Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Whether you go on holiday for the suntan, new experiences, to blow off steam, or just to escape the daily grind, we’re willing to bet that you want to feel relaxed and free to be yourself. Thankfully the resorts and gay hotels in Palm Springs allow you to do just that – to be 110% yourself, without a single double-take, all in the company of other open-minded folks.
You can hardly beat beautiful and sunny Palm Springs, California, as a prime tourist destination for those looking for fun and sun or just a chance for some warm weather relaxation. Palm Springs is so much more than just the golf capital of the world. With its world-class hotels, five-star restaurants, vintage shopping boutiques, and Hollywood associations, the city has an unmistakable air of glamor about it.
Situated in the Sonoran Desert, within the Coachella Valley, the city affords views of the San Jacinto Mountains, with Mt. San Jacinto Peak being especially prominent. The area around the city has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails galore, showing another side to the area besides the glitz and celebrity retreat glamor.
And what is best of all for gay tourists eyeing Palm Springs as a getaway destination is that it is one of the gayest places in the whole of the United States. Indeed, it has one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples of any community in the country. It was also the home to America’s first-ever all-LGBTQ city government in 2018.
So it is needless to say at this point that the city knows how to treat LGBTQ folks right, and gay travelers are extremely unlikely to find a more inviting and hospitable American city toward gay men. This is also reflected in the many establishments that cater particularly to LGBTQ people, including hotels, and most of the California gay resorts are concentrated here. Many of the gay hotels here are named among the best USA gay resorts, so you know you are in good hands.
All of the gay hotels in Palm Springs listed below are gay-friendly, and several are even owned and operated by gays. And, of course, this is our mission: to give you a starting point in your search for a warm and friendly place to stay during your time in Palm Springs.
We’ll send you in the proper direction, and after you arrive, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can develop friendships with people at a gay resort — it’s as if everyone there has something in common, there’s no judgment, and you can connect more easily. Even better, no dating sites or gay apps are required to meet folks here…
In this article we will cover...
Desert Paradise Resort
This Palm Springs hotel is on a mission to “design an atmosphere where gay men can escape the stress of everyday life and to create a resort environment where you can relax, have fun and just be yourself,” to put it in their own words. And with an address such as 615 Warm Sands Drive, it would be hard to argue that they are off to a great start with the location.
Actually, the Desert Paradise Resort is one of the longest-running gay hotels in Palm Springs, and it is gay-owned and operated and strives to provide a welcoming setting for all. Singles and couples are welcomed here, and the resort goes out of its way to make it easy for guests to mingle with each other.
You can leave your gay swimwear and shorts behind for this vacation if you want because Desert Paradise is a clothing-optional resort and boasts a long list of property amenities. They include but are not limited to the heated swimming pool, gardens (with an outdoor shower), heated hot tub, sundeck lounge, dry sauna, steam room, misting system, guest computer, fire pit, two-man hammocks beneath palm trees, koi pond, fountains, spectacular views of the desert and mountain scenery of the Palm Springs area, and best of all the friendly and professional staff.
The rooms have individual a/c and heating and feature California Kings beds for extra leg space. Rooms also include a flat-screen TV, ceiling fans, coffee makers, mini-fridge, microwaves, iron and hair dryers, and complimentary snacks.
Continental breakfast is also included with rooms, as is high-speed wireless internet access and off-street parking. You can hardly beat the value and fun you will get when you book a room at the fabulously queer Desert Paradise.
The Hacienda
The Hacienda at Warm Sands is more than a fashionable gay resort. It is an experience. Or so says the resort’s advertising. This is another of the gay hotels in Palm Springs that endeavors to provide a safe, welcoming environment where gay men can relax and be themselves in the company of like-minded individuals. This is another clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs, and whether to wear clothing is yours, whether in your room, at the pool, or anywhere on resort grounds.
Various suites are available: patio rooms, junior suites, deluxe junior suites, deluxe suites, and grand deluxe suites. All include Butler’s service, 4K Ultra HD LED Apple TV (to unwind watching all the latest LGBT TV shows), and a Tuscan-style spa shower (perfect for getting those gay Onlyfan shots…). Deluxe and Grand Deluxe offer more spacious — as well as more lavish — appointments and furnishings, such as a large gas fireplace and full kitchen, as well as a private patio.
