Vagabond Motor Hotel - Palm Springs

Checked-in quite late at night. Our room was right across from the lobby on ground level, and car parking right out front of room, so both handy for us. At the time I booked, it was mention free breakfast, but they never went back to it after Covid, so we were disappointed to find that out night before. Room was average, but comfy and beds comfy as well, so good sleeps. We enjoyed the views from pool area of the spectacular mountain. Hot tub not working at that time. Pool was only heated for the weekend. Hotel and pool area very quiet, during our 4 night stay. All front desk staff were friendly. Funny to see alcoholic beverage machines, and frozen food ones in front lobby along with snack and other drinks machines.

Recently, I stayed at the Vagabond Inn for a total of nine nights as a solo traveler. I really liked it. I was there at what seemed to be a very slow time both for the hotel and Palm Springs generally, so this certainly helped in the hotel being very quiet. It was easy to use the pool and jacuzzi, as other guests there were scarce. The hotel is on the south end of town and super-conveniently located to most things you’d want to do in Palm Springs; it’s also near the Deepwell neighborhood which is full of houses designed by notable architects – a pleasant jog or bikeride area. The first room (322) that I had at the Vagabond was attractively designed in a mid-century mod fashion. The second room (307) was similar, but its bathroom had not been renovated. This room had really the only flaw I encountered in the two rooms, which was a very weak shower. Bed mattresses were a bit too soft for me, but pretty normal for hotel beds. Like some hotels currently, this one was not doing any housekeeping because of Covid. This is a fairly ridiculous excuse, but I did not find it to be a major problem. Likewise, the snack shop by the pool is closed, but given the low number of guests, this is understandable. The pool and jacuzzi are very nice – lots of seating, and a very large jacuzzi. Supposedly, these close at 8 p.m. but fortunately, this did not seem to be enforced. In keeping with another review on here, I note that some kids were using the pool who were not hotel guests – I believe they were friends of the manager. They generally give hostile looks to the guests and sometimes play loud music. During my stay, it was little enough not to be a problem, but the hotel should rethink their policies on this. Overall, very good hotel for reasonable rates.

We were visiting the Palm Springs area for the first time, partly for hiking and partly for the activities during Modernism Week. The Vagabond turned out to be a perfect location. It was just a 10-minute drive to the Indian Canyons and to downtown, where many of the Modernist Week activities were held, where the Thursday night street fair took place, and where there were lots of good dining choices. It was also just a 5-mnute drive to Tahquitz Canyon, a 2-minute walk to the bike shop where the wonderful tour of Modernist neighborhoods began, and an hour's drive to Joshua Tree National Park. Our third floor room at the Vagabond was quiet and clean, the bed was quite comfortable, the shower was quite good, the microwave and fridge came in handy, and the hotel staff was quite responsive. On top of all this, the price was very reasonable, especially compared to lodging options closer to downtown. We would definitely choose the Vagabond the next time we visit Palm Springs.

This is the third budget hotel we have stayed in in Palm Springs. It is the cheapest and by far the best. The room is clean and in good repair, as is the bathroom. The bed is very comfortable. From the outside the hotel looks similar to the other budget hotels of this era in the town, but this room is very good for the price we paid. I wish we had stayed here the whole time.

We stayed here again in two rooms for New Year’s Eve 2023. Some restaurants in walking distance and a short drive to downtown. The hotel is good but often smells of **** and some of the smell may enter the room. There is an elevator. Mountain facing rooms face south with a better view and receive some winter sunlight. Town facing rooms face north and may be cooler from spring through fall. Fair Wi-Fi speed, about 40 Mbps speed when some guests have checked out. To switch on the heating, press the mode button on the console until it shows a sun icon, set the temperature, and wait a few minutes. Elegant light fixtures! One room had no soap and low water pressure in the shower.

This place was perfect for a one night stop with a baby and dog on our way from Phoenix to Central California. It was clean, quiet, stylish, and located right up against beautiful mountains for an affordable price without a bunch of fees. The front desk staff person at night was super friendly and gave us a room that was convenient.