The 14 best Airbnbs in Palm Springs for a desert escape

If you like the idea of swimming laps with a mountain acting as your backdrop, this is the spot for you. You'll spend your time here splashing in the pool, topping up your tan, splurging on shopping trips, and hitting the Palm Springs nightlife spots. This home was built in 1960 by the architect William Krisel and has been fully renovated to a high standard. With enough space for eight guests, across five beds in four bedrooms, it's a great spot for groups looking for a little R&R in the desert.

Time Out tip: Go out and find PaulBar, sandwiched between a taqueria and a dispensary with no signage to speak of, but push through the plain door and you’re in an Old Hollywood-style cocktail bar with bartenders in bow ties. It’s the kind of place most visitors walk straight past, but definitely worth seeking out on your first night.

Sleeps: Four bedrooms, five beds, three bathrooms. Sleeps 8 guests (booking guest must be 25 or older).

Perks: Private pool with fire pit and outdoor shower, separate casita, two-car garage with EV charger, dining for 10 indoors and out, close to downtown Palm Springs.

Price: From $613 a night.

Neighbourhood: Joshua Tree.

Now it's not every day a destination like this lands in your lap. Nicknamed the bamboo house by host Mo, this lush three-bedroom desert oasis is an absolute architectural playground with stunning detail around every corner. We love the texture of the bamboo, wickered lamps, and sculpted wood furnishings that all reflect the natural landscape in a way that makes us all want to ditch the city and say hello to our next nomadic adventure - especially when it looks like this. Hang out on the rooftop deck looking out over the desert, go for a few laps in the saltwater pool, chill by the fire pit or simply enjoy winding down in the cool of the shaded lounge. Just a 45-minute drive to Palm Springs, and worlds away from your work desk. 

Time Out tip: Pappy and Harriet’s, the legendary honky-tonk in Pioneertown, is 20 minutes away and worth the drive for dinner and live music, book ahead if you can. Pool heating isn’t included as standard, it’s a separate daily fee, so factor that in if you're visiting outside summer.

Sleeps: Three bedrooms, four beds (three queens plus two sofas). Sleeps 8 guests.

Perks: Saltwater pool with jacuzzi and outdoor shower, rooftop deck with bar, EV charging (both 240V and 110V), fire pit and barbecue, pets welcome for $50 per pet.

Price: From $723 a night.

Neighbourhood: Twin Palms, Ocotillo Lodge, Palm Springs.

Nothing captures the essence of Palm Springs quite like this cute, retro bungalow that sits conveniently close to restaurants and shops. With groovy tiled walls, striped rugs, pastel decor pieces and ample space for lounging in the sunlight, this place not only looks the part, but it's also incredibly comfy, setting the stage for a tranquil getaway with stunning desert vistas. And since this beaut is situated in the renowned Ocotillo Lodge, you're in for a treat with access to the legendary champagne cork pool just steps away. Time to pack those speedos. 

Time Out tip: Head to Mr Lyons for dinner. It’s a retro-glam steakhouse a short walk from the lodge, then for cocktails only, look for Seymour’s, an unmarked bar hidden behind a velvet curtain with no sign out front. Locals treat it as the neighbourhood's best-kept secret.

Sleeps: One bedroom, one bed, one bathroom. Sleeps 2 guests (strict overnight cap, must be 25 or older to book).

Perks: Shared champagne cork pool and hot tub, private patio with mountain views, bikes and beach essentials provided, gas BBQ grill, in-unit washer.

Price: From $360 a night.

Neighbourhood: Racquet Club Estates, Palm Springs.

Talk about million-dollar mountain views. Enjoy some serious gawking at the nature around this Palm Springs home. You'll have a private pool, gas BBQ, and lounging furniture to kick back in while making the most of the warm desert weather. The home itself has enough space for up to six guests, including spacious bedrooms and family-friendly living spaces all decorated in a comfortable contemporary style. You'll only be 10 minutes from the center of town too if you need anything during your stay. 

Time Out tip: You’re staying in Rat Pack territory, as this neighbourhood of roughly 500 midcentury homes was built to serve the old Palm Springs Racquet Club, where Steve McQueen and Debbie Reynolds once had houses nearby. Worth knowing before you book though, the city enforces strict quiet hours here, so no music at any time and quiet from 9pm to 10am. It’s a better fit for a peaceful stay than a loud one. 

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, three beds (a king, a queen, plus a sofa bed in the den). Sleeps 5 guests.

Perks: Private pool with integrated spa, fully walled and gated backyard, gas BBQ, dedicated workspace, free on-site parking.

Price: From $516 a night.

Neighbourhood: Twentynine Palms (Joshua Tree's ‘sister city’)

Located just outside Palm Springs in Twentynine Palms (also known as the ‘sister city’ of Joshua Tree), this deeply covetable property has been curated with your total wellbeing in mind. Along with a gorgeous pool and hot tub, the house has its own infrared dry sauna (a total win for decreasingly inflammation and kick-starting the healing process) and spa-like rain showers. The main living space is a fusion of post-industrial chic with cosy comforts (and a nice view of the pool). If you appreciate the beauty of every day objects, this one is for you.

