The hype
Great for a bachelorette party or day drinking, but don't look too closely at the grout.
The Saguaro Palm Springs
$130-250/ night
Book this if You're under 30, here for the pool party, and care more about your Instagram feed than a spotless carpet.
Why People Love It
- The technicolor aesthetic is undeniably photogenic
- El Jefe's Taco Tuesdays and tequila selection are legitimate local hits
- The pool scene is a non-stop, high-energy social hub
Quick Take: A fun, flashy motel that relies heavily on paint and vibes to distract you from the worn-out rooms and thin walls.
Reviewed by @Michaela_romanosmith: I honestly couldn't stop taking photos here. The colors are even more vibrant in person! It’s definitely a party hotel, so bring your friends and grab a margarita by the pool. The mountain views from my balcony were the perfect chill contrast to the lively pool scene.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The photos look brand new, but the rooms feel like a college dorm that's seen one too many spring breaks.
- You want to meet people and party by the pool all day
- You need a colorful backdrop for content creation
- You plan to be out (or intoxicated) enough that noise doesn't bother you
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Many reports of missed days or rushed service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but tired. Watch for mold in grout and rust on fixtures.
- Maintenance: High wear and tear. Chipped furniture, peeling paint, and rattling AC units are common.
- Linens & towels: Average quality, sometimes worn or stained. Not luxury standard.
- Odors & scents: Frequent complaints of 'damp' or 'musty' smells in rooms, likely due to old carpets and AC.
Sleepability™
3.5LOUD
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Poolside DJ and screaming guests (daytime/early eve)
- Hallway conversations and slamming doors
- Rattling air conditioning units on balconies
Before you book
Good to know
- The $39+ resort fee covers one car for self-parking; extra cars are ~$15/night.
- El Jefe is popular with locals, so book a table for dinner even if you're a guest.
- The pool is strictly 21+ on weekends during events; check the calendar.
What to pack
- High-fidelity earplugs (essential for sleep)
- Pool slides (carpets can feel grimey)
- A portable steamer (irons are hit-or-miss)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Mountain View rooms (back of the hotel) for slightly less noise
- Top floor (3rd floor) to avoid hearing footsteps from above
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Pool View rooms (zero privacy, maximum noise)
- Corner Suites (awkward layouts, obstructed views)
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a Mountain View room on the 3rd floor, as far from the pool speakers and elevators as possible, to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool really that loud?
Yes. On weekends, it's effectively a day club with a DJ. If your room faces the pool, your windows will vibrate.
Are the rooms renovated?
They were refreshed years ago but are showing significant wear and tear (chipped paint, stained carpets) as of late 2024/2025.
Is parking free?
Technically no—it's 'included' in the mandatory daily resort fee for one vehicle.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it's very pet-friendly, but there is a ~$50 pet fee per stay.
Is it good for families?
Not really. The vibe is heavily adult/party-focused, especially on weekends. Kids might feel out of place amidst the drinking games.
How is the wifi?
Generally reliable enough for social media, but can slow down when the hotel is at full capacity.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'City View' rooms often just face the parking lot—stick to Mountain View.
- ✨
You can rent cruiser bikes for free (included in resort fee) to explore the neighborhood.
- ✨
El Jefe has a secret 'speakeasy' bar vibe in the back, separate from the main cantina.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'balconies' are often just shared walkways or have zero privacy from neighbors.
💡The elevators are slow and located at the far ends of the building—prepare for long walks.
💡The bright colors fade fast in the desert sun; up close, the exterior paint is often peeling.
💡Housekeeping can be inconsistent; you might have to ask twice for fresh towels.
💡The 'resort fee' includes yoga, but classes are often only on weekends.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Saguaro Palm Springs is located and what's nearby.