Study Finds Most Visitors To Palm Springs Will Likely Come Back

Pictured, La Serena Villas in Downtown Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA

Visitors love Palm Springs, and in a research study of 3,265 travelers, 83% said they are very likely to return to the city.

The study was conducted in June 2024 by Panoramic, on behalf of Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels (PSPSH). This is the fourth time PSPSH has surveyed people after a trip to Palm Springs, with similar studies done in 2017, 2019, and 2022. This year, 73% said they are likely to tell people to visit Palm Springs, up from 66% in 2017, 70% in 2019, and 71% in 2022.

Visitors also love boutique hotels, so much so that this was the only type of lodging that did not see a significant decline in its secure customer index (SCI), a customer satisfaction measurement model that calculates likelihood of return and likelihood to recommend a company.

Three groups of people make up 53% of the visitors to Palm Springs’ boutique hotels: convenience seekers, those who appreciate form and function, and travelers who care most about style and charm. Compared to other groups, they care more about supporting locally owned businesses, want to stay in a small hotel with a distinct architectural style, enjoy nice views from their rooms, and expect a high level of service from staff.

Out of all respondents, 74% said they are open to considering a boutique hotel for their next vacation, up from 58% in 2017, and 80% said they are likely to recommend boutique hotels to their friends and family, an increase of 7 points since 2022.

“I think people like small boutique hotels precisely because they have unique personalities,” said Michael C. Green, Chair of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels Advisory Board . “Our guests are looking for something authentic – often different – always special. Something that reflects who they are, what they like and where they feel most comfortable. That all comes together to create a powerful brand preference.”

Indeed, the research confirmed that the most popular reasons for choosing a boutique hotel are because they offer unique, personalized experiences; they feel more interesting than chain properties; and they feel more authentic and less corporate.

Driving these points home was the fact that only 18% of respondents stated that they prefer a contactless check-in and concierge service, while 82% want a live person to help them. Only 4% of respondents said contactless check-in and concierge are the most important factor when deciding on a hotel. “It’s nice just to be able to go to your room and relax after traveling,” one survey participant said, with another stating that they like “flexibility in case I arrive after hours.”

ABOUT PALM SPRINGS PREFERRED SMALL HOTELS

Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels is an association of independently-owned boutique hotels, which are an essential part of this desert resort town’s uncommon culture and economy. From quirky to charming, mid-century modern to clothing-optional, Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels has got your stay. Follow the fun on Facebook , YouTube , Instagram , and Pinterest .

Pictured, Drift Hotel in Downtown Palm Springs