The hype
Guests adore the grounds and the sheer number of pools, often calling it a 'magical' and 'relaxing' escape.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection By Hilton
$220-450/ night
Book this if You want a historic, sprawling desert oasis where you can hop between 41 different pools and bring your dog without judgment.
Why People Love It
- 41 climate-controlled pools means you can almost always find a private dip
- Historic 1920s Spanish hacienda charm that feels like a village, not a hotel
- Incredibly pet-friendly 'PAWS La Quinta' program with 45 acres of roaming space
Quick Take: It's a legendary property that oozes Old Hollywood charm, but the sprawling layout means a lot of walking and the vintage casitas are showing their age.
Reviewed by @ScottsdaleTravelChick: I spent my mornings wandering these insane flower gardens before heading to the courts. The historic Spanish vibe is unmatched—felt like a private village. If you love tennis, this is the holy grail.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Complaints consistently cite 'tired' rooms with dated bathrooms, occasional bugs (ants/spiders) due to the garden setting, and service that can be slow due to the resort's size.
- You love the idea of having a semi-private pool steps from your door
- You are traveling with a dog and want them to be treated like royalty
- You appreciate historic architecture over modern, glass-box luxury
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dusting in high corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout lines in older casitas can show age/wear.
- Maintenance: Grounds are immaculate (10/10). Rooms show some wear (peeling paint, rattling AC) due to age.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens. Pool towels are plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Fresh citrus scent in lobby; rooms are generally neutral but can smell 'old' or musty if closed up too long.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Neighbors in connecting casitas
- Pool noise if booking a 'Poolside' unit
- AC units rattling in older rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Resort Fee' (~$46) covers internet, fitness classes, tennis court access, and valet/self-parking is extra.
- There are 41 pools, but 'Plunge' is the main adult-only (21+) option.
- You can text the front desk for a golf cart shuttle, but wait times can be 15+ minutes at peak hours.
What to pack
- Walking shoes (the property is huge)
- Bug spray (lush gardens = mosquitoes and ants)
- A sweater for desert nights, even in spring/fall
Room Genie
Best picks
- Starlight Casita (2nd floor, private patio with outdoor fireplace, mountain views)
- Hideaway Suite (private yard with hot tub, very secluded)
- San Vicente or Hacienda Grande clusters for a quieter, more residential feel
Rooms to avoid
- Poolside Casitas near the Main Pool (too loud/busy)
- Ground floor Vintage Casitas near walkways (privacy issues)
- Rooms near the tennis courts if you want to sleep in past 7am
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a Starlight Casita on the second floor for privacy. If that is not available, please assign a room in the San Vicente or Hacienda Grande clusters, away from the main pool noise and high-traffic walkways.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the resort fee mandatory?
Yes, expect to pay around $46/night plus tax, which covers amenities like wifi, tennis, and fitness center access.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is approximately $15/night; Valet is around $25-35/night.
Is it really pet friendly?
Extremely. The 'PAWS La Quinta' program welcomes dogs (up to 2 per room, 75lbs max) for a $150 non-refundable fee per stay.
Are the pools heated?
Yes, pools are heated in the winter and chilled in the summer to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, there are several on-site (Morgan's, Adobe Grill, Twenty6), and Old Town La Quinta is a short drive or long walk (approx. 1 mile) away.
Is there a 'bad' room location?
Rooms directly facing the main pool or busy walkways lack privacy. Ask for a 'secluded' location if that matters to you.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Frank Capra wrote the screenplay for 'Lost Horizon' here; ask for the Capra Suite history.
- ✨
The 'Plunge' pool is adults-only and has a much more chilled-out vibe than the main family pool.
- ✨
You can order a 'Bacon'd Bloody Mary' at Twenty6 which is a meal in itself.
5 things to know before you go
💡The ants. Because it's a single-story garden resort, ants can be a recurring guest in your room.
💡The maze-like layout. You WILL get lost trying to find your room the first night.
💡The '41 pools' stat is real, but some are tiny 'casita pools' shared by just a few rooms—which is actually better.
💡The AC units in the historic casitas can be loud and struggle to keep up in July/August.
💡You might spot a celebrity; it's a historic hideout for Hollywood elite since the 1920s.
Local Playbook
Map
See where La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection By Hilton is located and what's nearby.