The hype
Travelers love the huge bathrooms and the pool scene, but often complain about the smoke smell drifting from the casino floor.
Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
$160-400 / night
Book this if You want a polished casino resort experience with a killer pool and spa, but prefer a slightly quieter, more upscale vibe than downtown Palm Springs.
Why People Love It
- The pool deck is massive (50,000 sq ft) with excellent cabana service
- Sunstone Spa is legitimately world-class and Forbes 5-star rated
- Rooms are spacious (starting at 550 sq ft) with sunken soaking tubs
Quick Take: It's a high-end oasis in the middle of the desert that happens to have a casino attached, so expect smoke in the lobby but luxury in the rooms.
Reviewed by @mommythrives: I spent my morning just staring at the San Jacinto mountains from my bed. The room service spread was huge, and honestly, sipping coffee while watching the desert wake up was the highlight of my trip. It’s the perfect spot if you need a serious recharge.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'resort fee' is mandatory ($30/night), but at least it actually includes valet parking and decent WiFi.
- You love a good steakhouse dinner followed by slots or a show
- You need a pool day with attentive cocktail service
- You want a large, modern bathroom with a separate tub and shower
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service; staff is praised for being thorough.
- Bathroom hygiene: High marks. The sunken tubs and glass showers are usually sparkling.
- Maintenance: Good, though the 2026 renovation suggests some rooms were showing age. Watch for construction dust.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp, and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Guest rooms are fresh, but the casino floor and lobby definitely have a lingering cigarette smoke odor.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Highway noise from I-10 (North-facing rooms)
- Hallway noise from late-night casino goers
- Construction noise during daytime (due to 2026 renovations)
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet parking is free/included, which is a rare perk in this area.
- The pool is heated, making it swimmable even in cooler months.
- There is no buffet; dining is à la carte only.
What to pack
- Swimsuit and cover-up (the pool scene is the main event)
- Dressier clothes for The Steakhouse (it's old-school fancy)
- Moisturizer and lip balm (the desert air is incredibly dry)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Pool View / Mountain View rooms (South-facing) for the best scenery and least highway noise
- High floor (10+) for sweeping desert views
Rooms to avoid
- North-facing rooms on lower floors (direct view/sound of I-10 freeway)
- Rooms near the elevator banks (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a South-facing room with a Pool or Mountain view on a high floor to minimize highway noise. If any renovated rooms are available, I would prefer one of those.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated and open year-round, usually 9am-6pm (weather permitting).
Can I bring my dog?
No. The hotel has a strict no-pet policy, unlike many other Palm Springs area hotels.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, approximately $30 per night. It covers valet, wifi, gym access, and pool use.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed on the casino floor but NOT in guest rooms or dining areas. Non-smoking areas exist, but smoke can drift.
How far is it from downtown Palm Springs?
It's about a 15-20 minute drive (7 miles) to downtown Palm Springs.
Is there a buffet?
No, the buffet is gone. You have The Steakhouse, Waters Café, 360 Sports, and a food court.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Waters Café has a lovely outdoor patio that overlooks the pool—great for a quieter breakfast.
- ✨
The Pívat Cigar Lounge sells rare cigars and high-end whiskeys you can't find elsewhere.
- ✨
Join the ACE Club (player's card) immediately; it can sometimes score you dining discounts even if you don't gamble much.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'resort fee' actually includes valet parking, which saves you $20-30 compared to other local resorts.
💡The lobby scent is a mix of expensive perfume and stale smoke—it hits you the moment you walk in.
💡The bathrooms are shockingly large for the price point, often bigger than entire NYC apartments.
💡You can see the Rancho Mirage Observatory from some rooms; it's a cool local landmark.
💡The '360 Sports' bar has massive screens and is arguably the best place in the valley to watch a game.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa is located and what's nearby.