Caliente Tropics

A fun-in-the-sun atmosphere a heated pool and hot tub and retro appeal make the value-priced Caliente Tropics Hotel a standout among our guests. Bonus: Elvis slept here. Originally built in 1964 the 90-room Caliente Tropics Hotel is steeped in Polynesian charm updated for the 21st century: In-room Wi-Fi and cushy bedding with 500-thread-count sheets. Freebies include parking and newspapers. Outside dig the ring-a-ding pool and soak in the 12-person hot tub. At night tiki torches evoke the days of the Rat Pack (who also swung here baby). There's plenty to walk to near the property. Check out the cacti at Moorten Botanical Garden and enjoy nearby dining options. If you want to stick with the Rat Pack vibe take a two-block hike to Davey's Hideaway or drive a mile to old-school celeb dining haunt Melvyn's. Palm Springs International Airport is less than four miles away.