Palm Springs is a large desert city located in California. For years now, it’s been a popular destination year-round for people who enjoy warm weather, festivals, outdoor activities, and luxury hotels. Palm Springs can get a little busy at times, so if you want to enjoy all of these features without the crowds, then you can always stay in one of the small towns nearby. What’s important is that you’ll be near the beautiful scenery and be able to get out into nature to enjoy yourself.

Palm Springs is gorgeous and it’s really no wonder that it’s such a popular holiday destination. Whether you’re trying to find the best neighborhood in Palm Springs for your first visit or are on a return trip, you’ll have plenty of choice and lots of activities to try out while you’re there!

So, let’s get started looking at the best neighborhoods in Palm Springs to be close to everything.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Palm Springs?

• Where to stay in Palm Springs first visit – The Mesa
• Where to stay in Palm Springs on a budget – Indio
• Best neighborhood in Palm Springs for families – Palm Desert
• Best area to stay in Palm Springs for nightlife – Downtown
• The coolest place to stay in Palm Springs– Uptown Design District

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Neighborhood Guide

Palm Springs has lots of interesting neighborhoods, all of them with their own unique attractions and atmosphere. Getting around this city can be complicated because of the crowds and the mountainous landscape. So make sure you choose a neighborhood that’s close to what you want to see and do. Here’s where to look.

The Mesa is just south of the Downtown area and offers the best of both worlds. It’s close enough to the center to be convenient but also offers a more local, residential feel. If you want to live like a local and explore like a tourist, this is a good choice.

The next area to look at is Indio, a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Palm Springs on a budget. This small town is close to Palm Springs, so you won’t have any trouble getting around. It also offers great budget accommodation and dining options.

And then you have Palm Desert, another small town close to the main area. With its walkable city center, laidback vibe, and easy access to outdoor activities, it’s perfect if you’re traveling with your family.

When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Palm Springs for nightlife, you can’t go past the Downtown area. This is where you’ll find the biggest cluster of pubs, clubs, restaurants, and bars. So grab your friends and head out for a night on the town!

Finally, we have the Uptown Design District, an upmarket area with numerous shops and art galleries. It’s ideal for anyone who likes a little culture with their warm weather and outdoor activities.

Palm Spring’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In

Have you decided on the best neighborhood to stay in Palm Springs, one that’s close to everything you want to see and do? Here’s a more detailed breakdown of your choices.

Neighborhood#1 – The Mesa

Where to stay in Palm Springs first visit

• COOLEST thing to do in The Mesa– Play a round at the Indian Canyons Golf Course
• BEST place to visit in The Mesa – The Moorten Botanical Garden to get out of the heat for a few hours

The Mesa neighborhood was once solely for the locals and is still full of condos and private residences. But recently, it’s taken on a new face and welcomed hotels, as well as travelers, who want to enjoy a more local feel and atmosphere. That’s what makes this area the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Palm Springs for a first visit.

Relaxed and yet undeniably hip, the Mesa has something for everyone. And it’s only a few minutes from the Downtown area, so you’ll definitely be able to find something to do during a quiet afternoon.

• Walk into the Downtown area for lots of restaurants and shops and a busier feel
• Wander down to busy East Palm Canyon Drive
• Take the nearby South Lykken Trail into the mountains
• Explore the Josie Johnson National Park
• Have a meal at Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, Miro’s Restaurant, or the Barn Kitchen
• Have a drink at the Amigo Room or Hair of the Dog
• Check out the wildlife and plant life at the Tahquitz Canyon

Best Budget Hotel in The Mesa

Delos Reyes Palm Springs

A great choice when you’re deciding where to stay on a budget, this hotel offers comfortable facilities, close to the city, at a great price. The rooms have all the basic amenities you’ll need for your stay and the hotel is close to local hotspots like the golf club, so you won’t have to go far to find something fun to do.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in The Mesa

Little Paradise Hotel

The Little Paradise Hotel is a boutique 4-star hotel situated in the heart of The Mesa neighborhood and has deluxe and luxurious facilities. One of the main perks of this hotel is its beautiful outdoor pool area, which is the perfect place to cool off from the beaming desert sound whilst being surrounded by the typical post-card-worthy views of Palm Springs.

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Best Luxury Hotel in The Mesa

Ace Hotel and Swim Club

Want to relax and forget the outside world during your vacation? Then enjoy the choice of two pools and contemporary rooms at the Ace Hotel. Tone and relax your body at the on-site fitness center and private spa, then head over to the restaurant for a delicious meal or to the cocktail bar to undo all of the hard work you just did. Basically, this hotel has it all, so make sure that you enjoy it!

