Stillness in the Sun: Escaping to the Adults-Only Pool at Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt

I arrived at the Thompson Palm Springs on a seriously hot 103-degree Fahrenheit day, but right away I could tell the hotel was built to handle the desert heat. My room wasn’t quite ready since check-in is technically at 4 pm, but the staff happily held my bags and offered me a glass of wine while I waited. I found a comfy spot to sit in the outdoor lounge area between the pool and the restaurant—there was plenty of shade and the misters were on, so it was a pleasant place to hang out. By 1:30 pm, my room was ready, and the bellman gave me a quick tour of the property on the way up. From the start, everything just felt relaxed, welcoming, and really well-thought-out.

Lounge area with misters outside of the main pool

I was booked in the Upper Stories section of the hotel, an exclusive adults-only enclave that offers enhanced amenities and a serene atmosphere. Before entering my room, I was escorted by a bellhop who provided a comprehensive tour of the property, which I always appreciate. It’s nice to get the lay of the land without having to figure everything out on your own. The room itself had a great vibe—modern but warm, with huge windows that let in a ton of natural light. The bathroom lighting was chef’s kiss—especially the mirror, which had the kind of lighting that makes getting ready fun. After I settled in, there was a knock at the door and in-room dining showed up with a welcome gift: a pretty little box of macarons and a large bottle of Pellegrino. The thoughtful Hyatt Privé perk made me feel extra taken care of right off the bat.

Exterior view of Upper Stories

Upper Stories King Room

Absolutely loved this bathroom mirror!

The Upper Stories section grants access to a dedicated adults-only pool, which was a highlight of my stay. This pool area was notably quieter than the main pool, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and reading. The water temperature was ideal, and the poolside menu offered a variety of food and drink options, enhancing the overall experience. While the hotel overall—and especially the main pool—caters to a mix of guests, including families, having this quieter, adults-only space made the stay feel extra relaxing and tailored to the kind of downtime I was looking for.

Upper Stories adults-only pool

View of the main pool area from Upper Stories

Also exclusive to Upper Stories is a nice little perk just off the adults-only pool: each morning, they set out complimentary pastries, coffee, tea, and mimosas. In the afternoon, it turns into a casual happy hour with complimentary wine and beer. It’s a thoughtful detail that really adds to the feeling of being tucked away in your own private retreat.

Lola Rose, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers a vibrant take on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. I dined there for breakfast on both mornings of my stay and was thoroughly impressed. The za’atar potatoes were particularly memorable, delivering a delightful blend of flavors. The breakfast menu also features dishes like shakshuka, ricotta lemon pancakes, and a grand breakfast platter, catering to a range of preferences. The restaurant’s ambiance transitions seamlessly from sunlit breakfasts to moonlit dinners, making it a versatile dining venue.

Just off the Lola Rose restaurant, there’s a spacious indoor-outdoor lounge area with a bar that kind of becomes the heart of the hotel. During the day, it’s super chill—quiet enough to post up with a laptop and get a little work done (I definitely took advantage of that). But by the evening, the energy shifts: A live DJ sets up, the space fills out, and it becomes a great spot to grab a drink, meet other guests, or just enjoy the music. It’s not a party scene, exactly, but it has a fun, social vibe that gives the hotel a little buzz without ever feeling overwhelming.

Common area at night with DJ

Beyond the pools and dining, the hotel offers a variety of thoughtful touches, like complimentary bicycles, valet parking, and a location that’s walkable to the best of downtown Palm Springs. Whether you’re heading to the Palm Springs Art Museum, browsing vintage shops, or just people-watching along Palm Canyon Drive, you’ll appreciate how central everything feels without losing that oasis-style calm.

Exterior of the Thompson from the main strip in Downtown Palm Springs

My stay at the Thompson Palm Springs was marked by attentive service, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional amenities. The Upper Stories section provided a tranquil retreat, and the overall aesthetic and hospitality exceeded expectations. From poolside lounging to standout dining at Lola Rose, this property blends luxury with lifestyle seamlessly. I’ll definitely be returning.

• Adults-only pool access: Available exclusively to guests staying in Upper Stories rooms. It’s a serene, quiet alternative to the main pool—ideal for reading, relaxing, or just unwinding without the crowds.

• Valet parking only: On-site valet service is available for an additional fee. Self-parking is not offered, so plan accordingly if you’re driving in.

• Cashless property: The Thompson Palm Springs operates fully cashless. All purchases must be made by card or digital payment.

• Tipping the bellhop: If you don’t have cash, no worries—they provide a business card with a preferred cashless tip transfer option (such as Venmo or similar), making it easy to show appreciation.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Palm Springs page.