Palm Springs is weirdly obsessed with its own past. You see it everywhere—the jagged rooflines, the pink flamingos, and that specific shade of turquoise that seems to exist nowhere else on earth. But if you want to actually feel what the 1950s "Golden Era" felt like without the museum vibes or the crowded lobby of a corporate Hilton, you end up at A Place in the Sun Palm Springs.
It’s small.
Honestly, that’s the first thing you notice. It isn't a sprawling resort where you need a golf cart to find your room. It’s a collection of bungalows tucked away on East San Lorenzo Road, originally built as a private retreat for the cast and crew of the 1951 film A Place in the Sun starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. If you're looking for that legendary Hollywood "hush-hush" atmosphere, this is basically the epicenter.
The Reality of Staying at A Place in the Sun Palm Springs
Most people booking a trip to the Coachella Valley get blinded by the big names. They want the Ace Hotel for the hipster scene or the Parker for the high-end design. But those places are loud. They're busy. A Place in the Sun Palm Springs offers something else: actual privacy.
The property is comprised of sixteen studio bungalows. That’s it. Each one usually comes with a kitchenette, which is a lifesaver when you realize that sometimes, in the 110-degree desert heat, the last thing you want to do is put on real shoes to go find a brunch spot. You just want to make a coffee, sit on your private patio, and stare at the San Jacinto Mountains.
The vibe is aggressively "Adults Only." If you’re looking for a place for the kids to splash around, look elsewhere. This is for the person who wants to read a hardback book by the pool while sipping something cold and not hearing a single scream. It’s quiet. Sometimes it’s so quiet you can hear the wind whistling through the palm fronds, which is exactly why people like Leonardo DiCaprio and other modern stars have historically sought out these low-profile boutique spots in the neighborhood.
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The Architecture Isn't Just "Mid-Century" for Show
We throw the term "Mid-Century Modern" around a lot these days. Usually, it just means someone bought a tapered-leg coffee table from West Elm. But at this property, the architecture is baked into the history.
Designed and built in the early 50s, the bungalows reflect the "Desert Modernism" movement that architects like William Krisel and Donald Wexler made famous. Think flat roofs, floor-to-ceiling glass, and an indoor-outdoor flow that makes the room feel twice as big as it actually is. The gardens are lush—way plusher than you'd expect for a desert—and they act as a natural sound barrier against the rest of the city.
What You’ll Actually Do Here
Most travelers make the mistake of over-scheduling their Palm Springs itinerary. They book the Aerial Tramway for 9:00 AM, a celebrity home tour for noon, and dinner reservations at 6:00 PM.
Don't do that.
Staying at A Place in the Sun Palm Springs is about the art of doing nothing. You wake up. You look at the mountains. You take a dip in the heated pool or the salt-water spa.
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If you do feel the itch to explore, you’re essentially in the middle of everything. You can walk to the Moorten Botanical Garden in about ten minutes. It’s this "cactarium" that’s been family-owned since 1938, and it’s arguably the most Instagrammable spot in the city. Also, the hotel is just a quick Uber or a long-ish walk from the Design District, where you can spend way too much money on vintage furniture or art.
Local Secrets and Logistics
- The Grocery Run: Since you have a kitchenette, stop at the Jensen’s Finest Foods nearby. It’s a bit pricey, but their deli and bakery are legendary among locals. Grab some local dates—they're the best in the world.
- The Heat Factor: If you visit in July, the pool will feel like bathwater. If you visit in January, the nights will be surprisingly chilly. Pack a light jacket even if the forecast says 80 degrees.
- Bikes: Many boutique hotels in the area offer cruisers. Use them. Palm Springs is incredibly flat, making it one of the easiest cities to navigate on two wheels.
Why the "Boutique" Label Actually Matters
There’s a trend in travel right now where "boutique" just means "small and expensive." But at a place like this, it means the staff actually knows who you are. There isn't a rotating cast of hundreds of employees. You get a sense of ownership over your little corner of the desert.
The rooms aren't "ultra-luxury" in the sense of gold-plated faucets. They are clean, comfortable, and stylistically consistent with the era they were built. You're paying for the atmosphere and the history. You’re staying in a place where film legends likely nursed hangovers after a long week of shooting.
There is a specific kind of magic in the evening when the "Blue Hour" hits. The mountains turn a deep shade of purple, the pool lights kick on, and the fire pits start crackling. It’s at that exact moment that you realize why the 1950s Hollywood elite fell in love with this town. It feels isolated from the "real world" in a way that Los Angeles never could.
Common Misconceptions About Palm Springs Lodging
A lot of people think Palm Springs is just for retirees or Coachella fans. That’s a massive oversimplification. The demographic at A Place in the Sun Palm Springs is usually a mix of design nerds, couples on a romantic getaway, and solo travelers who need to disappear for a few days to finish a project or just decompress.
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Another mistake? Thinking you need a car for every single thing. While Southern California is notoriously car-dependent, the location of this specific hotel allows you to experience the "Old Palm Springs" neighborhood of Deepwell on foot. You can wander the streets and see some of the most beautiful residential architecture in the country without fighting for a parking spot at a trailhead.
Breaking Down the Costs
Is it cheap? No. Is it the most expensive place in town? Also no.
You’re looking at a mid-range to high-mid price point depending on the season. During Coachella or Modernism Week (usually February), prices everywhere in the desert skyrocket. If you want the best value, try visiting in the "shoulder" seasons—late May or early October. It’ll be hot, sure, but you’ll have the pool almost entirely to yourself, and the rates are significantly more approachable.
Actionable Steps for Your Desert Escape
If you’re planning to book a stay at A Place in the Sun Palm Springs, don't just click "reserve" and wing it. Follow these steps to maximize the experience:
- Request a Specific View: When booking, ask for a bungalow with the most direct view of the San Jacinto Mountains. Some have better angles than others, and waking up to that granite face glowing in the morning sun is worth the ask.
- Stock the Kitchenette Early: Don't wait until you're hungry. Stop at a market on your way in from the airport (PSP) so you can settle in immediately without needing to leave for supplies.
- Check the Event Calendar: Palm Springs holds "Modernism Week" twice a year (a big one in February and a smaller one in October). If you aren't an architecture buff, avoid these dates as the city gets crowded. If you are a fan, book your room at A Place in the Sun at least six months in advance.
- Embrace the "Digital Detox": The Wi-Fi works fine, but this isn't the place for Zoom calls by the pool. Respect the quiet culture of the property; put the phone away and actually look at the desert landscape.
- Dine Locally: Skip the chain restaurants on the main drag. Head to places like The Tropicale for a retro cocktail or Birba for outdoor pizza. They match the vibe of the hotel perfectly.
Staying here isn't just about a bed and a shower. It’s about stepping into a time capsule that hasn't been polished into a corporate version of itself. It’s gritty in the right ways and glamorous in the ways that actually count. When you leave, you’ll likely find yourself checking your calendar to see when you can justify coming back to hide out again.