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Palm Springs has always known how to make an impression with its walkable boulevards, sunset-lit mountains at dusk, and midcentury architecture. The Thompson Palm Springs, a Hyatt lifestyle property sitting squarely in the heart of downtown, leans into all of that and delivers on a classic Palm Springs experience.

The hotel channels the city’s Rat Pack-era heritage through a modern lens, pairing bold art, warm wood, and desert-savvy design with the kind of amenities that make you want to stay put: Two outdoor pools, an award-winning Levantine-inspired restaurant, a HALL Napa Valley tasting room, plus 168 bungalow-inspired rooms with private balconies overlooking it all.

I checked in on a warm desert evening and found myself immediately won over — not just by the views, but by the property’s small details.

The Thompson lobby makes an immediate impression. A warm wood-slat ceiling sits above the corridor, framing one of the more impressive pieces of the hotel’s decor: A massive, floor-to-ceiling mosaic that covers a wall in thousands of painted squares, shifting from deep jewel tones to soft pastels.

A large-scale portrait of a woman in bold, graphic brushwork sits opposite, while the curved reception desk is complimented by lush plants off to the side.

Thousands of individually-painted squares are layered together into a composition that shifts and changes depending on where you stand. I found myself entranced, picking out unexpected color combinations tucked within the larger whole. The hotel’s commitment to art is clear from the moment you step inside, and this piece alone makes the lobby worth a visit whether or not you’re a guest.

In the lounge downstairs, before the main part of the restaurant, a tufted caramel leather sofa sits in the middle of the seating area, paired with low velvet chairs and a dark wood coffee table set with candles. Behind it, the full bar runs the length of the back wall with brass shelving stacked with spirits.

On the other side, you’ll find rust-orange sofas and a mix of seating from woven basket chairs and linen armchairs to low upholstered benches. They’re arranged across a large Persian-style rug in warm terracotta and dusty blue, on point with the attached restaurant.

Elegant shelves along the walls are styled with ceramics, books, and art. There’s a DJ booth tucked into the corner, and while I wasn’t able to catch any music during my stay, I imagine there are nights where this space receives a second life after dark.

Upstairs, the guest rooms carry the same design sensibility as the lobby but have a more calm, relaxing vibe. Mine featured warm neutral tones throughout: Cream walls, terrazzo flooring, and a mix of wood finishes.

A floor lamp with an angular, geometric base stood in the corner and the wood desk added a rich, almost vintage feel to the room. Above the bed was a large-scale photographic print of a moody Palm Springs street scene, and the room smelled lovely too. 

The plush bed was extremely comfortable with a soft mattress and crisp duvet. The nightstands were finished in a rich burl wood pattern, topped with a brass dome lamp and ample charging ports.

A welcome tray was waiting on the desk for me when I arrived, filled with sweet treats, along with a gold corkscrew and a bottle of S.Pellegrino. It was a thoughtful gesture that set the tone for a level of hospitality that carried throughout the stay.

I hadn’t come across such a well-stocked minibar until the Thompson Palm Springs. Alongside the usual snacks and mini spirits are toiletry pouches and luggage tags for sale — nice local touches that could double as keepsakes.

The fridge contains locally made Las Palmas beer, a Cutwater espresso martini, High Noon mango vodka seltzer, Knob Creek bourbon, and a full row of Fever-Tree mixers.

The bathroom is spacious with a long double vanity and a deep sink. A large mirror runs the full width above it and fluffy white towels are stacked neatly on the open shelf below. Through the glass door, the generously-sized shower (with a wooden stool tucked into the corner) delivers great water pressure. The space feels calm and uncluttered, which is exactly what I needed after a long day of travel.

Like the room itself, the shampoo and body wash smell amazing, making the whole experience one of the better hotel showers I’ve experienced to date.
 

Every room at Thompson Palm Springs comes with a private balcony, which I highly recommend for sunset or morning coffee. Mine had two comfy woven chairs with a round concrete side table facing the San Jacinto Mountains, which turned a deep, burnt orange during the golden hour that was impossible to look away from. 

The hotel is equipped with a proper resort pool lined on all sides with signature black-and-white striped umbrellas over sun loungers to provide shade from the desert heat.

The reflection of the mountains and palm trees looked beautiful in the water on the calm morning I snapped this photo. It’s a well-designed outdoor space with classic Palm Springs character that reminds you exactly where you are.

Just beyond the main pool sits a second, smaller outdoor area with additional loungers, and a row of private cabanas with cream curtains that can be drawn closed for shade or privacy. 

I stepped out to the pool area late in the evening and the water glowed under the lights. The palm trees were lit from below, giving the deck a completely different character after dark, inviting guests for a nighttime swim.

Dinner at Lola Rose Grand Mezze, the hotel’s signature Levantine restaurant, was one of the highlights of my stay. The dining room is as beautifully styled as the rest of the property with warm timber panel walls hung salon-style with a mix of framed photographs, paintings, macramé wall hangings, and brass decorative plates. 

The menu leans into Levantine share plates. I sampled several dishes; the octopus was the standout of the evening for me. Served on a striking black-and-white patterned plate, it was tender and nicely charred, arranged over a generous bed of large butter beans dressed in herbs and a warm, savory broth.

One of the pleasures of staying at Thompson Palm Springs is the HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room located next to the lobby. The space is beautiful, open and spacious with sage green rounded armchairs arranged around low curved tables. There’s a full wine bar that runs along the back wall; large windows let in plenty of natural light. For wine lovers, this is a genuinely excellent bonus to find tucked inside a hotel.

The Thompson Palm Springs is located at 414 North Palm Canyon Drive.

I was hosted by Thompson Palm Springs for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own. Top photo courtesy of Thompson Palm Springs; all others by Rachel Cavanaugh.