Drift Hotel Palm Springs - Site Inspection & Trip Feedback

It is a great boutique hotel for the self-serviced traveler who wants some hotel amenities such as a pool and a restaurant. Great location and helpful staff. Client expectation management is a must. Hotel communication/check-in/check-out is primarily through a text-based "personal concierge" which may be off-putting to some traditional travelers. Housekeeping is an extra cost and must be requested.

Who would enjoy the hotel

• The self-serviced traveler, meaning anyone looking for an Airbnb style accommodation with a full kitchen, but likes access to hotel amenities such as a pool or hotel restaurant/bar on-site

• Families

• Groups

• Girls'/ Guys' getaways

Property

I found the hotel to be perfectly located right at the edge of the Palm Springs downtown. It was easily accessible from the airport, no more than 10 minutes away. It was walkable to many restaurants and shops, such as Farm, Wilma & Frieda's. The hotel is located nearby to the Arenas street, which has a number of clubs/bars.

There is not a standard check-in desk. Check-in and check-out is handled remotely and digitally through "Eve, the personal concierge" via text.

There are 39 units with 84 beds split across 4 buildings.
• 9 - studios
• 3 - 1 bedrooms
• 6 - 2 bedrooms
• 12 - 2 bedrooms premium suites
• 9 - 4 bedrooms

Paid parking is available for $10/day. There is also free street parking or a parking garage across the street.

Amenities

Pool - There are eight cabañas, which were complimentary during our stay.

Restaurant - Malezaps, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their cocktails and food were delicious! I highly recommend you/your client dine in for at least one meal during a stay. Drinks and food can also be ordered poolside.

Firepits - There were four firepits available with seating behind the pool area. We were not able to make use of this amenity, but it was a nice touch for those who want to continue to relax and chill in the evening.

Two-bedroom suite - We had views of both the mountains and the pool. The suite was very spacious between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. I traveled with our family of four (two young boys, two years old and seven years old) and there was plenty of room. The interior room was pretty quiet. I requested a pack'n'play, which was made available during our stay.

There was a full kitchen with basic kitchen ware, utensils, pots and pans and barware to make cocktails. There was a fridge, small toaster oven, small induction cooktop and dishwasher. One of my sons has multiple food allergies, so having access to a full kitchen with reheating options was a must, so I really appreciated the staff's accommodations to our needs.

We enjoyed our stay at the Drift and felt it was a nice mix of an boutique style hotel with Airbnb accommodations, especially if you need space. If you have any questions, please reach out.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Palm Springs. In need of further inspiration? Check out Dan Howarth’s guide, Things to Do in Palm Springs: Mid-Century Heaven.