16 Coolest Mid-Century Modern Hotels in Palm Springs

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Want to immerse yourself in some retro cool? Make like Sinatra or Monroe and check yourself into one of these cool, Mid-Century Modern hotels in Palm Springs. The desert resort town is dotted with boutique properties harking back to its Hollywood-era heyday. You will not have trouble finding one to suite your

Full disclosure: I have not stayed in all these accommodations – I wish! I have curated this selection based on the properties’ Mid-Century Modern merits and customer reviews. I may earn compensation if you book accommodation through any of the provided links, at no extra cost to you. If you do—thanks for helping us keep the lights on!

Why stay in a Mid-Century Modern hotel in Palm Springs?

The number one reason we travel to Palm Springs is the high concentration of amazing Mid-Century architecture (with proximity to Joshua Tree National Park being a close second). But even if you’re not sure you like Madmen-era architecture or maybe you’re indifferent to architecture full-stop, there are more reasons these 1930s-1960s make ideal accommodation.

Mid-Century Modern hotels in Palm Springs tend to be on the small side maybe 10-30 rooms, which gives them a less crowded, more serene feel even in high season. It’s also great for group travel and events—with that few number of rooms, you can probably just take over the place!

Moreover, many of these hotels are laid out with the rooms in low-level blocks (good for retaining San Jacinto Mountain views) around a courtyard pool—blessing them with mini-resort vibes.

Another charming aspect of these boutique lodgings is that they all have individual characters. None of this cookie-cutter crap, where one {name a major hotel chain} looks exactly like the next. With such variety, you could try a different one on each visit and have a different experience.

Mid-Century hotels in Downtown Palm Springs

I get it. You want a hotel that’s close to the action but still with that Mid-Century magic. Here’s a few centrally located Modernist delights to consider.

1. Orbit In Hotel

Touting a “1950s retro hotel experience” the Orbit In (yes, with just one “n”), is just a 6-minue walk to Downtown Palm Springs. Set at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, the Orbit In was once known as the Village Manor Apartment-Hotel. Designated as a Class 1 Historic Site by Palm Springs City Council (the highest historic designation available in PS), the inn has nine rooms built around a pool with additional amenities that include a library and vintage vinyl collection. Each room has a different theme with tasteful throwbacks and Mid-Century furniture including Modernist classics by Eames, Saarinen, Bertoia and Noguchi.

2. Desert Hills Hotel

Desert Hills is another Herbert W. Burns creation for original owners, Allen and Joanne Petty. The Mid-Century Palm Springs hotel was expanded from 9 rooms to 14 in the 1970s. Room décor is simple and restrained with wooden and cane furniture, and soft furnishing featuring retro prints. It’s clean with a little grandma’s-house cool, less than 10-minutes walk from downtown. You get those mini-resort feels with a pool, jacuzzi and gas BBQs, along with self-contained room options for longer stays. If you book a stay at the Desert Hills, you’ll be on the roster with Doris Day.

3. The Hideaway Palm Springs

Oh my, Herbert W. Burns was a busy architect—that’s three in a row and all just a stone’s throw from eachother. The Hideaway is the closest to Downtown district of this Burns trifecta (about a 4-minute walk). The property formally named Town & Desert Apartments, even got a write up in the Los Angeles Times Home magazine in 1948 by none other than Julius Shulman (he is the OG of Modernist architecture photography). Today, this 10-room stunner has Class 1 Historic Site status. The hotel interiors are clean, earth-toned designs with Mid-Century references throughout the furnishings and artwork.

4. Del Marcos Hotel

Well this one I have definitely stayed in, and the William Cody Suite no less – that was the architect’s preferred room. The pool is divine and happy hour is a must. The interiors have whitewashed walls, warmed with redwood details and pops of Mid-Century citrus hues. The Class 1 Historic Site was the architect’s first independent commission in the Coachella Valley said to have been inspired by the desert works of Frank Lloyd Wright.  Note, this is a 21 and over only hotel.

5. The Three Fifty Hotel

The Three Fifty Hotel got its start in 1950 with architect Herbert W. Burns. The hotel was fully renovated in 2017 in a minimalist glam style in black and white with a squeeze of lime. The smoke free hotel has 10 guest rooms and doesn’t accept large groups or anyone under age 21. It’s intended as a quiet getaway, steps from Downtown Palm Springs and according to the reviews, it achieves that quite nicely.

Mid-Century Hotels in the Uptown Design District

These hotels are located in the Uptown Design District, just north of Downtown as the name suggests. Depending where you book, you may have a little further to travel for restaurants and shopping.

6. Movie Colony Hotel

This hotel has a long association with celebrity including names like Marilyn Monroe, Jim Morrison and Frank Sinatra. Its early Mid-Century design was the work of Albert Frey has been kept up to date with a minimalist approach. Neutral-hued, Modernist exteriors give way to bolder, contemporary interiors with turquoise splashes. Some rooms are bi-level with second story patios. The Movie Colony Hotel is adults-only.

7. Skylark Hotel

Past guests at the 1955-built Skylark Hotel include Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. In 2013, hotelier Jesse Rhodes restored the hotel to match a photo taken the year it was built – now that is commitment to the Mid-Century movement! Further renovations in 2018 were said to retain the 1950s vibe. I heard about this hotel because the US Modernist crew stay there during their annual Modernsim Week pilgrimage, so you know it’s got some genuine Mid-Mod charm. This property is family friendly.