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Once you’ve booked, check what there is to do in Palm Springs, CA!

Neighborhood#2 – Indio

Where to stay in Palm Springs on a budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Indio – Take your friends to the Coachella Music Festival if you’re there at the right time of year
• BEST place to visit in Indio – Indio Open Air Market for cheap meals and great people watching

Indio is technically a separate town but it’s so close to Palm Springs that it’s a popular choice for anyone who’s looking for the best neighborhood in Palm Springs on a budget. It offers a great range of accommodation, shops, and restaurants to suit every price point. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly holiday, this is where you’ll find it.

Indio is close enough to Palm Springs that you can easily head in there to enjoy the attractions, and it also has several of its own. The outdoor activities in this area are great and the town hosts some of the area’s best festivals, so make sure you check out what’s on while you’re in the area.

• Learn about the area’s indigenous people at the Coachella Valley History Museum
• Spend some cash at the Indio Fashion Mall
• Play a round of golf at the Heritage Palms Golf Club or the Indian Palms Country Club & Resort
• Have a cold one at the Club 5 Bar, the Beer Hunter or 360 Sports
• Learn more about the local ecosystem at the Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge
• Check out the local art at sm’Art Studio and Gallery
• Have a meal at POM restaurant, Torakichi Ramen, or El Mexicali Cafe II

Best Budget Hotel in Indio

Emerald Desert RV Resort

Located right in the center of the best neighborhood in Palm Springs if you are on a budget, this hotel has comfortable villas with separate living rooms and fully-equipped kitchens. There’s a pool, hot tub, fitness center, and sporting facilities on-site to keep you fit ,and massage services to get rid of any aches and pains from all the activities.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Indio

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Indio Coachella Valley

The Fairfield by Marriot Inn has some of the best facilities for its guests in the Indio area of Palm Springs, with the hotel offering free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a shared lounge. Along with this, it offers deluxe and boutique rooms, all of which come with en-suites.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Indio

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Located close to Indio and to Palm Desert, this hotel offers luxurious touches to make your stay even more enjoyable. It has two championship golf courses that you can explore, a pool complex with five separate pools, tennis courts, and a fitness center. And if you enjoy a less active holiday, then spend some time in the hotel’s two restaurants, spa or take a gondola tour of the waterways.

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Neighborhood#3 – Palm Desert

Best neighborhood in Palm Springs for families

• COOLEST thing to do in Palm Desert– Get up close to the local wildlife at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
• BEST place to visit in Palm Desert– Coachella Valley for absolutely stunning scenery

Palm Desert is easily the best neighborhood in Palm Springs for families. It’s another small town near Palm Springs and offers a more relaxed, quieter atmosphere; perfect for people with small children. If you have a more active family, there are also lots of attractions around to keep everyone busy for days.

Palm Desert also has a sunny, warm climate and great natural areas around it. So, you won’t miss out on the chance to get active out in nature during your stay. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants for you to explore at the end of a long and active day exploring the local landscape.

• Take in the art at the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Desert Art Collection or the Leslie Jean Porter Gallery
• Go shopping at Westfield Palm Desert or have a snack at the food court
• See how people in sub-Saharan Africa live at the African Village
• Go hiking or biking on nearby trails like the Bump and Grind Trail or the Art Smith Trailhead
• Take a tour of the historic Sunnylands Center & Gardens
• Fill your belly at Yard House, Eureka or the BaBaLoo Lounge

Best Budget Hotel in Palm Desert

The Inn at Deep Canyon

Bright, cheery, and welcoming, this hotel has a little of everything. While you’re there, enjoy the complimentary breakfast every morning before you head out to enjoy the outdoor pool, gardens or barbecue facilities. The hotel is also close to local golf courses and other attractions. The rooms are large, comfortable and come in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Palm Desert

PD Retreat

All the rooms at the PD Retreat are beautifully designed and brightly lit, with homely yet modern furnishing. Each room also comes with a patio and a mountain view!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Palm Desert

Hotel Paseo

Offering spacious rooms, a swimming pool, free private parking, and a hot tub, this hotel has everything you need to relax. You can book your outings at the on-site tour desk or just relax in the terrace and gardens and wait to see what gems the hotel’s evening entertainment has to offer. There’s also a restaurant and a snack bar on-site so you’ll never go hungry during your stay.

