L’Horizon Resort & Spa, Hermann Bungalows

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of places in Palm Springs, but L’Horizon Resort & Spa on East Palm Canyon Drive actually feels different from the moment you pull up. It’s one of those mid-century gems that got the renovation treatment right – you know how some places try too hard and lose their soul? This isn’t that. The Hermann Bungalows section especially has this authentic 1950s vibe that makes you feel like you’re staying in some Hollywood producer’s personal hideaway, which honestly, you probably are given the neighborhood.

What really gets me about this place is how they’ve managed to keep things intimate despite being a proper resort. The bungalows are scattered around the property in a way that actually gives you privacy – I mean, you’re not listening to your neighbor’s phone calls through paper-thin walls like at some of the trendy spots downtown. Each one has this perfect little patio situation where you can sit with your morning coffee and watch the San Jacinto Mountains change color as the sun comes up. The spa is legit too, though I’d book treatments early because word’s gotten out and they fill up fast, especially during Coachella season and those brutal summer months when everyone’s trying to recover from the heat.

The pool area is where this place really shines – there’s something about the way they’ve positioned everything that catches these amazing cross-breezes, even when it’s 110 degrees outside. I’ve noticed they keep the music at just the right volume (not blasting, not silent), and the staff actually remembers your drink order after day two, which sounds small but makes a huge difference when you’re trying to unwind. Parking’s easy, which anyone who’s dealt with downtown Palm Springs on a weekend will appreciate, and you’re still close enough to walk to some great restaurants along the strip. The whole vibe is sophisticated without being stuffy – like, you can wear flip-flops to breakfast but the service still feels five-star. It’s expensive, sure, but for what you get and where you are, it actually feels worth it rather than like you’re paying for the name on the door.