Last Updated on February 14, 2026
Located about a 10-15 minute drive north of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs is located in the picturesque Coachella Valley and best known for its natural mineral hot springs, laid-back vibe, and views of Mount San Jacinto.
With more than 200 geothermal wells, the hot springs have been used for hundreds of years dating back to the Cahuilla Native Americans long before early settlers arrived. These Native Americans referred to the area as “Sec-he” (boiling water).
Unlike most of the surrounding Colorado Desert (a subregion of the larger Sonoran Desert), Desert Hot Springs (DHS), sits over underground aquifers rich in mineral water. The city has dozens of boutique spa hotels and bathhouses offering soaking pools. It is one of the few places in the U.S. with both hot and cold mineral springs.
With its numerous spa resorts, DHS is now called the “Mineral Capital of the World.”
Desert Hot Springs Boutique Hotel
Like other properties in DHS, Onsen Hotel & Spa offers a retro desert aesthetic with mid-century modern influences. What makes this hotel special is that it doesn’t come with the higher price tag other spa resorts in the area charge, and a continental breakfast is included in the stay. Parking is also complimentary and the hotel is pet-friendly for an additional $49 per dog/per stay charge.
The hotel has 21 accommodations available for guests. These include well-appointed standard rooms, suites, and junior suites, each equipped with lovely furnishings and modern amenities. My corner standard queen room was spacious, cozy and felt both chic and welcoming.
Onsen is a great choice for a relaxing getaway, couples retreat, or spa-focused vacation, and even in my husband’s and my case, our overnight touch-and-go stay was delightful.
Hotel Amenities
For a small boutique hotel, the Onsen offers an impressive number of guest amenities. The large outdoor swimming pool and 12-person Jacuzzi are fed by a mineral rich underground aquifer. An on-site spa features a full menu of ‘relax, renew and rejuvenate’ experiences for the face and body, using only local, natural products. A 24-hour fitness center is on-site for keeping up your workout routine.
Though there is no restaurant at the hotel, guests can order a charcuterie, Mediterranean, or gluten-free vegetarian board. Additionally, bottles of wine, margarita and vodka mixers are available for purchase.
Dining in the Desert
Though Desert Hot Springs offers several restaurant choices, most are fast-food or quick-pick options. I prefer heading into nearby Palm Springs for its plethora of excellent award-winning dining.
On my February 2026 visit, I took wise advice from a friend and headed for dinner at The Barn Kitchen at Sparrow’s Lodge. Highly rated, and for good reason, The Barn Kitchen is a refined, desert-inspired American restaurant nestled in the adults-only boutique hotel Sparrow’s Lodge.
The restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, draws on the freshest available Coachella Valley ingredients, creating classic American favorites with a modern twist. The outdoor garden with its casual yet stylish communal setting is magical, though guests can also choose private tables if available or indoor seating.
Reservations are highly recommended as even on a mid-week evening, The Barn Kitchen was extremely busy.
The menu changes seasonally and includes appetizers, salads, arbor suppers and desserts. My butternut squash agnolotti was superb, as was my husband’s pork dish. Portions were more than ample, and the cuisine, service and setting were absolutely charming.
Location is Everything
Not only is Desert Hot Springs a 20-minute drive to the heart of Palm Springs, but offers close proximity to hiking in areas like Mission Creek Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park, two natural areas ideal for outdoor exploration.
Bottom line, visitors can take advantage of all the area has to offer with its myriad hot springs, health and wellness options, and the art, culture and foodie oasis of nearby Palm Springs.
With its Zen-inspired design, combining mid-century architecture with Japanese minimalism, Onsen Hotel & Spa provides an ideal location for enjoying the treasures of the environs of the Palm Springs region at a price that won’t break the budget.