The Hacienda is hard to beat when it comes to outright luxury, and it prides itself on its world-class service, with the only 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio of any hotel in Palm Springs. Such perks as the Hacienda offers that you won’t find everywhere include personal concierge and personal shopper service, meaning you pre-order everything you love and have it stocked ahead of your arrival. Personal messages are also offered with a variety of massage styles from professional therapists.
CCBC Resort Hotel
Located at 68300 Gay Resort Drive, you know you are in for a treat with this gay resort, which bills itself as a fantasy playground for men. It is situated on three acres, yet only seven miles from downtown Palm Springs. And as the largest clothing-optional gay resort for men in the United States, the CCBC Resort is a great place to stay and play. It is a great venue for a fun weekend away and extended stays.
There are a variety of studios and suites available, from the Garden King Studio to the Premium Deluxe Suite to the Atlantis Suite to the Nature Walk Studio, and more. All of them are nicely appointed, and guests will not be left wanting for comfort. Rooms feature all the standard amenities you would expect, including a/c, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, and kitchenette. The property has a swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. There are also BBQ facilities.
The resort’s Runway Bar & Restaurant is not only the place to grab a fine bite or a drink, but it also hosts a wealth of events from live music to burlesque shows to “Big Daddy Bingo” and more. It has a fine menu with many breakfast and brunch choices thrown in.
Triangle Inn
The Triangle Inn, located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, offers “a feast for all your senses.” This gay-owned and operated hotel offers warm hospitality that can’t be beaten anywhere. Owners Michael and Stephen live on the property. It is a laid-back hotel where guests become friends, to quote the hotel’s tagline.
Inspired by the queer bed and breakfast stays they had experienced on their own travels in Europe, Michael and Stephen decided to create a resort with a cozy kind of atmosphere and vibe. And they have succeeded, saying of the resort that “it does feel like having friends over in your backyard.”
The Triangle Inn draws many visitors from as far away as the UK and Germany, seeking the almost guaranteed sunshine of Palm Springs, so there is ample opportunity here to meet guys from all parts of the world and all walks of life.
Clothing optional, the Triangle Inn is perfect for your stay whether you seek something “romantic and relaxing or fun and frisky.” Studio suites, junior suites, and one- and two-bedroom suites are available, with eight total on the property.
All suites feature either a full kitchen or a kitchenette, large private baths, spacious closets, and private reading libraries. Suites also include flat-screen TVs with DirecTV and DVD players. Rooms come with a generous breakfast served poolside each morning. There are also afternoon mixers that give guests a great chance to meet each other…
Inndulge
This guesthouse happens to be an award-winning gay resort legend in Palm Springs. It has received 5-star accolades from such sources as Planet Out and TripAdvisor. You are guaranteed to find no more welcoming, inclusive, and friendly establishment than the Inndulge.
It is not just gay-friendly but is focused on catering to the needs of gay guests, and you can tell the hotel goes out of its way to create a safe, encouraging space where everyone is free to be themselves. It is an optional clothing resort, and swimsuits are allowed as well. Skinny dipping in either the 24-hour swimming pool or the 12-man jacuzzi is not required, though it is strongly encouraged.
There is a range of accommodation choices at the Inndulge, from one-bedroom suites to deluxe and superior rooms. The luxury rooms have free Wi-Fi, daily continental breakfast, local gym access, laundry room access, air conditioning, a safe, microwave, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and kitchenettes.
The hotel has an evening social hour that provides the perfect opportunity for guests to meet each other. There are also Thursday pizza parties and weekend pool parties. The Inndugle really pulls out all the stops to be a great place for guests to meet new friends.
El Mirasol Villas Resort
The El Mirasol Villas Resort claims to be the resort of choice in Palm Springs for gay men. It’s no mean claim, but it’s hard to contest the El Mirasol Villas Resort’s right to make it. It has one of the most inclusive resort settings in Palm Springs, or anywhere else, for that matter. The famous Howard Hughes first built the hotel in the late 40s. The property boasts mountain views by day and splendid starlit skies by night.