8. Palm Springs Rendezvous

Originally known as Mira Loma, the Palm Springs Rendezvous Hotel has hosted guests such as Veronica Lake, Gloria Swanson and yes, Marilyn Monroe. The hotel was constructed in the late 1930s and expanded in the 1950s. The single-story building allows for plentiful views of the mountains, especially from the pool. It has a Bermuda style roof, quite unusual in Palm Springs, and fun, kitschy themed rooms.  The property was last renovated in 2017.The hotel has its own retro-style diner and welcomes event enquires.

More Mid-Century hotels in Palm Springs

These hotels are further out from the Downtown area but still within the town of Palm Springs. If you stay at one of these, you are more likely to need some wheels (2 or 4) to get around.

9. The Desert Star

The Desert Star was one of architect Howard Lapham’s earliest projects in the Coachella Valley. Today it is a Class 1 Historic Sight and retains much of its Mid-Century character. The small hotel resort was originally commissioned by a consortium of three married couples, though they quickly sold off the completed lodgings to its second owners.

The Desert Star now operates as rentable vacation studios. The interiors have had a stylish, contemporary makeover with Mid-Century and desert bohemian references. Each of the six rooms has a different theme, and they are kitted out with kitchens and private patios—great for longer stays. The Mid-Century Modern vacation rental also hosts a monthly art and architecture event called Salon 4 the Parched.

10. ACE Hotel & Swim Club

The ACE has a reputation for entertaining a young, hip crowd, probably because they extend discounts to influencers. If you’re looking for Mid-Century Modern to have a rock’n’roll edge and a party scene, then this is your hotel. It’s not a small hotel either, at 179-rooms large it is a former Howard Johnson built in the 1960s. If you’d prefer to stay somewhere quieter but want to check out the architecture, grab a meal in the onsite restaurant: King’s Highway Diner and Lounge, a converted Denny’s.

11. Desert Riviera Hotel

Architect Herbert W. Burns, teamed up with couple Austin and Eva Spencer to build Desert Riviera—not to be confused with The Riviera. The hotel became apartments at some point in its history before being returned to boutique hotel status circa 2012. Guests were adamant that the renovation shouldn’t change the 1950s charm and so the owners retained its Mid-Mod stylings. Rooms are neat and colourful, each one fitted out with a kitchenette. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, complimentary bikes and golf clubs. The Desert Riviera is adults only.

12. Azure Sky

The new kid on the block, so to speak, Azure Sky has recently re-opened after a renovation and it is looking fresh! The building started out as a timeshare in the late 1950s before becoming a hotel, and then was converted to apartments. The current owner has transformed the space back to a hotel with great respect for the original architecture. Azure Sky is Mid-Century Modern on the outside and contemporary on the inside with a few throwbacks, especially in the communal spaces. Check out their property tour here—how about that pool, huh?

13. L’Horizon

L’Horizon was originally designed as a private family home for tv producer, oil tycoon and hotelier, Jack Wrather. He commissioned the legendary William Cody to create a complex of 20 guest houses for him and his Hollywood pals. Past guests include Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable.

Luxury home and hotel designer, Steve Hermann, took over and zhuzed up the 25 bungalows in 2016. The current property retains the essence of the outstanding architecture with its post-and-beam construction and glass walls. While the interiors are styled in a luxurious, contemporary monochrome with subtle nods to the era we all love. A stay here will set you back a pretty penny.

14. Monkey Tree Hotel

This 16-room, adult-only hotel is said to be the setting of Marilyn Monroe and JFK’s romantic interlude. You can buyout the place for group travel and some rooms have kitchens. The interiors aren’t winning any awards, but they are clean and simple. It’s outside sitting by the pool where you can really take in all the Albert Frey goodness.

15. Parker Palm Springs

You know the one – big breeze brick entry, vibrant orange doors, Jonathan Adler interiors and all round Instagram-darling. But did you know that the Parker started out as California’s first Holiday Inn? It was designed by Texan firm Lundgren & Maurer.

Actor and sports enthusiast Gene Autry, aka the “Singing Cowboy”, purchased and transformed the property into Melody Ranch in 1961. There he hosted the LA Angels baseball team during spring training. Autry sold the property in 1994 and it subsequently changed ownership various times before hotelier Jack Parker picked it up in 2003. A major, multimillion-dollar overhaul ensued to create the hotel we know and love today.

16. Limón

The all-steel complex, dubbed Stuart Manor by original owners, has been transformed into a six unit, one-group boutique accommodation. Recent updates to the Limón were inspired by Latin American Modernism, in particular, the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games. If you’re travelling in a group of up to 14 guests, you can rent out the entire property.

Mid-Century hotels near Palm Springs

Ok, so these retro beauties aren’t actually in Palm Springs but they are nearby. So, if you are a die-hard Mid-Century Modern architecture freak, you might want to check them out.

• Sands Hotel & Spa -44-985 Province Wy, Indian Wells.
• Mojave Resort – 73721 Shadow Mountain Drive, Palm Desert.
• The Lautner Compound (vacation rental units) –  67710 San Antonio St, Desert Hot Springs

Map of Mid-Century hotels

For more on my favourite desert city, see these posts:

Unique Things to do in Palm Springs

Free Self-Guided Celebrity Home Tour

Self-Drive Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour

Enjoy your time in Palm Springs.

Peace, love & inspiring travel,

Madam ZoZo