The Perfect Weekend in Palm Springs
As we at HVS consult on thousands of existing and proposed hotels and resorts across the country each year, we get to know markets very well over time. My husband and I have spent much time in the Coachella Valley over the years for both business and pleasure, including hosting our wedding there in 2014, and we’ve found some great spots. Friends and family visiting Palm Springs often turn to us for recommendations, and over time, I have perfected my go-to list that I’m sharing with you here. If you have a trip to Palm Springs planned soon, I invite you to print and start checking off the boxes!
Rod’s Favorites for Breakfast or Brunch
- Chi Chi - Great poolside dining at the Avalon Hotel
- Cheeky’s - Warning, there can be a bit of a wait here
- Norma’s - Indoor or outdoor dining at the swanky Parker Hotel
- Sherman’s Deli & Bakery - Super casual and big plates
Rod’s Favorites for Lunch or Dinner
- 1501 Gastropub - This is a newer venue (with a great menu) that opened in 2020
- Spencer’s - Classic Palm Springs at the foot of the mountain
- Tropicale - No trip to Palm Springs can go without a meal here
- Lulu - Great downtown vibe along North Palm Canyon Drive
Rod’s Favorites for Dinner
- Copley’s - Love this restaurant’s courtyard and fantastic menu
- Jake’s - Save room for dessert!
- Mr. Lyons - Steak and seafood can’t be beat (check out both bars, too)
- The Purple Room - Enjoy great live entertainment while you eat in this historic venue
Rod’s Favorites for Drinks
- Bar Cecil - Make a bar/lounge reservation here… so worth it!
- Workshop - Innovative bar menu in a modern space
- High Bar - The rooftop bar at the Rowan Hotel, downtown… the view!
Rod’s Favorites for Sites to Check Out
- Palm Springs Art Museum and - its Architecture and Design Center (separate location)
- Aerial Tramway
- Hiking to the falls
- Indian Canyons Golf
Rod’s Favorites for Shopping
- Trina Turk and Mr. Turk
- JWil Stiles
- The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five – a must stop!
- Grace Home Furnishings
- Other shopping on North Palm Canyon Drive
- Desert Hills Outlet Mall and - Cabazon Outlets (30 minutes from Palm Springs)
There are so many hotels to choose from, from small historic inns in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs to the vast resorts of Indian Wells and Palm Desert, with rooms at every price point. My recent favorites include La Serena Villas, L’Horizon, and The Parker, but I’ve had so many other excellent stays in Palm Springs at other hotels over the years. Depending on your budget and neighborhood choice, you’re sure to find a great stay option. Palm Springs also has some fantastic hotels that cater specifically to the LGBTQ+ community, as well. I’m happy to narrow a list with you depending on what kind of experience you are seeking; just connect with me.
Palm Springs is the perfect location for taking in the views, kicking back, and just taking time to breathe and relax. Its airport is in the heart of the city, with rental cars still found at the terminal and not in a far-off rental-car center. I encourage you to plan a trip there soon and enjoy all the wonderful things the city has to offer. The Palm Springs scene is always evolving in such fun and exciting ways. I promise to keep this list updated as I encounter new spots and find new favorites.
Rod Clough
President of HVS Americas
+1 214 629 1136
HVS
