Spanning two and a half city blocks on iconic Palm Canyon Drive, the Thompson Palm Springs is a big new draw for the downtown social scene – with creative inspiration, relaxing vibes, and culinary excellence of Hyatt’s newest hotel.

For couples seeking a desert escape that feels equal parts stylish, intimate, and effortlessly indulgent, the Thompson Hotel Palm Springs delivers on every front. Set just off the buzz of downtown yet tucked into its own polished oasis, the hotel strikes a perfect balance between vibrant energy and private retreat.

Days unfold beside sleek pools framed by swaying palms and mountain views, while evenings transition into craft cocktails, elevated dining, and soft-lit moments made for two. With its design-forward rooms, luxe amenities, and an unmistakably social and chill ambiance, the Thompson isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a destination where couples can reconnect, unwind, and savor the best of Palm Springs together.

Top Reasons the Thompson Palm Springs is the Best of Both Worlds – A Lively Scene and Quiet Escape

Uptown Design District Location

Located in the Upper Design District, the Thompson Hotel is in the best place to shop, dine, walk, admire retro furniture, and gain design inspiration from vintage shops to high end boutiques for clothes, art, décor, and home goods. A few doors down from the hotel, shop at Ibiss, the best women’s boutique for Palm Springs-esque clothes and jewelry. Customize your own lipstick and blush at LipLab. Grab an ice cream or the desert’s famed date shake from Lappert’s or a toffee milkshake or date shake from local fav Brandini Toffee. 

Hop on one of the Thompson’s complimentary bikes to cruise through the nearby Movie Colony or Vista Las Palmas neighborhoods, stuffed with inspiring idyllic one-level midcentury modern homes, where the sky-high mountainside acts like a natural roof. Wide quiet streets make it easy to glide through the neatly polished desert cacti yard-scapes enveloped by the bold desert mountains. 

An Entire Adults-Only Hotel Enclave Tucked Within the Resort

The upscale adults-only section known as the “Upper Stories” feels like quiet luxury, as suites with mountain views offer more spacious layouts, soaking tubs and enhanced amenities. Designed as a “hotel within a hotel,” this separate area offers a much more private experience at The Thompson Palm Springs – with a quieter, more relaxed and refined atmosphere set back from the buzz of the main property. The best parts are the sensational desert mountain views from the suites, all with private balconies, that prioritize calm and privacy.

At the dedicated adults-only pool, a complimentary stocked fridge of canned draft coffees, mimosas, wine, and boutique drinks are available at all times. When you want more of a vibe, the lively social atmosphere at the main pool offers a jacuzzi, live music, family-friendly access, and poolside bar and cabanas. The brilliance of this setup is that you don’t have to choose between Palm Springs’ social scene and a quiet retreat – you get both. 

Brand New Suites for Different Vibes

The main hotel’s layout has guests meandering through pathways of plants, trees, and gardens with many hummingbirds. A coral colored door not too far from the main pool’s social energy led us to our minimalistic room with impressive sized bathroom and large walk-in shower. Most rooms have private balconies or enclosed courtyards.

Owners Kathryn and Craig’s personal art collection dons the grounds.

From Napa with Love, Wine Taste off the Lobby

Wine and dine right off the lobby at HALL Napa Valley, the desert’s newest wine tasting room and lounge. The best part is taking advantage of the sunny days when it is not too hot and sipping a HALL Napa wine tasting flight on their outdoor wraparound terrace. Pick a curated wine tasting flight, glass, or bottle of wine from HALL, WALT and BACA brands, in view of the stunning scenery. We chose a champagne and Cabernet flight while the knowledgeable staff enlightened us about each varietal. You don’t need to be a guest to visit this tasting room.

Top Two Palm Springs Restaurants are Part of the Hotel

No need to go far when the best restaurants in Palm Springs are a few steps from your room. Hotspots Lola Rose and Bar Issi might possibly be the best new restaurants to arrive to the area. Chic Lola Rose is donned in eclectic vintage art and woven tapestry. A peek outside and you might think you are in Morocco, as the sunset basks the landscape and sets early behind the grandiose San Jacinto Mountains. Here at this sophisticated eastern Mediterranean restaurant with Levantine inspired cooking, order shareable kebobs like grilled spicy lamb, saffron chicken, and beef tenderloin presented atop a sheet of thin pita with a bevy of roasted veggies and accoutrements of thinly sliced onions, peppers and herbs.

Choose from a menu of sauces to mix up the flavor profiles. Hummus and Yellowtail Ceviche floating in a passionfruit ponzu with flavor bursts of citrus and jalapeno make a great beginning. The Celebration Bread is a must order as this puffy hot focaccia arrives fresh from the tandoor oven infused with herbs, salt, and lemon zest. For breakfast, Lola Rose continues to shine with tomato Shakshuka and moist Baklava French Toast.

The Thompson’s indoor-outdoor buzzy hip bar-lounge, with cozy seating areas next to Lola Rose, is the perfect spot to entertain friends as this low-key “living room” often elevates on weekends with live music and a DJ at night. 

Down below on the hotel’s first level, Italian-forward Bar Issi’s colorful restaurant offers dining outside, at the bar, tableside, or in front of a little window to watch the chefs in action. Our go-to favorite dishes are the slow-simmered Lamb Ragu made with fresh pasta, rich and addictive, along with Bar Issa’s specialty wood fired pizzas. Expert bartenders craft concoctions like Tzatsiki Clarified Milk Punch (which requires a 3-day process to create the signature flavors) and the Porn Star Martini, accompanied by a chilled shot glass of champagne. 

Scene or Serenity? At Thompson Palm Springs, You Don’t Have to Choose