Palm Springs, CaliforniaWarm Sands
Les Cactus
Pastel desert motel
Warm Sands Palm Springs, California
Renovated
2020
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Wellness SocialOutside the door
Pastel desert motel
Candy-pink walls and striped loungers channel 1960s ease, running more like a relaxed guest house than a formal hotel.
“The trendy little Les Cactus is a quaint getaway in a quieter part of Palm Springs, though it's still quite close to the action—it's just over a mile from downtown Palm Springs.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
It’s more rare than it should be in Palm Springs: a stylish, comfortable adults-only refuge that’s relatively easy on the budget.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Warm Sands keeps the surrounding blocks quiet, and downtown Palm Springs is a quick bike ride away.
The rooms
Bright white bungalow rooms feel residential and airy, with morning continental breakfast baskets delivered straight to your door.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor saltwater pool is heated year-round and sits in the courtyard beside a whirlpool hot tub.
The spa
How it began
The 1930s motor court operated as a nudist retreat before its 2020 revival, named after a 1966 French rock song.
Palm Springs
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.