The bungalow-style studios and suites are available in an array of accommodation varieties, from simple studio rooms to 2-bedroom suites. Each has a California king bed, a desk, a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, and a DVD player. Some rooms add a wet bar, microwave, sleeper sofa, and private patio. The top-of-the-line 2-bedroom bungalow suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and two private patios.
The resort property boasts a beautiful garden with citrus trees and an outdoor misting system for maximum comfort. The hotel’s outdoor area is highlighted by fountains, fireplaces, an outdoor shower, a 10-man jacuzzi, and two swimming pools. There is even a eucalyptus steam room. That is quite a list of amenities that many hotels can boast.
And it all comes with a gay-focused experience with top-of-the-line service. We just don’t think you should blame us for this when you fall in love with the lifestyle and decide to contact a gay realtor about making a move to LGBT Palm Springs permanently…
Canyon Club Hotel
The Canyon Club Hotel is a clothing-optional hotel for gay men, situated right within the epicenter of some of Palm Spring’s best gay nightlife. It boasts 32 rooms with affordable rates and all the amenities to make your stay pleasant.
The hotel is designed for maximum on-site fun, with an expansive outdoor space with a garden, outdoor park, and hedge maze. Lounge chairs are provided, and guests will appreciate the sunbathing opportunities.
The garden also has a koi pond, and water misters provide a cooling mist breeze when the heat is up. The resort also boasts a steam room – the perfect thing for rejuvenation – and a dry sauna that can complete the revitalization process. There is also a 52’ pool in the middle of the property, though the 16-man spa is not to be outdone for group fun.
Some rooms are outfitted with computers and webcams should guests wish to use them, and there is a computer available for guest use in the lobby as well. Wifi is available throughout the hotel. King, double, and master suites are available in several variations of accommodation packages.
Each of the 32 non-smoking rooms, described as airy and colorful, is air-conditioned and comes with maid service. Each room has a TV and radio/alarm clock. There are also refrigerators in each room, and each has a private bathroom. Some rooms feature a kitchen or kitchenette. Some have a private patio, and some feature walk-in showers. Double deluxe rooms feature two full-size beds.
The Canyon Club Hotel has special offers for students and members of the military. It offers free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast. And the best thing it offers is an open, free-spirited atmosphere where gay men can let loose and be themselves. There may be no better choice in Palm Springs for gay visitors than the Canyon Club.
Descanso Resort
The Descanso is a newly reimagined and freshly refurbished gay men’s resort in Palm Springs that harkens back to the glory days of old Hollywood but with a modern vibe.
Guests are often blown away by the impressive list of resort amenities to be found at the Descanso, like the privacy fencing surrounding the property for added peace of mind. Or the heated swimming pool, outdoor spa, or misting system for extra relief from the heat of the desert. Then there is the poolside garden shower, the communal outdoor fire pit, poolside day beds, and the meticulous landscaping with native plants and trees to enjoy.
And did we mention the cantina with its snacks and beverages, which come complimentary? Or the “stay and splash” poolside lunches and Weekend ‘Wine O’Clock’ Happy Hour are also complimentary. And for those fun-loving eco-gays, the resort also has electric vehicle chargers on the property.
A multitude of modern rooms and suites are available – either balcony or poolside – and there is the balcony deluxe suite option should you want to go all out. This latter sleeps up to three guests with one king bed and a daybed.
It also features a spacious bathroom with a freestanding tub and stunning mountain views. The rooms have one king bed and sleep two. All rooms are nonsmoking. Other room amenities include fast Wi-Fi access, a refrigerator, an iron, a safe, and a hairdryer in all room options.
Descanso prides itself on its world-class service and staff. It can also lay claim to an inclusive setting where gay men can feel free to be themselves in an environment that encourages guests to enjoy the supreme relaxation opportunities the hotel has to offer.
Santiago Resort
“Santiago Resort is a luxury getaway where men come to hit pause, be spoiled, and rediscover the bliss of completely giving in to the moment.” So says the resort’s advertising. So it is. The hotel provides an escape for gay men to come to the Palm Springs area and be themselves in a welcoming setting, surrounded by those of like minds and preferences.
The resort is nestled at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by the stunning vistas of the Coachella Valley and the Sonoran Desert. Here guests will be treated to some of the best services to be found in Palm Springs, delivered by extraordinary staff.
