Palm Springs Saguaro Pool Review (Non-Sponsored)
Find out whether or not this Palm Springs daycation is something you should try in my review of the Saguaro hotel pool.
The Saguaro is a famous hotel in Palm Springs, and it’s pool is equally famous. At the time of writing this post, a day pass to the Saguaro pool is $40 per person (October 2023). So, the question is- is the Saguaro pool day pass worth the price? If you want my short answer, it’s yes!
Quick note- the hotel website FAQ section says that the pool is only available to hotel guests at this time. This is absolutely not true. I called the hotel front desk and they directed me to resortpass.com. They appeared sold out at first, but the front desk was able to open more day passes when I asked.
This was my second attempt to go to this pool. The first time, they actually were sold out. The moral of this story- book in advance, and call the front desk if you don’t see any available day passes on resortpass.com.
What is The Saguaro Pool Like?
Vibe: Party pool
My husband and I visited the pool on a Saturday in October. We arrived in the middle of the afternoon, and there was already a big crowd. The DJ was playing remixes of top hits, and everyone was either dancing or drinking. We found ourselves a couple of lounge chairs to put our stuff down, then made our way to the bar for drinks. Overall the vibe was fun and energetic, but still chill. My husband and I were able to easily have a conversation, but the music was loud enough to keep everyone upbeat.
While I did see one person reading by the pool, this isn’t the pool I recommend if that’s the vibe you are looking for. The pool is much more conducive to socializing.
The DJ and fun continued until around 5pm when people started to trickle out (presumably to get ready for dinner or a night out).
Demographic: Young and Fun
While, I don’t think the pool restricts kids access, I did not see any kids at the pool. I don’t recommend bringing kids either. The Saguaro is more geared towards adults between 21 and 45 years old. Along with my husband and myself, there were several other couples at the pool as well as several groups that I assume came in together. Bachelorette parties for sure love this pool, and there were a few groups of them when my husband and I went.
How Crowded is The Pool Area?
The Saguaro was crowded as far as free seating options, but there was plenty of space to get to the bar and to get in the water. Most people were in the pool or walking around, but the majority of the lounge chairs were claimed with belongings. My husband and I were lucky to find two lounge chairs next to each other. I assume you’ll have better luck if you arrive earlier in the day.
Alternatively, you could pay for a cabana. Personally, I don’t think the cabanas are worth the price point and minimum spend requirement unless you have a large group and want to go all out.
Why is The Saguaro Pool Famous?
“We don’t need no bottle. Purple color lip-gloss. Room at the Saguaro. Ain’t nowhere I would rather be…” – Drew Barrymore by Bryce Vine
Like your favorite influencer, the Saguaro achieved it’s popularity from instagram, and has been called the most instagramable hotel in the Coachella Valley. It’s party scene, bright colors, and pool party events also contribute to it’s popularity.
How Does The Saguaro Compare to Other Palm Springs Pools?
There are a lot of pool options in Palm Springs with everything from zen, relaxing pools to the upbeat party pools.
The main competitors for Saguaro party pool vibe are the ACE hotel and swim club, Margaritaville, and Hotel Zoso.
ACE Hotel and Swim Club
The ACE hotel has a similar price point to the Saguaro pool of around $45 for a day pass. It also includes a bar and DJ. I haven’t been to this hotel myself, but from what I’ve read and heard, it is very similar to the Saguaro vibe. This one was well recommended. While it is less famous, it would be good alternative.
Margaritaville
The Margaritaville pool has a similar price point on resortpass.com as well. Like the Saguaro pool, Margaritaville is part of Palm Springs annual Splash House EDM festival. It also has the option of 2 pools- a quiet pool and a pool with a DJ. Again, I haven’t been to this pool myself. I do think this pool would be fun, but I think you would be missing out on the boutique hotel vibe Palm Springs offers. Maybe I’m off base here, but I prefer to go to a place that is only offered in Palm Springs and not a chain hotel.
Hotel Zoso
The first time my husband and I tried to go to the Saguaro pool, it was sold out. We found Hotel Zoso instead. It was a cheaper price (ranges from $15-$25pp for their day pass). This hotel used to be a Hard Rock Cafe, and seems to be in the process of rebranding. I think this pool has potential. The pool itself is large, and they also have a DJ and bar as well as a nightclub called “Pretty Faces”.
Even though Zoso has all the makings for a great pool party, the vibe wasn’t quite there for me. Maybe it just hasn’t gained the popularity yet that Saguaro has, but the pool felt a little empty. It just felt like going into a nightclub with no one on the dance floor.
Saguaro Pool Day Itinerary
If you have made it this far, and decided that the Saguaro is the pool for your party needs, then I have recommendations to make an amazing day out of it!
The Saguaro is also home to the PS Drag Brunch– one of the two most recommended drag shows in Palm Springs (the other is Oscar’s). The show and performances are so much fun, and they do a good job of getting the crowd going. Plus, with both the Mean Girls and Diva packages, you get bottomless mimosas and a 3 course meal. The 1st and 3rd courses are pretty small, but the second course is filling and all the food is good. Personally, I didn’t mind the smaller courses considering I would be spending the afternoon in a bathing suit. Anyway, let’s move on to the itinerary!
10am- PS Drag Brunch- show, mimosas, and food!
12ish (as soon as the Drag Brunch is done)- Saguaro Pool Party- DJ, sunshine, and more drinks!
4/5pm- shower, rest, re-hydrate
7pm- Palm Canyon Drive for food, and (if you can handle it) more drinks. I recommend the south end of Palm Canyon drive around Arenas for a party atmosphere. Alternatively, if your head is pounding and the sound of more alcohol makes you nauseous, order take out from Monsoon’s Indian Cuisine on Sunrise Way and hibernate in your pjs.
I hope you found this review of the Saguaro pool in Palm Springs helpful! This post is solely my opinion and has not been compensated in any way. I try to make content that I would have found useful when I was planning. I was surprised to have trouble finding reviews of Palm Springs pool parties hence the creation of this post. If you are interested in more Palm Springs related travel posts, check out these posts:
PS Drag Brunch Review (Unsponsored)
Living in Palm Springs for 3 months
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Hiking
Comment below with your favorite Palm Springs pool!
Julie (Juls for short) is the founder of travelingwithjuls.com. She is a registered nurse turned travel nurse. She loves adventure and learning about new places. Her goals are to help other nurses learn about travel nursing, and to share information about the locations/destinations she lives in for 3+ months at a time.
