Quick FactsOverview
About Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, California is a paid mineral springs hotel at 10805 Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs, approximately 12 miles north of Palm Springs. Eight natural geothermal pools ranging from 90 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit are arranged around a central courtyard shaded by tall palm trees. Day passes providing access to all pools and the dry sauna are available from 8am to 10pm for $5 to $7, with the fee waived for guests who book any spa service. Overnight guests receive complimentary 24-hour pool access included with their room rate.
The 50-room hotel wraps around the courtyard in a retro 1950s desert aesthetic with standard rooms, mini-suites, poolside rooms, and mountain-view rooms. The full-service spa offers massage, body treatments, facials, and beauty services. The Sunshine Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with poolside and room service delivery. A Sports Lounge and poolside bar also operate on the property.
Desert Hot Springs sits on a natural geothermal aquifer that has drawn visitors since the mid-twentieth century. The hotel is one of several mineral spring properties in the Desert Hot Springs corridor, making the city one of the most concentrated clusters of geothermal soaking facilities among hot springs in California. Joshua Tree National Park is 30 miles northeast.
Location & Access
Getting to Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is at 10805 Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs. From Palm Springs International Airport, exit on Ramon Road, turn left, then left on Gene Autry Trail, cross Interstate 10 where Gene Autry becomes Palm Drive, and continue north through Desert Hot Springs. The hotel is on the left at the first four-way stop at 8th Street, approximately 20 minutes from the airport. From Interstate 10, take Exit 120 and follow Palm Drive north approximately 5 miles into Desert Hot Springs.
Free on-site parking is available for guests and day visitors. No hiking or trail access is required to reach any pool or spa facility. The hotel offers ADA-accessible rooms and ground-floor pool access. Day visitors should purchase a day pass at the front desk before the 10pm closing. Booking any spa service provides complimentary pool access as part of that treatment.
For visitors looking for hot springs near Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs is the primary geothermal district in the region, and the Spa Hotel sits on Palm Drive near the heart of that corridor. Downtown Desert Hot Springs is approximately 0.6 miles south. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is approximately 15 miles south, and Palm Springs International Airport is approximately 10 miles away.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Should Visit Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel suits families, couples, and individual visitors seeking an affordable, casual mineral spring experience with day-pass access and a full range of hotel amenities. The eight pools at varying temperatures suit guests who want to move between cooler and hotter soaks during a visit. A children's pool makes the property accessible for families with younger children, and the relaxed mid-century atmosphere suits a wide age range.
Day visitors can access all pools and the sauna for $5 to $7, which is among the most affordable day-pass pricing for a natural geothermal mineral pool hotel in the Palm Springs area. Booking any spa service waives this fee entirely, making a treatment combined with pool access a cost-effective combination. The Sunshine Cafe and poolside bar add practical dining options for both day and overnight guests alike.
The hotel is pet-friendly and ADA-compliant, making it accessible to a broad range of visitors. Those seeking a hot spring resort in California within easy reach of the greater Palm Springs area will find the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel one of the most accessible and affordable options in the region. The 50-room property has limited capacity and advance reservations are recommended for overnight stays during peak season.
Safety & Etiquette
Safety at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel
Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is generally safe to visit, with natural mineral pools managed by hotel staff and maintained at temperatures between 90 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit across the eight pools. Visitors should test temperatures before entering and move between pools gradually. The hottest pools reach 104 degrees and require care when transitioning to a standing position, as a rapid temperature change can affect blood pressure.
Guests with cardiovascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, pregnancy, or skin sensitivities should consult a physician before soaking. Extended soaking in pools above 100 degrees places thermal stress on the body, and visitors should take breaks, hydrate regularly, and exit any pool if they feel overheated or unwell. The desert environment adds ambient heat, particularly in summer, and adequate water intake throughout the visit is important.
Swimwear is required throughout all pool and common areas. The pool deck is a wet surface and footwear is advisable when walking between pools. The hotel is smoke-free throughout. Day pass guests should allow adequate time to dress and depart before the 10pm closing. Children must be supervised by adults at all times near or in any pool.
Hotel staff are available at the front desk around the clock for overnight guests. The nearest medical facilities are in Desert Hot Springs and the broader Palm Springs area, within approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car. Guests experiencing dizziness or discomfort while soaking should exit the water and notify staff. The Sports Lounge serves alcohol but consumption should be moderated when soaking in heated mineral water.
