Best Hotels in Uptown Design District, Palm Springs

The Colony Palms Hotel caters to stylish guests looking for trendy accommodations in the heart of Palm Springs. Originally opened in 1936 by reputed mobster Al Wertheimer, this boutique property has quite the storied past: It housed an illicit brothel and speakeasy in the 30s before switching ownership and becoming the Hollywood hot spot for the next several decades. Such famed names as Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan and Zsa Zsa Gabor have all passed through the Colony Palms. Today, the property remains chic and trendy, with guest rooms boasting stylish red and black decor and Italian linens, as well as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. For many guests, the highlight of a stay at the Colony Palms is the cuisine served at the Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar. The in-house, Moroccan-inspired spa also earns rave reviews for its varied treatments. What's more, th gorgeous, 65-foot saltwater pool also provides stunning views of the surrounding desert and mountains. However, this property does not provide a fitness center, and a daily resort fee is tacked on to your nightly rate.

If you're looking to use your Marriott Bonvoy points, but still want a boutique hotel experience, consider the Triada Palm Springs, Autograph Collection. Nestled in the Movie Colony neighborhood in downtown Palm Springs, this property is housed within a Spanish hacienda and surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains. Thanks to the hotel's central location, recent guests said it's easy to walk to the downtown area's shops and restaurants, with some reporting that they left their car for much of their stay and instead relied on their own two feet to explore. Aside from the location, travelers also appreciated the hotel's two pools and recommended grabbing a casual meal and drinks poolside at the Iluminara Restaurant & Lounge. Reviews for the property's rooms were a bit more mixed: Visitors loved how the bright decor matched the property's Spanish architecture, and appreciated the modern amenities like the TVs and free Wi-Fi access, but others felt the rooms could use an update.

The retro Riviera Palm Springs, A Tribute Portfolio Resort invites guests to experience the property's fun, funky atmosphere and lavish amenities. The resort decor – which visitors love – is best described as chic and modern. Guest rooms come attached to private balconies or patios and floor-to-ceiling windows, and all accommodations feature complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The Riviera Palm Springs also features poolside cabanas and a pool bar that serves up tasty drinks and light fare. For a more peaceful ambiance, previous guests recommend spending some time in the spa, which houses 18 treatment rooms, a Watsu pool and offers a long list of treatments. As evening approaches, Cantala serves up California cuisine in a colorful atmosphere, but if you're looking for classy cocktails and a see-and-be-seen environment, head straight for Gypsy Rose. You'll find this Marriott-affiliated property, which participates in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, just north of downtown Palm Springs.