The Desert Star

This is the best place EVER. EVER. EVER. My husband and I spent two night here and I didn’t want to leave. Units are clean, well appointed, stylish. The inn is private and quiet. Pool is right outside your unit door. It’s amazing. We are trying to get back as soon as we can. If you are looking for a place to stay in PS, you can stop looking. The Desert Star is it. Believe the hype.
Ps — no kids are allowed. Adults only. Thank heavens. (We left ours at home)

My wife and I stayed here last year over Thanksgiving weekend. It is such a cute little hotel in that mid century modern palm springs vibe. The place was clean and quiet. We had good weather, so spent most our time just sitting by the pool and reading. Only demerit is that there is not many restaurants within walking distance, so you have to get in your car and drive. The downtown area is only about 10 mins away though.

This place is really peaceful, clean, well-​kept, and beautiful. The owners are wonderful and truly kind people. I felt relaxed, comfortable, and happy during my stay. The apartment had everything we needed. The private patio was the icing on the cake. Well done Desert Star, we’ll be back :)

Hands down a unique & quiet vacation spot in Palm Springs! This mid-​century modern jewel is a must for out of town visitors who are looking for a quiet, relaxed, adult-​only vacation that lets you experience the glamour of Palm Springs. Located just south of downtown, the Desert Star is close to just about everything & now newly accessible by «runs every fifteen minutes» free Buzz trolley line.
Each apartment at the Desert Star includes a collection of mid-​century modern furniture. The kitchenettes are stocked with essentials including an oven/​stove, full-​size fridge, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and utensils. You’ll also find other important vacation necessities like pool towels, yoga mats & your own private courtyard. The Desert Star has an airbnb quality where it feels like your staying in someone’s home vs. a hotel.
All apartments look onto a spacious pool courtyard area that gets just the right amount of sun for those looking for warmth and just the right amount of shade for those looking to stay cool. The pool is designed for floating & relaxing, not large pool gatherings. At night look forward to cozying up to the large fire pit and enjoying an awesome view of the stars.
Free parking, free apple-​tv, super-​fast wi-​fi, clean rooms/​common areas & friendly owners (Debra & Richard from MN!) make this place a very pleasant to relax. And it’s really affordable with no resort fees — compared to staying at some of the larger resorts in the area. You’ll need no more than a few minutes to drive downtown, to grocery store or to any of the fabulous restaurants located in PS. Joshua National Tree is a little less than an hour drive away from the Desert Star.
A few notes about the Desert Star…
— It’s definitely for the more relaxed, older and/​or quiet crowd. Don’t book a room here if you’re looking to party or be loud with a group of friends. If you need just one day of «Palm Springs party» but still want to enjoy the Desert Star I suggest walking across the street to the Ace Hotel where you can buy a day pass to the glamorous LA Hipster pool for only $ 20!
— It’s more apartment than hotel. You’ll need to bring your own food, coffee, soap/​shampoo, sunscreen, etc. (I do wish they’d stock some of these necessities or at least let you know you it’s «bring your own» as we had to run out to get all of these things at the grocery store)
— At least in apartment #3 the shower pretty much was a no-​go. The water was more like a dribble. It was super disappointing as I never quite felt clean the whole time I was there. I chalked this one up to the fact the place is a bit older so the pipes are probably small.

The Desert Star is a great place to stay, it’s a condo hotel so things aren’t quite like staying at a standard resort. It has a wonderful homelike feel, as if one of your friends let you stay at their vacation house. It’s in a quiet neighborhood but close to everything, and just steps away from the Buzz trolley.

