Where to Stay in Palm Springs On a Budget

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As you may have gathered by this point in your trip planning, Palm Springs is kind of bougie.

After three visits there, I can confirm that it’s more affordable than the Los Angeles area, where I live. But, it is still Southern California, and a resort destination. Not to mention the fact that in its heyday, it was a hideaway for Hollywood celebrities, who I’m guessing weren’t exactly on a budget.

With that said, as a resort city, there are also a ton of hotel options, whether you’re looking for an adults-only, relaxing vibe, something super luxurious, or just a place that’s convenient and offers the basics you need for your trip.

So, I’ve scoured through the nearly endless options, and compiled the ones that offer the very best value — based both on my three visits, and additional research, evaluating factors like location, parking costs, amenities, and guest reviews.

Whether you want a stylish adults-only stay, a retro boutique hotel near downtown, or a simple resort with a great pool, these are the Palm Springs hotels actually worth booking on a budget. These hotels are especially great for couples and weekend travelers who want the Palm Springs experience without spending luxury-resort prices.

(In order to get an accurate, somewhat average year-round view of pricing, I looked for hotels on Booking.com that are available on a weekend in October, November, and December — which runs through Palm Springs’ shoulder season, into the start of its high season.)

For convenience right in Downtown: Hyatt Palm Springs

An empty pool at Hyatt Palm Springs. — *Hyatt Palm Springs*

A geometric-designed lobby with glass windows, multiple floors, and warm lighting at Hyatt Palm Springs. — *Hyatt Palm Springs*

This was my choice during my last trip to Palm Springs, and my husband and I had such a great stay here!

To be totally honest, when we were looking for where to stay in Palm Springs, we realized this would be the easiest credit card points transfer, making our stay free, so that’s what sealed the deal. I was a little skeptical because the reviews are a bit lower than I usually go for, but honestly, it exceeded my expectations.

If you want to be central to a lot of the best things to do in Palm Springs, it’s an unbeatable choice. I loved being right in Downtown, but on a quieter end of the street, where it was a bit calmer.

The room was also way more spacious than I expected — an entire suite — which I later found out are all of the rooms here. It was really helpful for us since my husband had to do some work while we were here, so we were able to have separate space, and I could watch TV without disturbing him.

I also loved how there was a little balcony. The scenery included New York Police-themed bar, right in front of the hotel, which is … weird. But apart from that, it had a great view of downtown with the mountains in the distance

The design of the Hyatt Palm Springs was really cool, with a sort of geometric feel. I would’ve liked a bit more light in the room, and wish it was a smart TV, and the walls were a tad thin. But overall, a solid stay, and the convenience really was perfect for a quick weekend trip where we wanted to maximize our time.

Tip: Hotel parking is $30 a day, but there’s lots of free parking around Downtown. There are giant lots with plenty of space, and overnight, you can easily find a spot on the street.

🌴 Stay right in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs with oversized suite-style rooms, walkable restaurants, and mountain views — check rates for Hyatt Palm Springs here.

For an upscale, but affordable stay: Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel

Overhead view of Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel, with Spanish architecture, outside bar, pool chairs and pink umbrellas, and mountains in background. — *Photo courtesy of Best Western Plus Las Brisas Hotel* *via Expedia.*

I am a sucker for Spanish architecture, so this one immediately caught my eye (plus thanks to the high ratings!) Unlike most other Palm Springs that embrace the vintage vibe (and that’s not an insult — it’s part of the charm here!) these rooms feel more modern and updated, but still have a classic style.

You’ve got lots of convenience, with two dining options — one indoor and one outdoor — plus a poolside bar. Plus, the Best Western Plus offers great value, with free parking and free breakfast — honestly, rarities these days!

You’re also right on the edge of Downtown, literally around the corner from must-visit restaurants like Sherman’s Deli, with the mountains of Indian Canyons as your backdrop.

The Best Western feels like a bit of luxury in the heart of Palm Springs — without the luxury price tag!

🌺 Get free breakfast, free parking, and a gorgeous resort-style stay right near Downtown Palm Springs — see why this hotel is such a steal for the price.