They will also be treated to a fabulous set of property amenities like a large, heated swimming pool, an outdoor heated saline spa, and an outdoor mist cooling system. Day beds are available at the pools (also pool towels and accessories), and there is a poolside garden shower, a communal fire pit, and two-man hammocks strung between palm trees.
Rooms come with high-speed Wi-Fi and individual heating and cooling, as well as flat-screen TVs with DVD players, refrigerators, irons, and in-room safes. Hairdryers and microwaves are available upon request. There is an on-site electric vehicle charger, and city bicycles are available. There is overnight off-street parking. Continental breakfast is offered.
Santiago boasts 23 rooms total in three types: king room, king suite, and deluxe suite. King rooms sleep two guests, while king suites add a daybed to sleep a third person. Deluxe suites then add a fireplace in addition to a private patio. All are pet friendly. There is no wrong choice here as all are tastefully decorated and furnished and offer the best in basic comfort.
Queen Of Hearts Resort
This Palm Springs resort has been catering to lesbian guests for over a decade and has been called a gem of South Palm Springs. Only a 2-minute drive from downtown Palm Springs, it was originally built in 1969 and is said to have been a favorite of Hollywood icon Gloria Swanson.
The property features a heated pool (and a poolside misting system), spa services, and a gorgeously landscaped courtyard. There is also an outdoor big-screen TV as well as an outdoor fireplace. The resort has central heating and cooling, complimentary parking, continental breakfast, and free wireless internet.
Rooms accommodations are such: poolside studio; studio with kitchenette; mountain view/poolside suites with full kitchens; king poolside/mountain view with kitchens; and one-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Hairdryers, terrycloth robes, and irons are provided in all rooms, and a laundry room is on the premises.
The Queen of Hearts is also a pet-friendly resort, providing a relaxing setting surrounded by gardens and fruit trees. For lesbian visitors seeking to enjoy the inclusivity of Palm Springs, the Queen of Hearts resort is the clear choice for friendly accommodations.
Sadly the Queen Of Hearts Lesbian Resort in Palm Springs is now closed.
Vista Grande Resort
And last but not least, on our list of great gay hotels in Palm Springs, we have the Vista Grande. The Vista Grande Resort is appropriately named for its spectacular views of the breathtaking San Jacinto Mountains.
This clothing-optional resort is a safe haven for gay men looking for an inviting atmosphere catering to like-minded individuals, where everyone is free to let loose and be who they are without the need for inhibitions. The property boasts no fewer than three heated swimming pools in addition to a “pleasure garden.” there is also a hot tub and a spacious steam room.
The resort’s 29 rooms are available in cabana-style and studio apartments and suites. Rooms feature air conditioning and flat-screen TV, as well as a phone, safe, complimentary bathrobes, and toiletries. They also have either a kitchenette or a full kitchen. Free breakfast is included as well as free wifi access and free parking. Bicycle rental is available, and rooms include daily housekeeping service.
The Vista Grande has been in operation for 37 years and is one of the best options for gay men in Palm Springs, which is no mean feat given the city’s highly inclusive attitude toward the LGBTQ community. It is a great place to base your Palm Springs exploration. Or if you would rather relax and stay on the resort grounds, you are all but guaranteed to find no more welcoming setting, nor one that goes more out of its way to make gay clientele feel like royalty.
Gay Hotel Map Of Palm Springs
Feeling a bit lost while planning your journey to Palm Springs? No worries, darling! Our detailed LGBTQ+ tailored map is here to guide you. We’ve pinpointed all the vibrant gay-friendly bars, exhilarating clubs, extravagant parties, cozy hotels, relaxing saunas, and soothing massage parlors to ensure you find the perfect spot.
And these aren’t just any spots; we’re talking about the creme de la creme of locations in the heart of the city’s vibrant gay scene. Think panoramic views, easy access to nightlife, and all the amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
But hold on to your feather boas! These hot spots are fabulous; they vanish quicker than a drag queen’s five o’clock shadow. Don’t delay; book now to secure the best deals and locations. Remember, the early bird catches the best deals in Palm Springs! So, pack your rainbow flag, and get ready to experience the ultimate gay-friendly holiday in Palm Springs.
