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Palm Springs gay resorts: the 10 best hotels to stay in gay Palm Springs

Forgive us for gushing about this fine SoCal destination, but we’ve got to say that Palm Springs must be our all-time ride or die. A place where inclusion and pool-side luxury go together like tequila and lime, Palm Springs is pretty much the Disneyland of gay culture. Our Palm Springs gay travel guide will help explain why we’re so in love with this desert spot but for now we’ll show you the best Palm springs boutique hotels and resorts, a luscious bunch boasting desert views, clothing-optional spas and Hollywood-esque glamour.

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Photo: Santiago Resort

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A gay resort in Palm Springs where you can get your kit off is the Santiago Resort, a mid-century modernist build right at the foot of the San Jacinto mountains

1. The Hacienda At Warm Sands

First up to grab your attention is The Hacienda at Warm Sands, a dreamy gay resort landscaped in palms and backed by the San Jacinto mountains where clothing is optional and relaxation guaranteed. The Hacienda Palm Springs has a staff to guest ratio of 1:1 meaning that there’ll always be someone at your beck and call, for cocktails, snacks and birthday requests at will. Besides the view, The Hacienda lies in proximity to the desert and a number of the region’s best national parks, including stargazing paradise Joshua Tree National Park.

Photo: The Hacienda At Warm Sands

2. Santiago Resort

Another of the best gay resorts Palm Springs where you can get your kit off is the Santiago Resort, a mid-century modernist build right at the foot of the San Jacinto mountains within gated grounds. Every inch of the space breathes tranquillity, across the deluxe suites, steaming outside spa and sleek lounge areas dressed with cacti, palm trees and peachy sunset views. The pool here is the largest heated pool in Palm Springs, allowing for splashing about at any time of year before enjoying complimentary lunches or rummaging through the free 24-hour pantry. Make sure you come hungry for dinner at El Mirasol however to best enjoy traditional Mexican fare and margaritas.

Photo: Santiago Resort

Photo: Santiago Resort

3. Parker Palm Springs

For a 5-star weekend in Southern California, Parker Palm Springs has it all. Just minutes from the city centre, you’ll get to rest up around a choice of three saltwater pools before popping to the spa alongside celebrity clientele. Rooted in 1950s postmodern glamour, Parker Palm Springs is an ‘it’ spot for the rich and famous seeking solitude; the mid-century villas here have even been graced by the likes of Brad Pitt and Leo DiCaprio! Besides sniffing the sheets, distract yourself on the 13-acre grounds by playing croquet, tennis and ping-pong, or cycling up an appetite before lunch at Norma’s or dinner at the dimly lit Mister Parker’s restaurant.

4. Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Leading the coolest cats from Los Angeles to Palm Springs is the vibe at Ace Hotel & Swim Club, one of the city’s hippest spots. Playing up its kitschy Motel 6 location with a photo booth and retro décor, Ace Hotel invites guests to join in the fun by dressing up with OTT robes and gemstone props. Join the youthful tribe besides the two pools, mingling with day guests who come for parties and live music until the early hours on big nights around Coachella, Gay Pride, White Party and Dinah Shore. Ace Hotel has great facilities – spa, fitness centre, restaurant and modern fittings – close to boutique stores and golf courses to make it one of the most fun Gay hotels palm springs has to offer.

Ace Hotel and Swim Club | Photo: Lance Gerber

Ace Hotel and Swim Club | Photo: Lance Gerber

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Welcome to Margaritaville, a prime example of how gay-friendly boutique hotels Palm Springs should be

5. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs

Welcome to Margaritaville, a prime example of how gay-friendly boutique hotels Palm Springs should be. By all means, bring your pet to Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs and lounge with them beside the lagoon pool, but leave them in the room when hitting the gym or going for Balinese or Thai treatments at the 1,020-square-metre spa. Getting out into the region can mean both hiking or jeeping around Tahquitz Canyon, slowing down for visits to Moorten Botanical Gardens or nearby golf courses. Somewhat cocktail crazy, featuring a margarita glass chandelier in the lobby, the resort will have you ever tipsy on a mix of frozen daiquiris and flavoured margs served poolside from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar.

Photo: Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs

6. Vista Grande Resort

A big name in gay Palm Springs thanks to its clothing-optional ethos and 16-man hot tub, Vista Grande Resort will certainly have your heart racing. Additional facilities make it one of the more interesting Palm springs gay resorts, including the sauna, steam room, waterfall lagoon and fire pit overlooking two outdoor pools. If all that wasn’t cheeky enough, you can also stay in your suite for complimentary breakfasts and adult films before heading out to the Warm Sands district for a choice of gay bars, clubs, shops and restaurants with the city’s campest crowd.

7. La Dolce Vita Resort & Spa

Located in a quiet, residential spot backed by the San Jacinto mountains La Dolce Vita Resort & Spa is prepped to serve guests utmost relaxation. The resort also hosts the only professional Men’s Spa in Palm Springs, so there’s no excuse for guests not to look and feel their best while lazing by the heated outdoor pools or mingling in the hot tub and steam room. To take advantage of the mountain views, enjoy a barbeque at the outdoor dining area during social hour, driving 5 minutes to downtown thereafter for a huge choice of gay attractions, clubs, bars and restaurants with new friends.

Photo: Santiago Resort

Photo: Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs

8. INNdulge

Rated as the most popular gay clothing optional resort in Palm Springs, INNdulge drips with sexiness and potential. The resort lies just 5 minutes’ drive from the majority of attractions (and the best gay bars!) meaning there’s also plenty of time for socialising on-site for Thursdays’ pizza nights and weekend gay pool parties centred around the 12-man jacuzzi. Not only will you make new friends at INNdulge but you’ll also come away cleansed and balanced thanks to comfortable fittings, spa options and calming ocean blue décor.

9. Triangle Inn

For mellow naked fun in private grounds, the Triangle Inn goes the extra mile for its diverse clientele, providing friendly hospitality and kitchenette facilities across its nine rooms and four-bedroom house. Whether a couple or group, take it easy lounging poolside amidst tropical gardens or get misted on the sundeck in view of the mountains. Palm Canyon Drive is also just a block away meaning that once you’ve had enough of the pool, gym and spa, you can rent a bike (or go horse riding) out to Moorten Botanical Gardens and Baristo Park. Then, by night, Canyon Drive has it all by way of the best gay clubs and bars.

Palm Springs

Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann Desert House | Photo: David Everett Strickler

10. Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel

Number 10 on our list is Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, in amongst it all on a busy corner in downtown. Not the quietest choice, The Rowan draws guests for reasons such as the rooftop pool with mist system, keeping everyone cool on the cabanas during feisty desert summers. The add-on bar can keep you hydrated throughout, playing party music and hosting happy hours for socialising with fellow guests. Dine-in view of the San Jacintos at on-site restaurant 4 Saints, moving to street level for shopping, art and attractions anytime.

BONUS: Dry Heat Resorts

A bonus on our Palm springs resorts gay guide is Dry Heat Resorts, getting us hot under the collar with its desert-side selection of private homes and condos in mid-century modern stylings. Rent short-term or by the month, getting better value the longer you stay as well as more time to immerse yourself in the diverse Coachella Valley community through golfing meets and celebrity spotting tours in Old Las Palmas.

ICGuggenheim_Pool4

Photo: Dry Heat Resorts

Want to simplify luxury travel planning?

Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.

Ace Hotel and Swim Club | Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson

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