On the Map in Gay Palm Springs

Palm Springs is truly unlike any other destination in the US – and this is especially true when talking about Gay resorts and businesses. While we have talked about gay and clothing optional resorts before, we want to acknowledge our friends at Descanso Resort in Palm Springs, because they are definitely doing it right. The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” awards were just announced, and Descanso Resort ranked 12th in the top 25 Small Inns and Hotels category in the entire United States for 2023. The awards are based on guest reviews and ratings, so the guests at this gay men’s boutique hotel are happy!

Descanso Resort has made its mark in less than two years after its Grand Opening, and offers gay men a relaxed boutique hotel environment, that is close to all the action of Palm Springs and the Arenas District – restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping.

Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a destination for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that time. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ Santiago Resort and the new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022, and features 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, King-size beds, and luxury details.

Guests enjoy a daily continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches like hi-speed Wi-Fi and bicycles for exploring the nearby neighborhoods. You can even grab the latest issue of GED Magazine to read poolside!

“Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men’s resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling,” said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. “We appreciate Tripadvisor and we’re grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement.”

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs, CA

According to Tripadvisor’s Chief Growth Officer, John Boris, “Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”

As a Gay Men’s resort, you won’t find any kids at Descanso. What you will find is a friendly, welcoming environment, with attention to detail and maximum focus on relaxation and enjoyment of your time in Palm Springs – from the sparking pool, lush tropical landscape, and mid-century modern appointed rooms. This is truly an escape, yet so close to all the wonderful things that Palm Springs has to offer. You can find out more and book a stay by visiting descansoresort.com.

Speaking of the wonders of Palm Springs, here are some spots to check out on your next visit:

Uptown Palm Springs is a bustling hub of coffee houses, restaurants and hotels, and all a walk or bike away. Some spots you should consider during your stay include:
• 1501 Gastropub (1501 N Palm Canyon Drive) at only 0.3 miles away it’s an easy walk to this cozy restaurant with a wrap-around bar, great cocktails, charcuterie boards and giant Bavarian style pretzels.
• St Somewhere Spa at Margaritaville Resort (1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive) for full spa treatments, massages, skin treatments, and more. Relax before or after your treatment in the tranquil Blue Haven Lounge with Watsu pool, spa and cabanas.
• Ernest Coffee (1101 N Palm Canyon Drive) serves up Stumptown coffee from 6am to 7pm seven days a week. Enjoy your favorite beverage on the patio boasting some amazing mountain views.
• Trio Palm Springs (707 N Palm Canyon Drive) has been a staple since 2009, for American cuisine with a modern indoor dining room and outdoor patio.

El Tuggle

Blackbook Bar

Margaritaville Spa

Margaritaville Spa

TRIO

Tac/Quila

Arenas Road

Further downtown, and still walking distance, you have some must stops on your travel itinerary:
• Tac/Quila (415 N Palm Canyon Drive) at one mile away, Tac/Quila is worth the walk! This made up word combines gourmet Jalisco style cuisine with specialty tequilas and mezcals, to transport guests south of the border and into a culture rich in flavor, color, art, and authenticity. Try the Flight of 4 Tasting Size Margaritas – Pineapple Passion, Spicy Cucumber, Watermelon Tamarindo, Jamaica. Delicious!
• El Tuggle across the street (388 N Palm Canyon Drive), brings men’s and women’s fashion to a new level. Each piece is designed and curated by the husband/husband team of Rodrigo and Robert, whose love for life and fashion intersect, bringing inner beauty to life. We cannot get enough of their designs!
• Forever Marilyn (Museum Way) is the 26-foot tall, 24,000-pound monumental sculpture of Marilyn Monroe created by sculptor Seward Johnson with stainless steel and aluminum. This dramatic sculpture is extremely realistic, especially in the skin tones. Forever Marilyn sits right in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum, with 28 galleries, two sculpture gardens, an 85-seat lecture hall, a 433-seat theater, a 1,000-square-foot store, and a bistro.
• Downtown on Thursday nights is the weekly market VillageFest, with stalls of local merchants featuring art, vinyl, gourmet foods, and crafts.
• The “Arenas District” on Arenas Road provides the fully rounded gay experience with bars, restaurants, clubs, and shops – don’t miss Blackbook bar + restaurant with amazing hand-crafted cocktails (450+ bottles of whiskey), burgers, nachos, and the best Nashville hot chicken sandwich around. My mouth is watering!

So, what are you waiting for? Gay Palm Springs is the year-round destination you’ve been missing! Book a visit now. And stay in touch with GED Magazine via GEDmag.com and all social media platforms @gedmagazine for all the Gay Palm Springs things to do and places to go. See you soon!