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Neighborhood#4 – Downtown

Best area to stay in Palm Springs for nightlife

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Hike the Skyline Trail for an easy walk and great views
• BEST place to visit in Downtown – Go clubbing at local spots like the Copa Nightclub or the Shamrocks Irish Pub

Downtown is the center of the city and the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Palm Springs for nightlife. It has the biggest collection of bars, clubs and restaurants all clustered together, so you won’t have to go far once you’ve had a few.

The Downtown also has great transport links to other parts of the city and to the natural areas outside it. This means that you’ll be able to get out of the city easily to go hiking or just enjoy the natural landscape. This area also contains some good hotels at every price point, so you should be able to find somewhere to stay that suits your budget.

• Try your luck at the Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs
• Check out the memorabilia at the Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate
• Take the kids to see the eclectic displays at Robolights
• Learn about the area’s native history at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
• Shop in the past at the Ruddy’s General Store Museum
• Go shopping at the Certified Farmers’ Market Palm Springs Outdoor
• Have a meal at Farm, Rooster and the Pig, or Johannes

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown

Motel 6

Located in the best neighborhood in Palm Springs for nightlife, this hotel is a good choice if you’re on a tight budget. It’s right in the center of everything, with easy access to shops and restaurants. The hotel has a pool, spacious guestrooms, and free parking in case you want to hire a car while you’re in the city.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown

Korakia Pensione

A beautiful hotel at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, Korakie Pensione is a Moroccan-inspired retreat that features luxurious facilities with a unique spin. Guests staying at Korakia will also get a complimentary, full-cooked breakfast that can be best enjoyed in the Moroccan courtyard along with an afternoon Moroccan tea service and nightly movies with refreshments.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

Renaissance Palm Springs

With an on-site restaurant and lounge, this hotel offers a great mix of convenience and access to attractions. It’s right in the Downtown area, is surrounded by places to shop and eat, and has a pool and private cabanas. If you’re in the need of some more relaxation, you can always sign up to have some treatments at the on-site spa or work off some of your stress in the gym.

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Neighborhood#5 – Uptown Design District

The coolest place to stay in Palm Springs

• COOLEST thing to do in Uptown Design District – Go shopping at the Trina Turk Palm Springs Boutique
• BEST place to visit in Uptown Design District – Cabot’s Pueblo Museum for a unique look at the local architecture

The Uptown Design District is a little north of Downtown and is both retro and utterly modern. Along a small stretch of Palm Canyon Drive in this area, you’ll find a huge number of shops selling unique designs and fashion from local and international designers. Next to the boutiques, you’ll find art galleries where you’ll see some amazing, innovative works of art.

It’s this creative heart that makes the Uptown Design District so amazing and the best neighborhood in Palm Springs for couples who are looking for a cooler vibe. And of course, the food in the area is sleek, modern and offers some real gastronomical treats!

• Try some local food at Jon’s Restaurant, Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge, or Trio Restaurant
• Go shopping at local spots like the Frippery or Elizabeth and Prince
• Have a drink at Truss & Twine or the Tonga Hut
• Play a round at the Escena Golf Club
• Relax in the mineral waters and have a treatment at the Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort

Best Budget Hotel in Uptown Design District

Skylark Hotel

This hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Palm Springs for your first visit or even on a return trip. It’s within a short drive of the Downtown district and local attractions like the Indian Canyons Golf Course. It offers comfortable rooms, as well as a continental breakfast every morning.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Uptown Design District

ARRIVE Palm Springs

Featuring deluxe rooms, modern fire pits, and a gorgeous outdoor pool area, ARRIVE Palm Springs provides luxurious facilities at reasonable prices. It also has a fantastic location in the heart of the Uptown Design District!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Uptown Design District

Margaritaville Resort

This is the kind of hotel where you can relax and have a trouble-free stay, with first-class accommodation and spa facilities at your fingertips. The rooms are pet friendly in case you want to bring man’s best friend along with you and the hotel offers several dining options, a spa with treatments from around the world, a salon, and a gym. The outdoor activities near the hotel are plentiful and well worth trying out too.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has a lot to offer travelers. Popular amongst families, older travelers, and the LGBTQ+ community as well, it really does have something for everyone.

So, whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Palm Springs for a first visit or coming back for seconds, make sure you choose the neighborhood that suits the way that you enjoy traveling!

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)

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Clair Ricketts

Clair is a travel addict and a staff writer for One Weird Globe! A Nomad since birth, Clair has lived all over the world, calling home wherever she is in the moment. Having traveled half the world, Clair is working on a memoir about her experiences in hopes to inspire others to travel and experience this amazing planet!

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