This Mid-​Century Modern gem is sure to make you feel at home, but certain shortcomings hold it back from a true 5 star experience.
I’ve been coming to the Star for the last three or four years and I’ve experienced it at high and low season. What makes this place unique, is that rather than a highly regulated hotel this is more like renting a condo for the week. Rules exist, I’m sure, but they aren’t enforced. It is generally just expected that you conduct yourself like an adult (no kids are allowed) don’t inconvenience other guests, and act politely.
This laissez faire attitude allows you to do some things you could never get away with elsewhere. Want to float in the pool with a glass of champagne? Go for it, but just DON’T DROP YOUR GLASS! See? It’s easy to have fun when we do it responsibly.
Which brings me to another great aspect of this property. it is quiet here — and in this part of the neighborhood where the pools at the bigger hotels feel like just a little less than a full-​scale drunken riot — this is greatly appreciated.
There’s loads of other positive qualities, but I won’t list them here, and rather, will go into the negative qualities that caused it to lose a star.
1. The pool is tiny — like a children’s pool practically — and although it is clean, deck areas could have used a resurfacing last time I was there.
2. The rooms are showing some wear and tear.
It isn’t the big things that fall short, but I found some smudges around the walls, some of the furniture is beginning to become worn out, the baseboards could be replaced and the AC unit had not been recently cleaned.
3. High season pricing is just a little expensive — not based on the quality of your experience, but based on the size of your room and the limited amenities (no gym, no spa, no room service etc.)
I will note that they do partner up with a couple local masseurs, but you must order them to your room, and at that point, why not find someone yourself?
4. Privacy is sometimes a little strained. Although it feels like it’s own world, and is completely sheltered from the public, the property is tiny, all the windows face into one another, and the walls are thin.
In general, this place is still one of the most unique places to stay in Palm Springs, however, not a five-​star hotel.

My husband and I stayed here for four nights in October, 2014. We were in heaven for the few days we were here! We had plans to go hiking everyday, but found ourselves floating in the pool and lounging around every day. We loved it so much we didn’t want to leave. We went out at night for dinner but otherwise were completely content just camping out poolside. When we arrived there were four other apartments occupied with very friendly people. Our last two days we found ourselves alone. We had the whole place to ourselves! It was nice to be so close to downtown, yet in this little oasis. We slept like babies. It was so quiet and peaceful. We sat on our back private patio every morning soaking in the morning sunlight and then moved around front by the pool later in the morning. Richard and his wife were such friendly hosts and made sure that we had everything that we needed. Our whole stay was perfect! We can’t imagine ever staying anywhere else in Palm Springs!

A magical gem amongst a sea of overpriced, overcrowded Palm Springs hotels. Just came back from an incredible weekend at the Desert Star. Couldn’t be happier. The amenities were stylish and very clean, the pool was incredible, and the hospitality was immaculate. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing weekend away from it all…

Best place I have ever stayed, hands down. We stayed in apartment 6, it was absolutely perfect. The location is a short drive from downtown Palm Springs yet far enough away that it feels quiet and secluded. The pool is dreamy, and the apartments are all so beautifully designed that you will never want to leave. I really enjoyed having a full size refrigerator and kitchenette since we brought food with us, it truly felt like a home away from home. I almost didn’t want to write this review and keep this place a secret… but now I am, and the entire experience was A++, we will definitely be back!

I cannot recommend The Desert Star enough. In fact, I hesitate to even write this review in fear of the fact that it will be booked up when I want to try to stay here again! (And make no mistake about it, I will be back.)
The pool is secluded and relaxing, the architecture of the building is unique and interesting, the apartments are comfortable with full kitchens and secluded patios, and the building is remote enough to feel private but also close walking distance or a (very) short ride from any of the Palm Springs action that you might desire!
Do yourself a favor and give this spot a shot next time you head out to the desert. This is what Palm Springs is all about.

All those five star reviews of The Desert Star are correct. What a gem this place is! It a precious mid century hotel with the modern amenities thrown in. The pool was perfect relaxation time. We stayed in Apartment 3 which was modern looking and super clean! We didn’t use the kitchenette but the idea of using it was tempting. I guess all the suites are different and that makes me want to come back to stay again.
The staff was swell if not stellar.
A magical time was had, I feel like a new man.
I kind of wanted to retire here.

