The hype
Travelers love the retro aesthetic and walkable location, but often wish the rooms felt a bit fresher.
Del Marcos Hotel
$150-350/ night
Book this if You want the authentic 1947 Palm Springs experience—mid-century architecture, pool-centric socializing, and zero kids.
Why People Love It
- Authentic William F. Cody architecture (it's a landmark, not a replica)
- Strict 21+ adults-only policy ensures a grown-up vibe
- Heated saltwater pool that serves as the hotel's social living room
Quick Take: A charming time capsule that trades modern soundproofing and plush luxury for undeniable retro style and social energy.
Reviewed by @katswanderlove: Honestly, if you're traveling with a senior pup or just need to chill, this place is it. Having a full fridge for dog food was a game changer, and lounging by the pool while pregnant felt like heaven. Plus, we walked everywhere for dinner!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'continental breakfast' is very basic (pastries/fruit) and the bathrooms show their age with rusty fixtures or weary grout.
- You are a design nerd who appreciates original mid-century modern architecture
- You want to walk to downtown Palm Springs (1 block away)
- You prefer a social, communal pool scene over a private, secluded retreat
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable, though some guests report missed dust in corners or under retro furniture.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but aged. Expect some rust on original fixtures and worn grout lines rather than sparkling modern sterility.
- Maintenance: The biggest weak point. Peeling paint, shaky AC units, and stiff sliding doors are common complaints due to the building's age.
- Linens & towels: Decent quality, but occasional reports of wear. Not luxury 800-thread count, but functional.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though some rooms can have a faint 'old building' mustiness that clears with the AC.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Poolside conversations echoing into rooms
- Thin walls between connecting units
- Street noise in rooms facing Baristo Road
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is at 4:00 PM; Check-out is 11:00 AM.
- The hotel is dog-friendly (up to 2 dogs) with a fee of ~$50-$75 per stay.
- There is no restaurant on-site, but guests have access to Azucar next door at La Serena Villas.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine (essential for thin walls)
- Slip-on shoes for going between your room and the pool
- A robe (the provided ones can be hit-or-miss in sizing)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Julius Shulman Room (Deluxe King Studio) – Best views of the mountains and pool, plus a kitchenette
- Shaken Not Stirred – Upstairs, faces away from the pool for maximum quiet and privacy
- Errol Flynn – Features a private balcony overlooking the pool
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor poolside rooms if you value privacy (everyone at the pool can see in)
- Rooms closest to the street if you are sensitive to traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'm looking for a quieter experience—could we please request the 'Shaken Not Stirred' room or another upstairs unit facing away from the pool? We'd love to avoid the direct 'fishbowl' effect of the ground floor.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the saltwater pool is heated year-round, making it usable even in cooler winter months.
Is parking free?
Technically yes, but it's bundled into the mandatory ~$44/night resort fee.
Can I bring my kids?
No. The hotel is strictly 21+ adults only.
Is there an elevator?
No. This is a two-story historic building with stairs only. Request a ground floor room if mobility is a concern.
What is included in the breakfast?
It is a light continental spread: coffee, juice, pastries, yogurt, and fruit. Do not expect eggs or bacon.
How far is the walk to downtown?
Ideally short. You are just one block from South Palm Canyon Drive, putting restaurants and shops within a 5-minute walk.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book a spa treatment at 'Whispers' next door (sister property) and you can sometimes use their pool too.
- ✨
The 'Happy Hour' often includes a free welcome drink—don't forget to claim it at check-in.
- ✨
The hotel has free cruiser bikes; grab them early in the morning to ride through the Las Palmas neighborhood before it gets too hot.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'kitchenettes' in some rooms are very vintage—think 1950s original cabinetry, which is cool but clunky.
💡The U-shape design acts as an amphitheater; if someone is on their phone at the pool, you are listening to the call too.
💡The 'mountain view' rooms sometimes just mean you can see the mountain *over* the roof of the building next door.
💡There is no lobby to hang out in; the pool area is the only common space.
💡The air conditioning units can be loud and aggressive, a common trait in older desert buildings.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Del Marcos Hotel is located and what's nearby.