Palm Springs has long been a favorite desert escape for design lovers and sunshine seekers, and it’s also surprisingly family-friendly. On our recent trip, we stayed at the new Thompson Palm Springs, part of Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle brand.
If you’re considering a stay at this stylish property, here’s the Thompson Palm Springs review. I will share everything you need to know about this property: from booking on points to what it’s like to stay here with kids.
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How to book Thompson Palm Springs on points
Without a doubt, one of the biggest perks of the World of Hyatt program is being able to book beautiful properties like Thompson Palm Springs on points.
Keep in mind that Thompson Palm Springs is a Category 6 Hyatt hotel, which means award nights range from:
- 21,000 Hyatt points (off-peak)
- 25,000 Hyatt points (standard)
- 29,000 Hyatt points (peak)
For our 2-night stay, we booked a Standard Room using Hyatt points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards(at a 1:1 ratio). Right at the time of the booking, we also applied a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award to get a Standard Suite months before our stay.
Good to know: Availability can be tight, especially during peak season and events like Coachella. Book early or be flexible with dates. For a full guide on booking Hyatt hotels with points, check out my step-by-step post.
To our surprise, on the day of the check-in, we were further upgraded to the Canyon Upper Stories Suite!
Thompson Palm Springs map
Check-in experience at Thompson Palm Springs
From the moment we arrived, the Thompson Palm Springs vibe was everything you’d expect: modern, sleek, and relaxed. The lobby features neutral tones, clean lines, and plenty of natural light, setting the tone for the stay. We were offered some water and complimentary wine as a welcome drink.
The front desk confirmed our upgrade to the Canyon Upper Stories Suite and explained all the perks that came with a stay at this particular part of the hotel.
While the Upper Stories at Thompson Palm Springs is often described as “adults-only,” the staff clarified that the policy applies only to the Upper Stories pool and lounge. Since the wing had just recently opened, it’s possible some details were still being finalized, but during our stay we had no issues being there with our kids.
That said, families are welcome to enjoy the main pool and all other public areas of the resort, making it a great option if you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Palm Springs with a more private, boutique feel.
Canyon Upper Stories Suite at Thompson Palm Springs
Upper Stories is an exclusive boutique-style wing at Thompson Palm Springs, with 42 rooms and 5 suites. Think minimalist, Santorini-inspired design, crisp whites, natural textures, and mountain views.
Our Canyon Upper Stories Suite at Thompson Palm Springs was spacious, 850 square feet, with a separate bedroom, living room, and wraparound balcony overlooking the mountains.
The suite included a king bed in the bedroom, a large sectional sofa in the living room, and a modern bathroom with both a rainfall shower and a soaking tub.
Since Thompson Palm Springs doesn’t provide rollaway beds, we weren’t sure how our girls would sleep, but the living room sofa turned out to be perfect, it’s huge, and both kids fit comfortably on it.
We requested two extra bedding sets from housekeeping, which made the setup work seamlessly for our family. Here is the bottle of sparkling water on the couch for the scale in the picture below.
Dining options at Thompson Palm Springs
Lola Rose Grand Mezze at Thompson Palm Springs
The main restaurant at Thompson Palm Springs is Lola Rose Grand Mezze, a stylish space that brings Middle Eastern flavors together with global influences.
As Hyatt Globalists, we received complimentary breakfast at Thompson Palm Springs each morning. Breakfast at Lola Rose Grand Mezze included a choice of entrées from the menu, shakshuka, avocado toast, or a classic American plate, along with coffee, juice, and pastries.
You can read more about How to get a free hotel breakfast for your family here.
The portions were generous, and the quality was far above a standard hotel breakfast.
We also stopped by Lola Rose Grand Mezze for dinner one evening and loved the mezze-style setup. The reservations are highly recommended!
For dinner, we ordered grilled octopus, kebabs, and the girls went for the pizza. The food was delicious. The only hiccup came when the kids’ food arrived well after ours; it seemed their order hadn’t been put in at the same time. While it wasn’t ideal waiting, the staff handled it graciously and, without us asking for it, removed the pizzas from the bill.
HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge at Thompson Palm Springs
The HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge at Thompson Palm Springs offers both indoor and outdoor seating in a stylish setting. Guests can enjoy award-winning wines from HALL, WALT, and BACA, whether they’re looking for a relaxed glass or a social tasting experience.
Upper Stories at Thompson Palm Springs perks
You can enjoy complimentary mimosas in the morning and light snacks served at the adults-only pool throughout the day, a nice touch for those staying in the Upper Stories wing.
Palm Springs also has fantastic dining beyond the hotel, so make reservations in advance, especially during weekends and festival season.
Amenities at Thompson Palm Springs
There are two pools at Thompson Palm Springs: a lively main pool that’s family-friendly and the adults-only Upper Stories pool, which offers a serene setting for those looking to relax.
- Fitness Center at Thompson Palm Springs: Well-equipped for a quick workout.
- Spa Services at Thompson Palm Springs: Available for an extra charge if you want to unwind.
Now, there’s no kids’ club at Thompson Palm Springs, but the main pool, spacious grounds, and nearby attractions make it easy to keep kids entertained.
You can also read about our stay at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells here.
Things to do near Thompson Palm Springs
Thompson Palm Springs is located right in downtown Palm Springs, which makes it easy to explore the area without needing a car. You’re within walking distance of some of the city’s best restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques.
This city is more than just poolside lounging. Here are some of the family-friendly activities in Palm Springs:
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ride to the top of Mount San Jacinto for cooler temps and amazing views.
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: A hit with kids, offering wildlife exhibits and interactive experiences.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Just under an hour away, perfect for a day trip filled with hikes and iconic desert landscapes.
- Cabazon Dinosaurs: A quirky roadside attraction kids love, just a short drive from Palm Springs.
- Coachella Valley Preserve: A great spot for nature walks and birdwatching.
You can read more about the Top family-friendly things to do in Palm Springs, California, here.
Good to know: Palm Springs gets HOT, especially in summer. Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water. And always book ahead, whether it’s restaurants, tours, or the tramway, spots fill up fast.
Bottom Line
Our Thompson Palm Springs review comes down to this: the hotel strikes the perfect balance of modern design, luxury amenities, and valuable Hyatt loyalty perks. Whether you’re planning a romantic desert getaway or a family-friendly trip, this property delivers on both style and comfort.
Booking with Hyatt points makes Thompson Palm Springs an especially strong redemption, and if you’re lucky enough to upgrade to Upper Stories, the experience feels even more elevated.
Would we stay here again? Absolutely. Between the thoughtful service, the design-forward atmosphere, and the unbeatable mountain views, Thompson Palm Springs has easily earned a spot on our list of the best hotels in Palm Springs.