I’m writing this while laying poolside and we have to check out in 4 hours which makes me immensely sad. Fellow Unilocaler Ashley Eleanor and I needed a girls weekend, so after a thorough search, we booked ourselves two nights in studio 4. I wish I had the time and money to make it 10 nights because everything has been absolutely perfect.
The location is close enough to be convenient but far away from everything to feel private and quiet. Laying by the pool has been magically relaxing. There have only ever been two or three other people outside with us and everyone is happy to quietly read their books and drink their beers. We only met the management in passing but that’s fine because we have absolutely everything we need (sun, pool, booze).
I’m hesitant to tell anyone about it because I wholeheartedly intend to come back and I don’t want any of you making it difficult to get a booking but I also want them to be crazy successful and keep this place running for a long, long time!

A girlfriend and I came to Palm Springs for a relaxing ladies weekend and the Desert Star was PERFECT. We were in studio 4 which was spacious and had its own patio and fire pit! Such a gorgeous place, clearly a lot of attention to detail and design. There were even meticulously curated architecture and design books to look though. The whole feel was clean, relaxed and stylish. We really liked the quiet environment and everyone seemed respectful of noise rules, pool use etc. Great location close enough to shops and nightlife but also a little distanced from downtown chaos. I would definitely come back! Well worth it. Truly a little oasis in the middle of the desert!

The Desert Star is probably Palm Springs’ best kept secret. I hesitate to let the cat out of the bag. We stayed in Studio #4. It was even better than the online pictures — that never happens! It was incredibly chic and super clean (I’m a clean freak and it exceeded my standards). Everything was in pristine condition, not a pool chair out of place. And, it all felt fresh for you that day, not like a hotel that 100 people have been in before.
The Desert Star is a 5-​minute drive from downtown, but far enough away to be quiet and secluded. And, on top of the superb accommodations, we got concierge-​level service from Richard and Debra, the property owners. They gave us insider tips on where to eat, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice upon checkout, and a handwritten thank you note in the mail when we got home. 5 stars all day long.

I’ve been to Palm Springs several times but thanks to staying at the Desert Star I am now a fan. Totally different experience. Lovely hotel, beautiful meticulous rooms, tasteful pool and great owner. No loud party people ruining your stay. It’s in a very cool neighborhood. It’s nice to have the choice to cook or eat out. Good restaurants are walking distance. I will definitely go back.

My wife and I wanted to have a romantic getaway at palm springs and I can’t tell you enough THE DESERT STAR CAME THROUGH.
We stayed in unit #5
First of all, the manager Scott is amazing! He is super nice and accommodating. I told him I wanted to make blended drinks in our amazing modern apartment. Because it wasn’t equipped with a blender yet, he went out and bought a really expensive blender for the place and filled the freezer with ice for us too!
Secondly, the place is very private, cozy, and all the furniture and decorations are awesome. Not to mention a great kitchen with everything you need and an awesome BBQ in the backyard.
The best part though, is how incredibly private this place is considering there is at most 12 people on the whole property and the pool right outside your door is basically your own private pool with heated clean salt water.
I can’t say enough about how awesome this place is and how awesome the whole experience was for me and my wife.
Oh and did I mention it comes with apple TV complete with netflix and other goodies? They even have bikes you can use to ride around town. Oh and its like right next to downtown and everything too. Make sure to hit up Zelda’s nightclub that place is legit for a palm springs night spot.
You just can’t beat this place as a getaway from home. It is nothing like a hotel. It is like you actually live there in your own apartment. Can’t recommend it enough.

What an epic retreat. The room was perfection; beautiful twin palms over the pool. I stayed with a friend for a nearby bachelorette party, and really look forward to coming back to spend more time floating in the pool. There is nothing I would change about this place, nothing.

