You’ve seen the photos. The blue-on-blue rooftop pool, the mid-century modern angles, and that massive macramé owl in the lobby. But there is a weird disconnect between what people think the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs is and what it actually feels like when you’re standing on Tahquitz Canyon Way.
It’s the tallest building in town.
In a city that famously clings to its low-slung, "don’t-block-the-mountains" height restrictions, this hotel is a seven-story anomaly. Some locals still grumble about it. But for travelers, that height is basically a cheat code for the best views in the Coachella Valley.
Why the Height Matters at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Most Palm Springs hotels are horizontal. They hide behind hedges and breeze blocks. The Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs decided to go vertical, and honestly, it changed the way you see the San Jacinto Mountains. When you’re at the rooftop High Bar, you aren't just looking at the mountains; you’re looking across at them.
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The perspective is jarringly good.
If you book a mountain-facing room—which you should, seriously—the floor-to-ceiling windows make the rock face look like a high-definition wallpaper. It’s almost too close. At night, you might spot the glowing red lights of the "Fault Line Meditation" art installation down in the pit below, or the faint lights of the Aerial Tramway crawling up the cliffs.
The Rooftop is the Real Social Hub
The pool isn't huge. Let's just be real about that. If you’re expecting a sprawling Vegas-style lagoon, you’ll be disappointed. It’s a boutique scene. But it is the only rooftop pool in the city.
- The Vibe: It’s "approachable luxury." You’ll see influencers in $400 sunglasses next to families with toddlers.
- The Food: High Bar serves these poke nachos that people actually obsess over.
- The Sun: Because you’re seven stories up, you get the sun a little longer before it dips behind the peaks.
Then there’s 4 Saints. This is the hotel's "serious" restaurant. It’s Michelin-recommended and sits right on the edge of the roof. They do a lot of wood-fired stuff. Think dry-aged steaks and sea scallops with that specific desert char. In 2026, they’ve leaned heavily into wine dinners, partnering with big names like Silver Oak and DAOU. It’s expensive, yeah, but the 270-degree view usually softens the blow when the check arrives.
Rooms, Robots, and Champagne Vending Machines
The rooms don't feel like a standard IHG property. They used a lot of "creamy neutrals" and topographical map art that makes the space feel like a cool friend's apartment.
Every room has a yoga mat. Use it or don't, but it’s there.
If you’re feeling extra, the Arlo Suite is the one with the pool table and wraparound balconies. It's 1,500 square feet of "I’ve made it." For the rest of us, the Essential King rooms are plenty big, though some guests have noted they can feel a bit "upgraded motel" if you don't get the mountain view. Always ask for the mountain view.
Oh, and the lobby has a Moët & Chandon vending machine. You buy a token at the front desk and get a chilled mini-bottle. Is it a gimmick? Totally. Is it fun at 4:00 PM on a Tuesday? Also totally.
The "Kimpton Perks" Are Still a Thing
The brand's social hour is a bit of a cult favorite. From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, they pour free wine and beer in the lobby or at Juniper Table. It’s the best way to meet people or just get a "pre-game" in before heading out to Palm Canyon Drive.
They also have a fleet of PUBLIC bikes. Palm Springs is flat as a pancake, so grab a bike and ride through the Las Palmas neighborhood to see the celebrity houses. It's way better than a bus tour.
What to Do Just Outside the Doors
The location is basically the "Main and Main" of Palm Springs.
- The Art Museum: It’s four blocks away. Go see the architecture and design center.
- Marilyn: The 26-foot "Forever Marilyn" statue is right there. It’s controversial, it’s giant, and it’s a required photo op.
- Villagefest: If you’re there on a Thursday, the street fair happens right outside.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning a trip to the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, don't just wing it. The desert rewards those who plan for the heat and the crowds.
- Book the 4 Saints "Experience" Package: If you’re staying two nights, they often bundle a $100 dining credit and a room upgrade. It almost pays for itself if you were planning on eating dinner at the hotel anyway.
- Pickleball is Next Door: There are six courts right beside the hotel. Guests get free paddle and ball rentals. Go early—the sun is brutal by 10:00 AM.
- The Pet Policy is Legit: Kimpton is famous for this. If your pet fits through the door, they can stay. No fees. They’ll even give you a dog bed and water bowls.
- Valet is the Only Way: Parking downtown is a headache. The $59 resort fee includes valet, so just hand over the keys and forget about it.
- Late Night Reality Check: The hotel's kitchen usually winds down by 11:00 PM. If you’re a night owl, hit a grocery store or grab something on Palm Canyon Drive before midnight, as the immediate area goes quiet surprisingly fast.
Check the seasonal calendar for the wine pairing dinners at 4 Saints if you're a foodie; they usually sell out weeks in advance for the winter and spring dates.