Palm Springs surpasses Tel Aviv and Mykonos in terms of its gay population with 40 percent of the permanent population identifying as LGBT+. With such a huge gay population, it’s only natural that there are a large number of gay hotels in Palm Springs. While there are many clothing-optional hotels that are exclusively gay, you’ll find plenty of other gay friendly hotels in Palm Springs. In fact, it’s quite safe to say that you won’t find hotels that are unwelcoming towards the LGBT+ community.
Palm Springs was once a popular getaway for Hollywood’s stars. That’s because of its proximity to Los Angeles. However, it gradually lost its sheen with other destinations becoming more popular. In the last few decades, it has been rejuvenated in large part, because of its large gay population. Although Palm Springs is largely a vacationer’s paradise there are quite a few attractions to explore. The Palm Springs Celebrity Tour is a good way to check out all that makes this city special.
More activities in the area include a trip to the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. There, get an aerial view on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Alternatively, get out into the wilderness and enjoy the Indian Canyons 4WD and Hiking Tour.
On unrelated note, we also have curated a list of top pet friendly hotels in Palm Springs.
Ace Hotel & Swim Club
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The Ace chain of hotels needs no introduction to LGBT travelers who are all too familiar with its gay-friendly hospitality. There are sister properties in various cities worldwide such as Portland, Los Angeles, and London. In keeping with its reputation of openness and wonderful hospitality, the Ace Hotel and Swim Club ranks high among the best gay hotels in Palm Springs.
Housed in a former 1960s Westward Ho property, the artsy hotel features an outdoor fireplace and lounge area, two lovely pools, a coffee shop, and 179 stylish rooms and suites. All guest rooms are well equipped with modern amenities. Some rooms offer fantastic views of the mountains.
The hotel is also renowned for its excellent spa which offers some of the best massages in town. Guests can also enjoy a weekly bingo night. However, if you’d rather explore the area there are plenty of attractions nearby. Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree, and historic desert architectural structures are all nearby. Saks Fifth Avenue is also less than 3km away.
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Alcazar Palm Springs
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What was once the well-established Pepper Tree Inn underwent a massive transformation to become the beautiful gay friendly Alcazar. Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, this beautiful property is close to the gay nightlife and restaurants.
The 34 rooms of the hotel feature minimalist chic decor with white walls and floors. Guests can choose from a wide range of room categories, from lower-priced courtyard rooms to more spacious suites. Alcazar also features two excellent restaurants.
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Bearfoot Inn
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Within easy walking distance from the gay nightlife of the Uptown Design District, you’ll find the Bearfoot Inn. One of the more popular gay hotels in Palm Springs aimed at bears it’s open to all gay men. The clothing-optional resort housed in a restored Mid-Century Modern compound offers 11 attractive rooms. It also has a large sundeck, year-round pool, and hot tub.
Rooms at the Inn have platform beds, small desks, and dark tile floors. The suites with full kitchens are popular for those planning a longer stay. Guests also have free access to the WorkOUT Gym.
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Colony Palms Hotel
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Spread over three acres in the historic Movie Colony neighborhood, Colony Palms Hotel offers a quiet intimate experience. Its location puts you in close proximity to the gay nightlife with Toucans Tiki Lounge just a four-minute drive away. Built in the 1930s, this Spanish Colonial Style hotel still has many of its original structures in place.
Stylish aesthetically appealing rooms feature Moroccan furnishings and comfortable beds. The more popular rooms have private patio space and outdoor jetted bathtubs. There are eight of these special casitas. Other facilities at the hotel include a spa with six treatment rooms, a pool with comfortable cabanas, and a restaurant.
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CCBC Resort Hotel
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Located in Cathedral City on a private street aptly named ‘Gay Resort Drive,’ you’ll find the CCBC Hotel. One of the few remaining gay resorts in this part of Palm Springs, the clothing-optional place is possibly the largest of its kind in California. It ranks high in popularity with men over 40, especially the bearish set.
Don’t expect anything extra fancy from the rooms which range from basic to spacious suites. However, all rooms have an ensuite bathroom and are equipped with amenities. Guests can also rent a tent or set up their own in the camping area. This hotel is also a popular place for cruising as day passes are available for a 12-hour period.
Since Palm Springs does not have any gay bathhouses the hotel’s sauna and steam room and maze-like dungeon-inspired play areas are also a big draw. A large central outdoor pool and hot tub, a waterfall, and ‘love grotto’ are other amenities that you can look forward to here.
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Caliente Tropics
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Caliente Tropics Resort, built in the 1960s, is one of the most affordable gay hotels in Palm Springs. This tropical island-themed getaway features Tiki styled cabanas surrounding an expansive outdoor pool and hot tub. Located in the midst of some stunning natural surroundings yet not too far away from the heart of the town, it once attracted the whos-who of Hollywood.
Tastefully decorated stylish rooms range in size and category. Although the interiors seem a little dated, the rooms are clean and comfortable. Guests can also enjoy the facilities of the on-site restaurant and bar.
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Kimpton Rowan
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A fairly new hotel that opened in 2018 in downtown Palm Springs is the Kimpton Rowan. The luxurious hotel is quickly making it to the top of the best gay hotels in Palm Springs with its friendly hospitality and great location. At seven stories, it is one of the tallest buildings in Palm Springs. The hotel is just a block away from Palm Springs Art Museum and at an easy walking distance from the gay bars and restaurants.