For the adults-only girls getaway: Fleur Noire Hotel

View from pool lounge chairs at Fleur Noire, a hotel in Palm Springs. The lounge chairs are pink, while the umbrellas have a yellow and orange floral pattern. Flower murals decorate a building to the left, and the mountains are in the background. — *Photo courtesy of Fleur Noire via Expedia.*

This boutique hotel is 21 and up, and I’m honestly obsessed with how cute it is. The whole style here feels boho and feminine, with its desert-colored furniture and floral murals.

But onto the more important stuff, at Fleur Noire Hotel, you have features like an outdoor pool, free bikes, and an onsite restaurant serving American and Japanese cuisine. Breakfast and parking are both included!

Past guests say the vibe is very quiet and relaxed, perfect for hanging out by the pool, and they also appreciate touches like the kind staff, pantry with complimentary staff, and welcome glass of rosé.

From Downtown, it’s about a 5-minute drive.

🌸 Book this adults-only boutique hotel if your ideal Palm Springs trip includes pool days, cute photo spots, and a complimentary glass of rosé.

For style and a fun atmosphere: The Saguaro Palm Springs

Palm trees and yellow pool chairs and umbrellas surround the pool at Saguaro in Palm Springs. The hotel is multi-colored, and mountains are visible behind the pool. — *The Saguaro Palm Springs.*

This is where I stayed my first time in Palm Springs, and it’s still one of the cutest, most uniquely designed places I’ve ever been.

If your ideal Palm Spring itinerary includes some time for relaxing — ideally at a pool — let me just tell you about this pool. The Saguaro’s cute and colorful aesthetic of course played into the whole pool design, with colorful umbrellas, massive palm trees, and mountain backdrop. My friend and I may or may not have had an entire photo shoot here. Although it was calm during my visit, there’s sometimes a DJ, so there can be more of a party vibe.

The reviews are also a little lower than I usually choose (my friend and I initially chose it due to a deal that popped up), and to be honest, I do think the reviews are a little nitpicky and harsh.

I do think the hotel could use a little refresh in some places. It definitely doesn’t feel like ultra-luxury, but it was great value, and the fun design made it an extra memorable stay. I also enjoyed the onsite restaurant, El Jefe.

The one thing to consider is that it’s a little farther away from Downtown — if it’s really hot out, which is totally possible during your trip, you may not want to walk. But if you have a car, it would be a really short drive (and there’s a ton of free parking around Downtown, and the hotel also features free parking). If you won’t have a car with you, then it may not be as great of a choice.

🎨 If you’ve seen the colorful Palm Springs hotel all over Instagram, this is it — grab a room at The Saguaro before poolside weekends book up.

For value and retro charm: Caliente Tropics

Two beds with white bedding, desks, and a television at Caliente Tropics, a retro hotel in Palm Springs. The room is bright, with a window. — *Photo courtesy of Caliente Tropics via Expedia.*

This is one I have my eye on for my next visit! Caliente Tropics is located outside of Downtown, close to Moorten Botanical Garden, and dining options within walking distance (I recommend checking out El Mirasol Cocina Mexicana, a local institution that’s been around for a few decades!).

It was built in the 1960s, and has maintained that style today, which is honestly perfectly fitting for Palm Springs.

There’s also a tiki bar and Mexican restaurant, which pasts guests love. They also praise the year-round heated pool, overall relaxing and quiet vibe, and friendly staff. The mountain view looks incredible, and I love the cute yard area with string lights!

🍹 Love retro Palm Springs vibes? Book Caliente Tropics for its heated pool, tiki bar, and affordable rates that are hard to beat in this area.

For ultimate relaxation: Miracle Springs Resort and Spa

A couple of the springs surrounded by palm trees and greenery at Miracle Hot Springs Resort near Palm Springs, California. — *Miracle Springs Resort and Spa*

A couple of the pools available at Miracle Hot Springs Resort, with palm trees and mountain scenery, near Palm Springs, California. — *Miracle Springs Resort and Spa*

One of the coolest things about Palm Springs, if you ask me, if the natural hot springs that have been here for thousands of years. They are considered sacred to the local Indigenous tribe, and they are also known for having healing properties.

And at Miracle Springs Resort and Spa, there are eight different mineral water pools, all of which have different temperatures, so you can comfortably soak in them year-round.