You people complaining about the old keepers of the hotel not being there any longer, need to grow the hell up. This is a hotel, not your mama’s house. What you want from a hotel is a clean, visually appealing room with the amenities as described, and The Desert Star is all that and then some. If you want a martini party, go to a bar. If you want someone to entertain you, go to a comedy club.
Working and living in downtown LA can be overwhelming at times. I’m always on the move. It’s not a city of calm. Then again, this is what you ask for when residing in an urban neighborhood. So, when I want to getaway for the weekend, th is EXACTLY what I want. A GETAWAY. This means, no children, no loud drunk girls in dresses that are 3 sizes to small for them, taking shots of cheap tequila. I want peace. I want to lay by the pool and work on my tan with no outside disturbances. I want my handsome man snoring next to me spilling his piña colada allover himself. I want the choice to either cook for ourselves or go out to dinner depending on our moods and I want it done in an atmosphere that tends to this without being disruptive. I don’t need anyone to make me a damn martini and force me to be around people I more than likely don’t want to be around. If I want that, I go to where it’s at.
The Desert Star is for the picky modernist. We tend to be overly critical on cleanliness and esthetics. We don’t like clutter. We want furnishings to be both useful and visually appealing. It’s hard to please us. In fact, the only people that succeed are just as neurotic as ourselves, and this is what I love about The Desert Star. They appeal to the most picky of the picky. Form the most comfortable memory foam beds to fluffy robes, to a fully stocked kitchen, all in a very tasteful mid century modern space.
The Man and I were here about the same time last year and at that time Richard was our host. He was an absolute gentleman that tended to everything we needed. This year it was Scott and tho he was attentive and made sure to let us know he’s a phone call away, we didn’t see him for the whole weekend. Which, is EXACTLY what I like. I don’t need a babysitter while vacationing. Back then, we made the decision to make The Desert Star our weekend getaway every year around the same time, and it has remained the reason we keep this commitment.

MY 600TH REVIEW!!!
I wanted to save #600 for someone special and Desert Star is the best! I was looking for a quality, reasonably priced hotel for a quick trip to Palm Springs and Unilocal sent me the right way on this one for sure!
These are just some of the things we loved:
–calm atmosphere without being stuffy
–bikes to use while you are there
–bungalows with all the cooking facilities to make you feel at home
–postcards pre-​stamped in the room so we could write our friends
–super stylish digs
–nicely maintained pool area with fire pit
–our own private patio with fire pit and BBQ
–really, really sweet hosts who made us feel totally at home
I just can’t say enough good things about out experience. I have stayed at some super expensive 5 star hotels all over the world and nothing compared to this. This is hands down my favorite place I have ever stayed. When I am stressed out and wanting a vacation, being at the Desert Star is what I fantasize about!

this is a terribly past-​due review — i stayed here in august, so just over 6 months ago — but in planning an upcoming desert retreat, i realized i needed to leave a good word or 10 or 20…
in short, the desert star is just lovely.
i just need to choose better travelmates… my relationship essentially imploded that trip — but even that fairly traumatic experience and the utter fraud of a human i was there with couldn’t prevent the desert star experience from making nothing short of an excellent impression and vacation memory.
the magic of the place is the atmosphere; you walk through the door to the pool area, close it behind you, and viola, you’re on vacation in your own little modern world. every little detail is attended to, and the bungalows are designed, furnished, and maintained beautifully.
searching out accommodations for this coming trip, i agree with other Unilocalers that the star is also a great value — the kitchen is shiny-​new and well-​stocked, and the patio with the firepit and bbq are amazing private amenities for the price. it’s also amazingly CLEAN which made me amazingly happy. one of my favorite touches was the stock of PS mod committee publications about all the many local design treasures; i learned a lot about the town even by staying in.
the only little picky bit i can muster is the fact that the bed was not the most comfortable; i sort of got used to it but said companion wasn’t giving it much of a chance. (but, some people will find any excuse to have a bad time)
i would totally return for this upcoming trip, but we’re only passing through PS; sometime again in the future though, for certain.