Hip Haunts in Palm Springs

One of the best reasons to visit Palm Springs is to take in the overwhelming amount of great architecture. From the early work of Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra to the countless Palmer & Krisel-designed houses, there's more than enough to see over several trips.

If architecture is on your mind, then you should make it a point to stay in an well-designed hotel, right? We've stayed in three different hotels in Palm Springs and toured two others.

Desert Star Bungalows - The bungalows were known as the Desert Star Inn the three times we stayed there. When Steve and Misako Samiof sold the hotel to move to Costa Rica, a new owner gave the hotel a fresh facelift and raised rates a bit. Still, they're in a tranquil neighborhood and each bungalow is nicely furnished with period pieces. Our recommendation? Stay in Bungalow Number 5.

The pool at the Desert Star

Villa Royale - Of all the hotels listed in this post, the Villa Royale is the only hotel that doesn't have a mid-century pedigree. It's a 1930's Mediterranean-style hotel but it oozes charm and typified Palm Springs before it's 1950s heyday.

Orbit In / Hideaway - What a great pair of hotels. The Orbit In really perfected what a Palm Springs mid-century hotel should look like. Great furnishings in the rooms, a very cool pool scene and evening cocktails. If you can get past the sticker shock, the Orbit In is a great bet. Slightly more affordable but equally hip is the nearby Hideaway.

The Orbit In - Pricey but Worth it!

Caliente Tropics - A 1964 tiki-themed hotel that is better for families or lower key stays in Palm Springs. Not as hip as the Orbit In or charming as the Villa Royale, the Caliente Tropics has its own vibe. If you're into tiki and polynesian style architecture, this is where you will want to stay.

Polynesian Style at the Caliente Tropics

Now... there are other mid-century hotels in town and if you don't like the choices I've listed, these might do the trick for you.

• Del Marcos Hotel - 1947 hotel designed by William F. Cody
• Horizon Hotel - 1952 hotel also designed by Cody and just restored
• Movie Colony Hotel - Albert Frey-designed gem from 1935
• Ballantine's Original Hotel - Once a sister hotel to the Movie Colony - similar in style
• Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs - Glammed out resort once owned by Gene Autry and Merv Griffin. Jonathan Adler design.
• Hope Springs Resort - Former sister hotel to the Desert Star - Cool spot in Desert Hot Springs.
• Desert Hot Springs Motel - John Lautner masterpiece from 1947
• Miracle Manor Retreat - Spa-themed hotel in Desert Hot Springs
• Sagewater Spa - Another spa in Desert Hot Springs
• A Place in the Sun Hotel - 1950 hotel designed for the movie's production crew

How's that for choices?