This hotel is around 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs, but still completely accessible to sightseeing and dining.

I stayed here for a spa weekend a couple of years ago, and it’s the first and only time I’ve literally stayed at a hotel for the entire trip. So, I can confirm that the onsite restaurant, Capri Italian Restaurant, is really good, and very reasonably priced — more so than what you’ll find around downtown Palm Springs. The staff was all really kind, too!

🌵 Ready for a relaxing desert reset? Soak in natural mineral hot springs and book a spa weekend at Miracle Springs before prices increase for peak season.

For groups and those who need a bit more space: WorldMark Palm Springs

Inside suite of WorldMark, which offers private studios and condos in Palm Springs. The carpet is blue, and chairs are orange. The space is large, with a table and chairs, a refrigerator, a couch, fireplace, a television, and a bedroom visible, — *Photo courtesy of WorldMark via Expedia.*

Accommodation options at WorldMark Palm Springs range from a studio with a kitchenette to one and two-bedroom condos.

For the amount of space (which reviewers rave about), it’s a really unbeatable price. Reviews across the board are high, with people praising the staff, the pool, and the location in the Old Palmas neighborhood, close to restaurants and a lot of Palm Springs’ coolest historic architecture.

Within the hotel, there’s also a recreation room with a pool table and arcade games, plus a hot tub and fitness room.

🏡Traveling with family or friends? These spacious condo-style suites give you way more room for your money than a standard Palm Springs hotel.

For luxury and Hollywood history: Casa Palma Hotel & Bungalows

An overhead view of a swimming pool surrounded by white umbrellas and pool chairs, with tennis court in the background at Casa Palma, a hotel in Palm Springs. The hotel is white with turquoise railings, and mountains and palm trees are in the background. — Photo courtesy of Casa Palma via Expedia.

Ok, with room rates starting at $350 a night, this one doesn’t count as a budget-friendly stay (at least not for me), but I just had to include this one for those of you with a bit more room in your wallet for an extra-special stay.

Casa Palma’s entire whitewashed style just instantly transports me to somewhere like Spain or Greece by looking at the photos, and I feel like you just couldn’t help but feel relaxed here.

And it’s no wonder why — it’s actually the former home of Errol Flynn, an Australian star who made it big in Hollywood in the 1930s and ‘40s.

It’s located in the Movie Colony neighborhood, which was a favorite among celebrities who, back in the golden age of film, could only travel a maximum of 100 miles outside of Los Angeles. The neighborhood is a couple of miles outside of downtown, which makes for a quiet and peaceful ambiance.

Rooms are bright, minimal, and airy, and features include a fitness center, tennis court, outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and outdoor fireplace.

Onsite dining can be found at Chiquita, which serves breakfast, lunch, and smoothies.

✨Treat yourself to a more luxurious Palm Springs stay at this dreamy former Hollywood hideaway with stunning Mediterranean-inspired design.

A green and pink building in Palm Springs, California.

Tess, wearing a green skirt and white shirt, stands in front of a giant Marilyn Monroe statue surrounded by palm trees in downtown Palm Springs.

Tips and Resources Planning Your Palm Springs Trip

Rent a car. If you’re not staying right downtown, you’ll need a car — and even if you are downtown, you’ll still need a car to get to places like Indian Canyons, where you can go hiking. Uber costs add up quickly, so renting a car is well worth it!

On that note, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much free parking there is in Palm Springs! Downtown has lots of giant lots, and there’s plentiful street parking.

Understand the seasons and weather in Palm Springs, and plan accordingly. You’ll find the best hotel deals during the summer, which is arguably the worst time to visit, but these budget-friendly Palm Springs hotels are reasonably priced throughout the year.

If you’re visiting in the summer, it will be excruciatingly hot, so plan any hikes for early in the morning or sunset, and expect to spend the rest of the time either at the pool or in air conditioning.

You can fly right into Palm Springs Airport. Or, if you’re adding Palm Springs on to a Los Angeles itinerary, it will be about a two-hour drive.

If you’re traveling internationally and need an eSim, Saily is my go-to.

When it comes to travel insurance, I’ve used World Nomads for all my international trips over the past few years. They offer coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Get more information here.