The hype
Reviewers praise the chic retro decor, the relaxing pool area, and the friendly staff, but note the exterior still looks like a dated 70s rock facade.
Royal Sun Palm Springs
$130-$210 / night
Book this if You want a stylish, mid-century modern boutique vibe with a lively pool scene and mountain views without paying downtown luxury prices.
Why People Love It
- Recently renovated mid-century modern aesthetic with Le Labo bath products
- Vibrant pool area with mountain views, cabanas, and High Moon poolside bar
- Convenient location right across from the Moorten Botanical Garden
Quick Take: The 2023 renovation brought serious mid-century style and Le Labo soap, but thin walls, a hefty $45+ daily resort fee, and road noise remind you it's still a converted 1960s motel.
Reviewed by @thecuratedwanderer: I stayed at this trendy desert oasis and it was everything I wanted. The mountain views from the pool are unreal, and my room was so stylish. Grabbing a drink at the outdoor bar and lounging in the cabanas made the trip perfect. Highly recommend for a relaxing getaway!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Soundproofing is virtually non-existent; you will likely hear heavy footsteps from the floor above, plumbing noises, and traffic from the street.
- You appreciate mid-century modern design and Instagram-worthy interiors
- You want to lounge by a lively pool with a cocktail and pizza in hand
- You're traveling with a dog (very pet-friendly with nearby walking areas)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally good with daily service, though some guests report occasional missed spots like dust bunnies or delayed room resets.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are updated and feature Le Labo products, but a few isolated reports mention minor mold on vents or slow drains.
- Maintenance: The 2023 renovation brought fresh interiors, but it's an older 1965 building, so you might encounter quirky plumbing or AC units.
- Linens & towels: Clean and comfortable bedding, with fresh pool towels readily available at the outdoor pool.
- Odors & scents: Rooms generally smell fresh, aided by the high-quality Le Labo bath amenities.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic from South Palm Canyon Drive
- Footsteps and plumbing from rooms above or next door
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a mandatory resort fee of ~$45-$51/night that covers parking, Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and morning yoga.
- The hotel is about a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk to the main downtown strip.
- The TV uses an Apple TV interface, which requires logging into your own streaming accounts.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out the traffic and neighbor noise.
- Your own streaming passwords, as the TVs run on Apple TV.
- Dog treats if you're bringing a pup—the hotel is very pet-friendly ($50/night fee).
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor rooms facing the pool or mountains to avoid heavy footsteps from above and minimize street noise.
- Deluxe Suites for extra space (567 sq ft) and a private balcony or patio.
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms, especially near the street, due to amplified traffic noise and hearing every footstep from the guests above.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm really looking forward to my stay! If possible, could I please request a top-floor room facing the pool or mountains? I'm a bit of a light sleeper, so being away from the street noise and not having anyone above me would be amazing. Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does Royal Sun Palm Springs have a resort fee?
Yes, expect a mandatory daily resort fee of around $45-$51 plus tax, which covers parking, Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and some wellness activities.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, they welcome up to 2 dogs (up to 75 lbs) for a fee of $50 per pet, per night.
How far is it from downtown Palm Springs?
It's located at the south end of Palm Canyon Drive, about a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to the heart of downtown.
Is there a pool?
Yes, there is a heated outdoor pool with mountain views, cabanas, and the High Moon poolside bar serving drinks and food.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in starts at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Is parking free?
Self-parking is included in the daily resort fee, so you won't pay an extra separate parking charge.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Borrow one of the complimentary cruiser bikes (included in your resort fee) for a quick 10-minute ride to Koffi or downtown for breakfast.
- ✨
Take advantage of the Saturday morning yoga and soundbath experience, which is included in the resort fee.
- ✨
The Moorten Botanical Garden is directly across the street—a perfect, quiet morning activity before it gets too hot.
5 things to know before you go
💡The exterior still has a bit of a dated 1970s rock facade, which contrasts sharply with the beautifully renovated mid-century modern interior.
💡The rooms feature high-end Le Labo bath products, a rare luxury touch for a hotel in this price tier.
💡The in-room TVs use Apple TV, which can be frustrating if the software needs an update or you just want to flip through standard cable.
💡There's a hidden water feature designed to help mask the road noise, though it doesn't block it out completely.
💡The hotel provides Fellow kettles and premium TAZO teas/steeped coffee in the rooms, a nice upgrade from standard cheap hotel coffee makers.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Royal Sun Palm Springs is located and what's nearby.