Where to stay on family sun holidays in gorgeous Greater Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs hotels are some of the most luxurious in the US. But those are far from the only places to stay on family holidays in this sunny and welcoming part of Southern California.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Palm Springs

Your heart might be set on fabulous all-inclusive resorts where kids can wake up to waterparks every morning. Or maybe you’re more in the mood for an iconic boutique hotel or even the independence of your own holiday home. Whatever you have in mind, Greater Palm Springs will have it too.

Of course, Greater Palm Springs is the desert oasis that’s famous for spa hotels and wellness resorts. But it’s worth noting that many family resorts here match wellness with waterparks, golf, outdoor activities and great restaurants.

In search of the perfect place for UK families to take advantage of 300 days of sunshine, astonishing landscapes and nine unique cities we discovered some outstanding Greater Palm Springs hotels we think you’ll particularly like.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Greater Palm Springs

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Indian Wells

Boasting seven pools, a waterpark, a spa and wellness centre, golf, tennis, and a location just outside Palm Springs, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is the epitome of relaxed SoCal style.

Family rooms are spacious with spa baths and balconies, and the warm neutral colours blend nicely with the natural landscape. If you’re feeling extravagant, you can also take your pick of villas and larger family suites, where touches like groovy chairs and rugs add to the Southern Californian vibe.

It goes without saying children will love the lazy river and slides best of all, and teens can hang out poolside with fresh juice slushies. And when you’re done splashing and playing, the resort has four restaurants and bars, including the fun Citrus Marketplace and Café.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert

Set around a peaceful lagoon, where you might spot a flock of flamingos, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert is another great family resort.

Golf, tennis and wellness are big here too, although kids might be more interested in the games arcade, or the resort’s year-round family activity programme. Cycling is a fun way to get around the pretty, landscaped gardens, but nothing beats boat trips round the lagoon: family memory maker right there.

Try dinner served on the patio at Rockwood Grill or in view of the Japanese garden at Mikado steakhouse. And when it’s time for bed, all the resort’s rooms and suites have been recently redesigned to reflect its natural setting and create the sense of a serene haven, and it definitely works.

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage

Like many Greater Palm Springs hotels, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is designed to make the ardent golfer’s heart beat a little faster. As not only does it spread across 360 manicured acres, it’s also one of Golf Digest’s top 50 Golf Resorts in North America.

Naturally, the views here are incredible, and impeccably tended is the only way to describe the lush gardens. However, all that sleek care and attention, doesn’t stop the resort fulfilling its fun duties, so kids can look forward to a full selection of pools and waterslides here too.

If that’s not enough excitement, there are also special family events organised throughout the year, which can mean anything from feeding the resort animals to family fishing and golf lessons or even guided tours of Joshua Tree National Park.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, Rancho Mirage

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage

The Spanish colonial-style Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage was first built in the 1950s and enjoys almost iconic status among Greater Palm Springs hotels, thanks to its reputation for hosting A-list celebrities looking to escape LA for some blissful peace and pampering.

Spread over 240 acres, the resort balances its tranquil atmosphere with a seriously thrilling waterpark, several pools and a 425-foot Lazy River. Plus, a recent $35 million refurbishment has added even more laid-back luxury to the range of family rooms and suites, designed around the carefully landscaped gardens.

Although, if all that sounds as if it might be too sophisticated for children, you’ll be pleased to know this very welcoming resort also features a Kids Camp and chill poolside movie nights.

La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta

La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton, La Quinta

If pools and lots of them are a deal breaker for your kids, then La Quinta Resort & Club should be on your list of Greater Palm Springs hotels. There are no fewer than 41 pools here, laid out around 45 acres of lush grounds at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Parents with an eye on more practical matters will be equally delighted with the accommodation choices at this charming hacienda-style resort. As well as a range of interconnecting family rooms, the resort features one and two bedroom suites sleeping up to six or you can opt for a little more independence and choose a Villa Suite, with its own kitchen, separate living area and private terrace.

Five golf courses, including the Australian outback inspired Greg Norman Course, within 15 minutes of the resort should keep even the keenest players happy. And when kids aren’t testing out the many pools, this is the perfect resort for them to discover what the US passion for pickleball is all about. It’s also a good base for exploring, and nearby Old Town La Quinta, with its cobbled streets, farmer’s markets and art galleries, is the best place to start.

Explore more family golf and spa resorts in Greater Palm Springs

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert

Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert

A good budget option which doesn’t stint on charm, Embassy Suites by Hilton Palm Desert enjoys a great family location, close to both the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens and El Paseo Shopping District.

Palm trees studded with fairy lights add a touch of magic to the hotel’s pretty gardens in the evening. And the cool, clean looks will appeal to design-conscious older teens: the reception is particularly impressive.

There’s a good size pool for kids and on-site activities include golf, tennis and pickleball. But probably the biggest plus is the fact that all suites here feature two-rooms, which is only perfect for families.

Take a look at the full range of good value Greater Palm Springs hotels 

Holiday homes are perfect for multi-gen families

Swap Greater Palm Springs hotels for family holiday homes

If you prefer your independence, along with the chance to live like a local for a little, renting a holiday home in Greater Palm Springs couldn’t be easier.

When it comes to villa rentals in this part of Southern California, you can look forward to family pools and sensational views as standard. However, the design possibilities are pretty much endless from the midcentury modern architecture for which Greater Palm Springs is known to quaint cabins nestled in Joshua Tree National Park.

Naturally, this is also the place for ultra-luxurious holiday rentals as well as historic homes or properties with Hollywood celebrity connections. And in terms of location, you have limitless choices there too, whether you want to stay in the heart of one of the nine Greater Palm Springs’ cities or you’re looking for something more secluded to capitalise on the desert oasis atmosphere of the area. In fact, the only restraint on your options is how much space you need and since you can choose from cute and cosy to positively palatial, that doesn’t restrain you very much at all.

Explore the choice of family holiday homes in Greater Palm Springs