All 153 guest rooms feature floor to ceiling windows which means that the rooms have ample natural light. Some rooms offer beautiful views of the mountain. The rooms are well equipped with modern amenities and also have spacious ensuite bathrooms.
Palm Springs’ only rooftop pool with plush sun loungers and rentable cabanas is the Kimpton’s most popular feature. It provides breathtaking mountain views and is popular with non-hotel guests too. Other amenities that you can look forward to at the Kimpton are its eating places and bar.
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Sparrows Lodge
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The retro-styled Sparrows Lodge dates back to 1952 when it was owned by actor Don Castle and named Castle’s Red Barn. Fully restored in 2013, this gay-owned, adults-only hotel maintains its rustic charm. A communal barn now serves as a restaurant, bar, and lounge.
Notable for being one of the more peaceful gay hotels in downtown Palm Springs, its standout feature is that it is devoid of electronics like TVs and phones. The only saving grace for technology buffs is the Wi-fi that is available in the public areas of the hotel.
The rustic rooms on the property feel like camp cabins but they are comfortable and stylish and feature some interesting artwork. Bathrooms with vintage style metal tubs add a cool Old West feel but can be a tad uncomfortable. Guests can look forward to a complimentary continental breakfast at the lodge. Other notable features are the attractive pool and whirlpool beside it.
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The Saguaro
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With its brightly colored exterior, representative of 14 different wildflower colors, The Saguaro really stands out. Its colorful exterior stands in sharp contrast to the mid-century modern and Spanish Colonial architecture that the rest of the town is famous for. The former Holiday Inn property underwent a major transformation to become one of the best gay hotels in Palm Springs. In partnership with the Ace Palm Springs and Ace New York, this upscale hotel still has fairly reasonable rates for Palm Springs standards.
Each of the 244 rooms of the resort comes with a private balcony or patio offering various views. Walls and furnishings in the rooms feature vibrant color schemes. Rooms are equipped with amenities for a comfortable stay.
The area around the Olympic-sized pool comes alive on weekends with a DJ. The Saguaro has grown in popularity as a party destination with various events being held here. It also hosts a premiere party for the annual gay dance festival.
It’s about a 10-minute drive to all the action in downtown Palm Springs. The hotel also ferries guests to downtown via a rainbow-colored shuttle at a fixed schedule.
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Two Bunch Palms
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If you’re looking for a gay friendly peaceful resort in Palm Springs, the Two Bunch Palms Resort is the place to head to. Once rumored to be Al Capone’s hideout, the resort is a beautiful 77-acre property in Desert Hot Springs. This adults-only hotel is popular with the gay community for its large space and mineral springs. Although it’s a 25-minute drive to downtown Palm Springs, it’s a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.
The 70 rooms in the hotel are spread out on the garden grounds and furnished with antique furniture. Best of all is the Capone suite with its red velvet furniture, heavy oak bar, and stone fireplace. Two tennis courts, a stone labyrinth, and an indoor fitness center are some of the amenities you can look forward to here. The resort also has a spa, mineral springs grotto, and a lap pool.
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Vista Grande
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Gorgeous landscaped gardens, a beautiful lagoon, and two attractive pools add to the lure of the Vista Grande. The men’s only, clothing-optional resort is renowned for its helpful staff and sexually charged vibe.
Rooms at the resort vary in category. While all rooms are equipped with amenities, the suites have a fully equipped kitchen. The resort also features a steam room, a 16-man hot tub, and a dry sauna. It’s about a five-minute drive to the town from the resort or a 20-minute walk.
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Just So You Know:
- In 2018, Palm Springs made history by being the first city in America with an all-LGBT city council.
- Palm Springs ranks first in California for having the most same-sex couples per 1,000 households.
- Exploring the small city is relatively simple even without a car. A free local trolley called ‘The Buzz’ runs from 11 am to 1 am from Thursday to Sunday and is a great way to get around.
Get Some Culture In Palm Springs:
- White Party Palm Springs – This annual gay dance music festival organized by Jeffrey Sanker attracts over 30,000 attendees from all over the globe. Packed dance floors, pool parties, and world-class DJs define this fantastic event.
- Palm Springs Pride Parade and Festival – Held annually on a weekend every November, like most pride festivals, Pride is all about parties, live music, and festivities.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs In Palm Springs:
- Hunter Palm Springs – This long-running gay bar located in Downtown Palm Springs is one of the favorite gay nightlife destinations. It’s known for its drag, fur-friendly Fridays and good DJ beats.
- Oscars Cafe & Bar – Also located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, this casual bar is renowned for its Sunday Gay Disco Dance, the biggest event of its kind on the West Coast.
- Chill Lounge – This spacious gay bar and lounge serves up some delectable cocktails during the day. At night the bar comes alive with go-go boys, drag queens and hunky bartenders.
Best Gay Saunas in Palm Springs:
Palm Springs is a popular gay vacation destination but there are no gay bathhouses here. If you’re looking for a traditional gay sauna, the nearest option is Los Angeles. However, some of the gay resorts in Palm Springs, like CCBC, have a sauna.
