Miracle Springs Resort and Spa

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what hit me first when I pulled up to Miracle Springs? The smell – that distinct mineral-rich hot springs scent mixed with desert sage that you only get in this part of Desert Hot Springs. It’s actually pretty intoxicating once you get used to it. The resort sits right on Palm Drive, which honestly isn’t the most scenic street in town, but once you’re through the entrance, you forget about the somewhat dated strip mall across the way.

This place has been around long enough to have some character, and I mean that in a good way. The mineral pools are the real deal here – fed by actual natural hot springs that have been bubbling up from the San Andreas Fault for thousands of years. I’ve been to plenty of hotels with “hot tubs,” but these pools have that silky feeling you can only get from genuine mineral water. The temperature varies between pools, and honestly, the hottest one might be too much if you’re not used to it. The spa treatments use the same mineral water, which sounds gimmicky until you actually experience how different your skin feels afterward. There’s something almost ritualistic about soaking in these pools at sunset – you can see the San Bernardino Mountains turning pink while steam rises around you.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid four-star place, though some feel more updated than others (I’d ask for a recently renovated one when booking). The beds are comfortable enough, and most rooms have mountain or pool views, though the pool view comes with some noise during busy weekends. Speaking of noise – this isn’t a party resort, thank god. It actually gets pretty quiet after 9 PM, which is perfect if you’re here to actually relax. The restaurant is decent for breakfast and lunch, nothing spectacular, but you’re only about ten minutes from the better dining options in Palm Springs if you want to venture out. Parking is free and easy, which isn’t always a given in this area. Check-in was smooth when I was there, though I’ve heard it can get backed up during peak season (basically October through April when everyone escapes here from colder climates). The staff genuinely seems to know their stuff about the local area – they pointed me toward some hiking trails I never would have found otherwise. Look, it’s not going to blow your mind with cutting-edge luxury, but if you want authentic desert hot springs without the crowds and prices of the bigger resorts, this place delivers exactly what it promises.