Thompson Palm Springs: First In

Character and identity

Thompson Palm Springs sits at the seam of Downtown and the Uptown Design District, low-slung and sprawling rather than urban-tower in feel. White stucco buildings angle around pathways planted with cactus, olive trees, and succulents, with bocce, fire pits, and oversize lawn games scattered between. The 168 rooms lean midcentury: light woods, leather headboards, velvet seating, desert neutrals, with private balconies or enclosed courtyards. Signature restaurant Lola Rose Grand Mezze brings glossy modern Mediterranean and a late bar; the second-floor pool deck draws a mixed but composed crowd. Service runs friendly and polished, with a house Rivian on call for drop-offs within three miles.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What makes this place tick is the combination of a genuinely walkable Palm Springs location and Lola Rose, a restaurant locals actually book. Come for the food, the pool, and the proximity to uptown shopping rather than for resort-style seclusion. Book the corner Alejo suite if you want a balcony worth lingering on, and factor the $49 destination fee in: it earns its keep through valet, bikes, and the house car.