You’re driving through the Warm Sands neighborhood of Palm Springs, and if you aren’t looking for it, you’ll miss the gate. Behind it sits El Mirasol Villas, a place that honestly feels like a time machine disguised as a boutique hotel. People come here for the sun, sure, but there’s a specific kind of "Old Palm Springs" energy here that most of the newer, glass-heavy mid-century modern spots just can’t replicate.
It’s quiet. Like, really quiet.
While the rest of the city is busy chasing the latest brunch trend or Instagramming a pink door, El Mirasol is busy being what it’s been for decades: a walled-off sanctuary. There's no lobby music thumping. Just the sound of a fountain and maybe the wind hitting a palm frond.
The Howard Hughes Connection (and the Elizabeth Taylor Rumors)
Most people think every old building in Palm Springs was built by a famous architect like Frey or Lautner. Not this one. El Mirasol Villas Palm Springs CA was actually built in 1947 by the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes.
Legend has it—and locally, this is basically gospel—that Hughes built the original six-building compound as a getaway for Elizabeth Taylor. Whether she actually spent every weekend here is debated, but the DNA of the place is pure 1940s Hollywood. We’re talking Spanish-style stucco, thick walls, and a layout designed for people who desperately wanted to be left alone.
Later, in the 1960s, Bob Hope actually owned the property. It’s wild to think about the conversations that must have happened by these pools. Eventually, the property transitioned, and by 1975, it became the first resort in Palm Springs specifically dedicated to gay men.
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It Isn't Your Typical "Party" Resort
If you're looking for a circuit party vibe with a DJ and a foam machine, honestly, you’re in the wrong place. El Mirasol is the antithesis of that. Current owners Paul Pressman and Bruce Wishnefsky, who took over in 2000, have leaned hard into the "garden oasis" vibe.
They’ve kept the environment low-key. It’s a clothing-optional resort for men, but the vibe is more "reading a book by the pool" than "wild spring break."
The grounds are a maze of Mexican paver pathways and lush, overgrown gardens. It feels private because it is private. The rooms—or casitas, as some call them—don’t feel like cookie-cutter hotel rooms. They have custom furnishings, many have full kitchens, and some even have their own private patios if you’re really not feeling social.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
- The Studios: These are your standard entry-level rooms, usually with direct pool access.
- The Bungalows: These are the ones you want. They have more space, often a separate living area, and that "I live in Palm Springs now" feeling.
- The Amenities: Two saltwater pools (both heated), a 10-man Jacuzzi, and a eucalyptus steam room that will basically clear your soul.
Why the Location Matters
Warm Sands is a weird, wonderful little pocket of Palm Springs. It’s technically walking distance to the "Arenas Road" gay strip, but it feels miles away. You’re close enough to the action to grab a drink at Hunters or Blackbook, but far enough that you don't hear the bass at 1 AM.
The mountain views from the pools are arguably some of the best in the city. Because the buildings are low-slung (thanks to those 1940s building codes), nothing blocks the sightline to the San Jacinto Mountains. When the sun starts to set and the mountains turn that weird shade of purple-pink? That’s the "Flower in the Sun" moment the resort’s name refers to.
Breaking the "All Gay Resorts are the Same" Myth
There’s a misconception that if you’ve seen one gay resort in Palm Springs, you’ve seen them all. That’s just not true. You have the high-energy spots like All Worlds, and then you have the sophisticated, quiet anchors like El Mirasol or The Hacienda.
El Mirasol appeals to a "mature" crowd—and I don't mean age, necessarily. I mean people who value a conversation over a thumping beat. It’s common to see guys who have been coming back to the same room for 15 or 20 years.
Real Talk: The Pros and Cons
Nothing is perfect. If you’re a fan of ultra-modern, "smart" hotels where everything is controlled by an iPad, the 1940s charm might feel a little dated to you. The Wi-Fi works, but you aren't here to run a tech startup from the pool.
Also, it's a men's-only, clothing-optional environment. If that makes you uncomfortable, or if you’re traveling with a mixed-gender group, this isn't the spot. But for the guys who want a place where they can truly relax without the "performance" of a typical resort, it’s a gold mine.
How to Do El Mirasol Right
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the cheapest room and spend all day on your phone.
- Book a Bungalow: The extra space is worth the price jump, especially for the private patios.
- Use the Steam Room: It’s one of the few resorts in the area that has kept a high-quality eucalyptus steam room running.
- Talk to Paul and Bruce: They are usually around and know more about Palm Springs history than most tour guides.
- Check the Calendar: Rates fluctuate wildly during events like Modernism Week or White Party, so plan accordingly.
The reality of El Mirasol Villas Palm Springs CA is that it represents a disappearing version of the desert. It’s a place that values privacy, history, and the simple act of sitting under a palm tree. In a world that’s getting louder and more digital, there’s something pretty great about a walled garden that refuses to change too much.
To get the most out of a stay, aim for a mid-week visit during the shoulder season—think late October or early May. The weather is perfect, the crowds are thin, and you can actually hear the mountains. Check their direct website for "stay 7 nights, get 1 free" deals, as they often reward the long-haul relaxers over the weekend warriors.