Hotel Snapshot
One of the most distinctive and transportive properties in Palm Springs, Korakia Pensione is an eclectic hotel with a big personality. Influenced by Moroccan and Mediterranean details, this intimate accommodation is home to 28 villas and homes, each of which boasts its own bespoke design. Despite being within walking distance to so many of downtown Palm Springs’ best restaurants and shops, the property feels completely tucked away along the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, making it the ultimate escape for a romantic weekend in the desert.
Design & Character
As you enter through the open-air courtyard, take a moment to admire the trickling fountain that greets you with floating flowers showcasing the most vibrant shades of pink and yellow. You’ll also notice an arched Moroccan doorway covered in bright bougainvillea vines, all before you even reach the check-in desk in the rustic lobby. Though it is technically a hotel, the property feels more like a cozy bed and breakfast. Once you receive your key (which is an actual house key, rather than an electric card), you’ll make your way beyond the main pool and outdoor bar, passing a variety of standalone, Mediterranean-style buildings, which house various suites.
Korakia Pensione sits on just 1.5 acres of land, curating a petite ambiance that is intimate without feeling crowded. As you explore, you’ll stumble across quiet courtyards and patios, some adorned with swaying hammocks and firepits. The lush vegetation can’t be ignored, and once the sun begins its descent in the evening, overhead string lights and hanging Moorish lanterns create an ambient glow that matches the mysterious desert surroundings.
The Rooms
Don’t expect a standard guestroom during your stay. Korakia Pensione exclusively offers 28 bespoke suites and homes, and no matter which you choose, expect to be wowed. The Greek/Spanish adobe exteriors are met with carefully curated interiors that feature an attention to detail that’s hard to replicate. As mentioned before, every accommodation option is completely different, but earthy tones and Mediterranean accents endure throughout.
During my visit, I stayed in the spacious Bedouin Suite, which opens up with a full-sized, fireside living room and kitchen. In the back bedroom, a massive stone tub with an accompanying rain shower head opens up to a quaint patio, essentially acting as your own private indoor/outdoor hot tub during the evenings. Another popular suite to consider is the second-level Artist Studio, which features north-facing windows that offer a stunning view of the mountains.
If you want more space than a studio can offer, consider booking one of Korakia Pensione’s three private houses. The off-property Auric House is the only accommodation with more than one bedroom and can sleep up to 12 guests, making it a great option for groups or larger parties. The Orchard House, which is located in a private citrus orchard, is an original 1918 adobe structure with its own wraparound courtyard, stone waterfall and copper tub.
The Food & Drink
Though there is no signature restaurant on-site, you don’t always have to leave the hotel for a bite. Every morning, enjoy a complimentary made-to-order breakfast on the Moroccan courtyard at the front of the property while sipping bloody Mary’s, mimosas or a hot latte. Korakia Pensione also partners with Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge during the day, so that guests can order lunch to their room or poolside. You can also indulge in an array of cocktails, wines and beers at the Moroccan Bar, but we recommend the signature Dar Marroc, made with a Moroccan fig spirit, pomegranate, rosewater, mint and lime.
The Amenities
One of my favorite things to do when visiting the desert is swim under the stars, and at Korakia Pensione, both of the saltwater pools are heated and open 24/7. Other wellness amenities include the complimentary bicycles that you can ride into town, Wednesday evening sound baths, Saturday morning yoga and guided hikes on Sundays. Guests can also reserve in-room spa treatments ranging from soothing massages to more intense body rituals.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Though you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Palm Springs, all of the best shops, restaurants and bars are just a short walk or bike ride away. On the other side of the property is the San Jacinto Mountains, placing you right in between Palm Canyon Drive and a majestic landscape that immerses you in nature.
Fast Facts
Location: Palm Springs, California
Rating: 4-star
Room Count: 28 villas and homes
Pricing: Prices start around $300 per night (depending on the season)
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The 24/7 swimming pools, Moroccan-inspired setting, and prime location that offers the best of both worlds.
Dining: Complimentary breakfast and a poolside bar. No formal restaurant.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, two 24/7 swimming pools, complimentary wellness activities (yoga, biking, hiking), in-room spa treatments.
Nearby Attractions: Downtown Palm Springs, the Aerial Tramway, Moorten Botanical Garden, The Estate Sale, Mister Parker’s Restaurant.
Airport: Palm Springs International Airport
Palm Springs, California, Palm Springs, California, United States
