Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is a classic mid-century hot springs resort located in the heart of Desert Hot Springs, California. Built in the 1950s, the hotel is known for its retro atmosphere, affordable pricing, and access to natural hot mineral water pools.
The resort features eight outdoor pools and spas, all filled with pure mineral water drawn directly from an underground aquifer. Pool temperatures vary between 90°F and 104°F, offering both refreshing and soothing options for guests. Hotel visitors have 24-hour access to the pools, while day pass guests can enjoy soaking between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is popular for its relaxed, family-friendly environment, making it a good choice for travelers seeking an easygoing hot springs experience close to Palm Springs. The on-site amenities include a full-service spa, a restaurant and bar, and basic hotel facilities. While the resort retains much of its vintage charm, visitors should expect simple accommodations rather than modern luxury.
For a full overview of the area’s geothermal waters and hot spring resorts, see our detailed guide to Desert Hot Springs.
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What You Should Know Before Going
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel offers a casual and family-friendly atmosphere, centered around its natural hot mineral water pools. All pools are filled with untreated mineral water sourced directly from the underground aquifer, with temperatures ranging between 90°F and 104°F depending on the season and pool.
Guests staying overnight have 24-hour access to the pools, while day pass visitors can soak between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Advance reservations for day use are not mandatory but are recommended during weekends and holiday periods, when the resort can get busy.
Swimsuits are required in all public pool areas. The resort maintains a relaxed dress code throughout the property but does not offer clothing-optional facilities. Towels are available for rent, and locker rooms with showers are accessible for both hotel guests and day visitors.
The on-site spa offers massages and wellness treatments by appointment, and the property includes a restaurant and bar for casual dining. Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the pool areas.
Parking is available on-site and is free of charge for all guests. Children are welcome at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, making it a good option for families seeking an affordable hot springs experience near Palm Springs.
How to Get There
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is located in the center of Desert Hot Springs, California, approximately 30 minutes northeast of Palm Springs. The hotel sits on Palm Drive, one of the main streets in town, making it easy to find and access by car.
If you are arriving by air, the nearest airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which offers direct flights from major cities across the United States. From the airport, it’s about a 25- to 30-minute drive to the hotel via Interstate 10 and North Palm Drive.
Driving your own vehicle is highly recommended, as public transportation options are limited in Desert Hot Springs. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available but can be inconsistent, especially during late evening hours or in more residential parts of town.
Free parking is available on-site for all hotel guests and day visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is open year-round, offering a relaxing hot springs experience in every season.
The best time to visit is during fall (October to December) and spring (March to May), when daytime temperatures are mild and the desert landscape is at its most beautiful. These seasons provide perfect weather for soaking in the hot mineral pools and exploring nearby desert attractions.
Winter months (December to February) are also a great time to visit, especially for those who enjoy cooler air paired with the warmth of the mineral pools. The resort tends to be busier during major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, so early reservations are recommended.
Summer (June to September) brings high desert heat, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). While the pools remain open, most visitors prefer early morning or evening soaking sessions to avoid peak heat.
No matter the season, the hotel’s natural hot springs provide a relaxing escape just a short drive from Palm Springs.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is open year-round, providing both day use and overnight accommodations. Day passes are available daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, giving visitors access to the resort’s eight natural hot mineral pools.
The day pass fee is $15 for adults and children aged 3 to 64 years. Seniors aged 65 and over pay $10, with a special Tuesday rate of $5. Children aged 2 and under can enter for free. During holiday periods, such as major U.S. holidays, the day pass price is $20 for all visitors aged 3 and above.
Reservations for day passes are not required, but it is highly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the resort can get busy. Towels can be rented for a small fee, and lockers and showers are available for guest use.
Guests staying overnight have 24-hour access to the mineral pools, with additional amenities like the spa and on-site restaurant available during standard business hours.
Where to Stay Nearby
Located in the heart of Desert Hot Springs, Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel offers an authentic retro desert experience, surrounded by wide-open landscapes and panoramic mountain views. The town itself is quiet, laid-back, and built around the healing properties of its natural mineral aquifer. Unlike the busier Palm Springs just 20 minutes to the south, Desert Hot Springs maintains a relaxed, unpolished charm, with simple streets lined with spa hotels, boutique retreats, and desert flora.
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is one of the area’s original hot spring resorts, established in the 1950s. It features a distinct mid-century vibe, eight mineral water pools, an on-site spa, and a casual restaurant and bar. While the hotel offers an affordable and authentic hot springs experience, travelers should expect basic accommodations rather than modern luxury. It’s ideal for visitors looking for an unpretentious, family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to healing mineral waters.
Recommended Accommodations near Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
If Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is fully booked or if you’re looking for different styles of accommodation, the town offers several other hot spring resorts worth considering:
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa
Miracle Springs Resort & Spa is located just a short drive from Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel and offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Guests can enjoy eight outdoor mineral pools open 24 hours a day, a full-service spa, and casual dining with mountain views. The resort provides a classic desert retreat feel with plenty of space for soaking and relaxing. Day pass access is available for $20 for adults and $15 for seniors.
Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis
Azure Palm Hot Springs caters to travelers seeking a more upscale wellness experience. This modern resort features multiple hot mineral pools, a Himalayan salt room, a full-service day spa, and spacious suites—some with private in-room mineral tubs. Day passes are available, starting at $56 for a standard pass and $68 for an Oasis Day Pass which includes locker access, robe, and slippers. The resort offers spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the surrounding desert.
The Spring Resort & Spa
The Spring Resort & Spa is an adults-only, boutique-style resort that focuses on peace, privacy, and holistic wellness. With just a handful of rooms, three hot mineral pools, and an intimate day spa, it’s a perfect choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, rejuvenating escape. Day passes are available for $50 per person, or free with a spa treatment purchase of $100 or more. The minimalist desert-modern design enhances the feeling of serenity throughout the property.
You can explore more hotels and spa resorts around Desert Hot Springs using the interactive map below:
What to Do Nearby
Although Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is perfect for relaxation and soaking in healing mineral waters, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration, outdoor adventure, and local culture.
One of the top nearby attractions is Joshua Tree National Park, located about 45 minutes by car. Known for its surreal landscapes, giant boulders, and iconic Joshua trees, the park offers unforgettable hiking, rock climbing, and photography opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a full-day adventure or a scenic drive, Joshua Tree is an essential addition to any desert getaway.
Closer to Desert Hot Springs, visitors can explore Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, a hand-built adobe home and museum constructed in the early 20th century by desert pioneer Cabot Yerxa. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into local history, indigenous culture, and early life in the California desert. Guided tours are available most days.
For a taste of city life, Palm Springs is just a short drive away. Spend an afternoon strolling the lively downtown area, enjoying boutique shopping, mid-century modern architecture tours, or visiting cultural attractions like the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Outdoor enthusiasts might also consider booking an off-road San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour, which takes visitors deep into remote desert canyons, lush oases, and hidden landscapes formed by powerful geological forces.
