The hype
The rooms are massive, gorgeous, and perfectly located, but the service model feels too hands-off for the price.
Drift Palm Springs
$250-$450 / night
Book this if You're traveling with a group or want a stylish, apartment-style suite with a full kitchen right in downtown Palm Springs.
Why People Love It
- Spacious 1-to-4 bedroom suites with full kitchens
- Chic Baja-inspired minimalist design
- Excellent location walking distance to downtown Palm Springs
Quick Take: It's essentially a high-end, heavily stylized Airbnb masquerading as a boutique hotel—meaning no daily housekeeping, virtual check-in, and a mandatory $45 resort fee.
Reviewed by @thecuratedwanderer: My 24 hours at Drift Palm Springs were pure magic. Waking up to mountain views from my bed and sipping coffee on the balcony was the perfect reset. The pool is stunning, and ending the night with cocktails at Bar Cecil was the cherry on top. Highly recommend for a chic getaway!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Because it operates like an Airbnb, don't expect traditional luxury hotel services like a concierge, bellhop, or daily room cleaning.
- Groups and bachelorette parties needing multi-bedroom suites
- Design lovers who appreciate minimalist, Baja-chic aesthetics
- Travelers who prefer cooking their own meals in full kitchens
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: No daily housekeeping unless requested for an extra fee; rooms are generally very clean upon arrival.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly pristine and well-stocked, though a few isolated reports mentioned dirty grout or minor mold on vents.
- Maintenance: Brand new property (opened 2023) so everything is in great condition, though some AC units are reported as noisy.
- Linens & towels: Luxurious bedding and premium sheets, but some guests found the bath towels to be rough and not very absorbent.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though one guest reported a lingering odor in their room.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street traffic from Indian Canyon Drive
- Noisy in-room AC units
- Occasional events or parties at the pool
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is entirely digital via text and a door code
- There is a $45 nightly destination fee
- Housekeeping costs extra and must be requested via text
What to pack
- Earplugs to block out street and AC noise
- Bug spray (some guests reported mosquitoes around the property)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Multi-bedroom suites for groups (they have up to 4 bedrooms with full kitchens)
- Poolside rooms if you want direct access to the cabanas and Baja vibes
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms directly facing the street due to traffic noise
- Ground floor rooms near the pool if you want to sleep early
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm a light sleeper—could you please assign me a quiet room away from the street and the pool area? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a front desk?
No, check-in is entirely virtual via text and email, though staff are on-site if you need them.
Are pets allowed?
No, Drift Palm Springs is strictly not pet-friendly.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, there is a mandatory $45 nightly destination fee that covers WiFi, pool access, and bike rentals.
Does the hotel have a gym?
No on-site gym, but they provide yoga mats, Bala weights in-room, and free weekend yoga classes.
Is parking included?
Self-parking is included in the resort fee, but spots are tight and sometimes unavailable during events. Valet is an extra charge.
Do the rooms have kitchens?
Yes, most suites feature full kitchens with refrigerators, dishwashers, and toaster ovens.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Take advantage of the complimentary Dutch-style public bikes to explore downtown Palm Springs.
- ✨
The in-room TV allows you to stream FORM fitness workouts, and you can request a Bala fitness kit to your room.
- ✨
Don't miss Maleza, the on-site Baja-inspired restaurant—order the shareable family-style dishes and rare mezcals.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel is essentially an apartment building run as a hotel-Airbnb hybrid.
💡The $45 destination fee includes welcome drinks and in-room pour-over coffee.
💡There's a $200 refundable damage deposit collected before check-in.
💡The bath amenities are high-end, but the bath towels have been described as scratchy.
💡Mosquitoes can occasionally be an issue around the outdoor pool and lounge areas.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Drift Palm Springs is located and what's nearby.