creature comforts such as kitchens, WiFi, Bose sound systems, fireplaces, furnished patios, living areas, and plush beds.

The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Resorts in Palm Desert The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage 2

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Rancho Mirage, California

Giving intense competition to the many resorts in Palm Desert is The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. Situated on Frank Sinatra Drive, it is arguably the glitziest hideaway in the valley.

Offering astounding views, The Ritz promises an extravagant stay steeped in nature and comfort. Among its many draws are the two swimming pools with cabanas, waterside dining, yoga classes, a fitness center, and one of the best spas in the region.

The hotel is particularly a favorite among epicures as it offers three dining venues that serve seasonal produce and local wines. For lunch, we recommend the made-to-order burgers at Air Pool Bar. As for dinner, nothing beats the artisan cookery of State Fare Bar & Kitchen.

At the end of the day, when it’s time to rest, the rooms act as inviting spaces packed with character and conveniences. You can pick from an excellent range of suites and abodes, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, air conditioners, lavish bedding, and roomy interiors. Our preference is the Terrace Firepit King guest room that lets you make the most of those star-filled cool desert nights with its indoor-outdoor setup.

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert

The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert Best Palm Desert Resorts

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Palm Desert, California

About 5Km from downtown, Desert Willow is near all the touristy spots yet tucked away in its own corner away from the bustle. Add to that the beautifully manicured golf greens, palm trees, the blues of the pool, and the grandness of the resort, and you’re in a place where rejuvenation happens automatically.

The Westin Desert Willow is an all-rental property with one or two-bedroom villas. The room decor is desert-inspired, with brown and beige being the primary colors in use. If you are a couple on a romantic interlude, go with the one-bed abode that comes with a balcony and a whirlpool. The villas have free WiFi, washers, dryers, kitchenettes, living areas, Bose sound systems, TV, DVD, fireplace, and en-suites.

A place to mingle, the resort has three pools, two heated and one for kids. The grilling areas and firepit are great for lounging at the end of the day. As for much-needed nourishment, there are restaurants close by. Or else, you can make the most of Desert Willow’s in-house eateries, Sanctuary Pool Bar, Agave Grill, and the Mountain View Marketplace.

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa

Palm Desert Resort Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells 2

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Indian Wells, California

One of the more expansive resorts in Palm Springs’ Indian Wells, Renaissance Esmeralda places you next to towering mountains inside the grand open landscapes of Coachella Valley.

Additionally, the retreat stands out for delicately creating an ambiance that appeals to travelers looking for a fun time and those who like a hint of luxury in their stay. The rooms, in particular, are grand with mid-century furniture, retro interiors, but all possible modern-day amenities. So, besides cozy, spacious living, expect your abodes to have TVs, balconies, en-suites, double vanities, and mountain, golf, or pool views.

The pleasant weather in Indian Wells invites visitors to step outside and spend as much time in the open as possible. Thus, while at Renaissance, you can enjoy their 36-hole golf course, pool with cabanas, oversized whirlpool, entertainment zone with arcade games, escape room, and bowling.

Of course, no resort experience is complete without a memorable culinary affair. For that, Renaissance Esmeralda has Cava, serving fresh American cuisine, Cafe Biscotti, The Place, and Glo Sushi. The resort also has a spa and hosts daily activities such as pool games and mingling sessions by the firepits in the evening.

Hotel Paseo

HOTEL PASEO, Autograph Collection Resorts in Palm Desert

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Palm Desert, California

Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, Hotel Paseo is among the newest luxury hotels in Palm Desert. A boutique establishment with oodles of personality, it sits conveniently close to the high-end commercial and retail activity of El Paseo.

As one would expect from a top-class boutique property, staying at Hotel Paseo is a unique adventure that immerses you in the classic Palm Desert lifestyle. Bespoke activities and facilities available to guests are daily yoga, bike rentals, transfer to golf or shop in a Mercedes, and backyard games. The hotel is also home to Larkspur Grill. This casual culinary destination serves modern American food made using local produce.

Things get truly interesting when it comes to accommodations at Hotel Paseo. There are, of course, rooms and suites with boutique niceties, like walk-in showers, backlit vanity mirrors, room service, private balconies, and ergonomic chairs and desks.

However, if you are an offbeat tourist looking for that one-of-a-kind stay, Hotel Paseo has a vintage 1950 Airstream trailer just for you. Fitted with a kitchenette, shower, and wooden deck, it’s the ultimate experience in retro California living.

Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort

Best Resorts in Palm Desert Best Western Plus Palm Desert Resort

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Palm Desert, California

Located in downtown Palm Desert, Best Western Plus has an idyllic site close to all significant excursions in the region. So, you are forever near excellent restaurants, the best golf courses, bars, the zoo, and shopping in El Paseo during your stay here.

At first glance, Best Western Plus might lack the grandness of other Palm Desert resorts. Still, it makes up for it by fashioning an unmatched homely environment. The rooms here have modern décor with desks, extra-large beds, carpeting, parquet flooring, TVs, and coffee makers. Moreover, you can pick your abode to have a courtyard or a mountain view. We recommend choosing one with a balcony or patio to enjoy the pleasant evenings.

Making every stay comfortable is a range of hotel features at Best Western. From the 24-hour front desk and an outdoor heated pool to complimentary breakfast, a hot tub, and free WiFi, they have it all.

Embassy Suites La Quinta Hotel & Spa

Best Palm Desert Resorts Embassy Suites La Quinta Hotel & Spa

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La Quinta, California

A short five-minute drive from Old Town La Quinta is where you’ll find this gorgeous four-star all-suite property. However, besides its location, the real charm of a stay at Embassy Suites is its many boutique features.

So, during your stay, expect to savor a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, mingle with guests at the daily evening reception, or just be lazy and order room service.

Moreover, the pet-friendly hotel also has EV charging, an outdoor pool, a fully functioning spa with eight treatment rooms, and an on-site restaurant serving Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean touch.

As for the suites, which have double rooms, there’s plenty of space to lounge indoors and outdoors. Additionally, they offer contemporary facilities like TVs, dining tables, granite baths with tubs and showers, Egyptian cotton towels, microwaves, as well as stunning mountain views.

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