Dreaming of a Palm Springs escape with your loved one?
Look no further than the Drift Hotel, a chic boutique gem nestled in the heart of downtown. The expansive pool has everything you need for you and your crew: cabanas, loungers, views, and craft cocktails.
My husband and I recently called Grandma for help while we traded our salty sun for desert sunshine in a fun and relaxing kids-free getaway.
Here’s what to expect while staying in Drift Hotel Palm Springs:
This hotel review of the Drift Hotel Palm Springs contains affiliate links, where I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Location
We booked the Drift Hotel because its vibe and design but also location, location, location! You’re steps away from the action.
Palm Canyon Drive offers amazing restaurants, vibrant shops, art studios, and the famous Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
Address: 284 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Every thursday night in Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive is closed for VillegeFest where the street is filled with vendors, food, and music. It’s a must see for sure!
Checking In
Drift Hotel Palm Springs does check in differently. Your arrival starts with a text message and email the day before your arrival with pre check in instructions. The day of your arrival you’ll receive your room number and code.
While there’s not a hotel front desk, we found that our questions via text messages were responded to quickly. The digital concierge, is available via text 8am – 11pm (EST).
The Room
Drift Palm Springs offers suites, with one to four-bedroom layouts, full kitchens and living areas, and balconies or patios.
Our studio was clean clean with a minimalist desert-chic design and included:
- King bed
- Streaming TV + WiFi
- Curated bath amenities & robes
- Stocked pantry + mini fridge + coffee
- Full length mirror
Our balcony had partial views of the pool, mountain views, but an unfavorable view of a cornering neighbor room. We texted the hotel concierge to see if we could upgrade to a better view but they were booked up.
While the minimalist design was charming, my one fashionista complaint was the missing closet! Thankfully, two resourceful hooks served as a makeshift wardrobe.
Overall, our room was cool designed, comfy, clean and perfect for what we needed it for. Would we prefer a better view and larger balcony? Absolutely.
Pool
When you’re in the desert, you want a good place to relax by the pool and take a dip to cool down. There’s plenty of room for splashing here, plus enjoy fire pits, craft drinks, and comfy cabanas.
In season, on Saturdays enjoy a DJ spinning pool side. Relax until 10pm with the pool staying open late.
The Drift pool is so gorgeous we’re actively redesigning out back patio to mimic it. (Seriously). If we could only find a way to recreate the stunning mountain views in Florida!
The pool is open from 8am – 10pm daily, and the pool bar is serving food and drink from 11am – 7pm daily. Pool loungers are first come, first served.
Dining
Maleza serves baja mexican cuisine, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Delicious modern and unique eats like fish ceviche with blood orange, half chicken a la brasa, beet tartare, and grilled octopus with pickled strawberries. They offer a nice mix of meat and veggie options.
The bartenders know how to make amazing craft cocktails. Choose one of their unique options on the list or just tell them what you like and you’ll be happy!
Happy Hour
Don’t miss Drift’s Happy Hour, weekdays from 2pm to 6pm! Enjoy amazing craft cocktails by the pool or at the bar.
Try the Guava Mama, featuring spicy tequila, guava, and lime.
Prefer something different? Embrace the Palm Springs spirit with a classic Palm Springs Martini for just $7.
Indulge in their Happy Hour menu boasting juicy smash burgers, fresh oysters, and gourmet hot dogs.
Free Bike Rentals
Want to explore further afield? The hotel offers free bike rentals, perfect for cruising the flat streets and soaking in the iconic mid-century modern architecture.
Hotel Design
“Aesthetically, Drift has an industrial chic design style that is rooted in Baja desert minimalism,” Philip Bates, founder of TMC Hospitality, says.
We loved the white walls with pops of color. The simple design allows nature to shine in contrast.
Desert plants and cacti lined the walkways beautifully. If traveling with little ones, obviously something to caution them on.
Summary
Drift Hotel Palm Springs was a refreshing and delightful stay. While we experienced it during a kids-free parents getaway, we’d definitely come back with our little ones! The location, hotel design, and experience lure us back.
Why Parents Love it:
- Great location- walkable to the action
- Hotel design and grounds are beautiful
- Views of the San Jacinto mountains
- Bar & happy hour
- Fire pits
Why Kids Love it:
- The pool
- Bike rentals (bigger kids)
- Poolside game: Corn hole
Can I get a day pass?
Already have a place to stay but looking for a pool and cabana day pass? Yes! You can get a Drift Hotel day pass for as low as $40. Want to rent a cabana, no problem. See details and rates.
When is the best time to visit Palm Springs, CA?
Palm Springs offers sunshine and warmth year-round making it an ideal destination anytime. However, the summer months June – September are the hottest reaching highs of over 100 degrees.
We stayed at the Drift Hotel in Palm Springs at the end of September, early October. During the day it did get over 100 which we spent most of it at the pool cooling off. The night time temperatures were a glorious in the 70s.
If you want to beat the heat – check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Experience Palm Springs from the top of the San Jacinto Mountains, where the temperature drops 30-40 degrees cooler.
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