Time Out tip: The roads out here turn to unpaved dirt once you’re off the main route, so an SUV or truck is the better choice, especially if you're visiting during the wetter months. Pool heating isn’t included as standard either, it’s a $200 a night add-on with 24 hours’ notice required, so decide before you book if that's part of the plan.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, five beds (two kings plus three twin pullouts across the rooms). Sleeps 6 guests.

Perks: Infrared dry sauna and cold plunge, private pool and in-ground spa, EV charger, spa-like rain showers, dogs welcome for a $100 fee.

Price: From $411 a night.

Neighbourhood: Windy Point, Palm Springs.

Designed by architect William Krisel, this house comes complete with a cowboy pool, hot tub, mural, gas-powered fire pit, barbecue, sunbathing recliners, beautiful dining table, and outdoor lounge areas. It's found in a very sweetly-named community, Windy Point, right up against the mountains – so expect plenty of great views. Above all, the home is a sensory experience with bright splashes of color at every turn. Spend your days reclining by the pool or checking out the shopping opportunities at vibrant Palm Springs which is just a five-minute drive away. 

or video shoots need approval and a fee in advance, so it’s better suited to a relaxed group than anyone planning a big production. The pool is neither heated nor cooled, worth knowing if you're visiting outside the warmest months.

Sleeps: Three bedrooms, three beds (a king, a queen, plus a sofa bed), one bathroom. Sleeps 6 guests.

Perks: Cowboy pool and hot tub, gas fire pit, cactus garden with mountain views, fully gated for privacy, free on-site parking.

Price: From $387 a night.

Here is the kind of home that you could swan about in, pretending that you have enough cash to own a second home out in Palm Springs. The house comes complete with a pool, spa, two bedrooms, two baths, a spacious outdoor area, and all the amenities you could need. In the heart of the Ruth Hardy Park and Movie Colony East area, this unique spot has views of the San Jacinto mountains making it a truly great place to stay.  

What’s the budget range? A lavish seven-night stay minimum.

What’s it like to stay here? Like being in a tropical oasis with gorgeous San Jacinto mountain views.

Rooms: 2 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 4. 

Nestled within five acres, this dome boasts 360 views of the desert, mountains, Joshua Tree Park, and Coachella Valley. Just 15 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, this home has a large kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, three bedrooms, and all the mod cons you could need. Treat yourself to a little TLC with an escape from the city, and this home is the perfect spot for chilling out, reading that book you've always wanted to get stuck into, and just being at one with nature. 

What’s the budget range? As cheap as buttons when you divvy it up. 

What’s it like to stay here? A real retreat with the mountainous backdrop as the cherry on top. 

Rooms: 4 beds, 2.5 baths. Sleeps 8. 

Situated in Morongo Valley, this desert oasis makes you feel like you're standing at the top of the world. Soak up picturesque vistas from your porch with a morning coffee, overlooking something that can only be described as an otherworldly landscape. Make the most of Joshua Tree National Park is so close by, relish in all the food and shopping Palm Springs has to offer, and finish off your evenings with a sunset dip in the spa. You're sure to leave feeling refreshed. 

What’s the budget range? On the pricey side but so worth it.

What’s it like to stay here? From the natural pool to the surrounding landscape, this location is nothing short of Palm Springs' perfection. 

Rooms: 2 beds, 1.5 baths. Sleeps 6. 

Casa de Colores is exactly as you'd imagine it. Filled with dark wooden touches that add an extra sense of homeliness, with pops of color to keep it fresh. Cook up a storm in the warm and welcoming kitchen before enjoying it on the large wooden table in the dining room, or alfresco under the desert sky. Oh, and to sweeten the deal you've got a gorgeous pool space for having a splash around in too. 

What’s the budget range? Well-priced but comes with a seven-day minimum. 

What’s it like to stay here? A rustic retreat just a few blocks from the famous Palm Canyon Drive. 

Rooms: 3 beds, 3 baths. Sleeps 6.

Found in a quiet neighborhood outside of Palm Springs, this is a resort-like getaway that you can't turn down. Giving you VIP vibes from the pool to the view and the comfortable interiors, this is somewhere that's sure to leave you feeling refreshed. When you're not exploring all that the surrounding area has to offer, you can spend your days chilling by the pool, tanning, and catching up on some little relaxation. The indoor-outdoor vibe of the garden makes it even easier to spend your evenings watching the sun go down.

What’s the budget range? On the spenny side of life.

What’s it like to stay here? You'll feel like you're in a private resort as you bask in the outdoor pool in style.

Rooms: 3 beds, 3 baths. Sleeps 6.

Beyond the cactus-flanked arch of this is a charming Spanish colonial-style retreat for you and the fam. Set in a quiet neighbourhood, this home boasts beautiful desert landscapes, mountain views, a leafy garden, a pool and spa, and a clawfoot tub in the bathroom. In other words, there are no limits to how you can relax. When you're in the mood to head downtown, you're just a short walk from all the restaurants and shops.

What’s the budget range? Pricey, but not overly so for a getaway to Palm Springs. 

What’s it like to stay here? Shrouded by desert plants, this home feels incredibly hidden and peaceful, while still being a walkable distance to downtown. 

Rooms: 2 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 4.