While there’s still not an official opening date, it’s looking likely that the planned Thompson Palm Springs will welcome its first guests in 2023. The hotel website is now up, and we also know what World of Hyatt category the property will be. Let’s start with a bit of background.
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The abandoned Andaz Palm Springs project
Back in 2015 it was announced that an Andaz would be coming to Palm Springs. At the time the plan was for the 150-room hotel to open in 2016. For those of you not familiar with Andaz, this is Hyatt’s luxury(ish) lifestyle hotel brand, with properties in popular destinations around the world.
The reality is that this property was already in the pipeline long before it was announced that it would be branded as a Hyatt, as the four acre plot of land has been under development in some form for roughly a decade.
For years the development seemed to be cursed in just about every way imaginable, with endless allegations of breach of contract, lack of payment to contractors, etc. In mid-2020 the hotel landed in bankruptcy court, with the controlling entity selling its stake in the property.
Fortunately there has been some significant progress on this property recently, and there are still plans for it to be a Hyatt.
Basics of the planned Thompson Palm Springs
With the project under new ownership, the plan for the past 18 months or so has been for the property to become the Thompson Palm Springs. For those not familiar, Thompson is another one of Hyatt’s lifestyle brands, with a big emphasis on food & beverage outlets that are popular with locals.
We still don’t have an official opening date for the property, but everything I’ve heard suggests that the hotel should open in 2023, possibly as early as summer. The Thompson Palm Springs now has its own dedicated Hyatt website, and we know that this will be a Category 5 World of Hyatt property when it opens. The hotel isn’t yet accepting reservations, though I’ll be sure to post when that changes.
I imagine the design will change somewhat compared to the original project. Below are the few renderings we have of the Thompson Palm Springs, as opposed to the initial plans for the Andaz Palm Springs.
Another awesome California addition for Hyatt
A few general notes about this property specifically, and about Hyatt’s overall footprint in California. I like Palm Springs a lot, though it’s not a place I visit often, simply because I live in Florida. There are a few reasons I’m excited about this property:
- Personally I probably wouldn’t travel cross country to visit Palm Springs as a standalone trip, though what I love so much about California is the geographic diversity, so this would be great as part of a bigger trip to California; this will also be awesome for those in SoCal who are looking for a weekend getaway
- Palm Springs is desperately lacking luxury points hotels; I still miss the Parker Palm Springs belonging to Starwood Preferred Guest; the hotel still exists, but it’s no longer affiliated with a major hotel points program
- While I’m generally excited about this development, I wish this were a more secluded resort with a bit more land, rather than a four acre development right in the heart of the city
- With Hyatt acquiring Dream Hotel Group, Hyatt will eventually have another new property in Palm Springs, as there’s a Dream Palm Springs in the pipeline, though it’s a long ways from opening
On top of that, I can’t help but point out how beautifully Hyatt’s portfolio in California is developing:
- There are now three Alila properties in California, including the Alila Ventana Big Sur, Alila Marea Beach Encinitas, and Alila Napa Valley
- For Hyatt loyalists, you have luxury hotel options to enjoy the beaches in SoCal, the nature in Big Sur, and wine country in Napa Valley, plus this Palm Springs addition coming soon
- While Hyatt’s city footprint in California largely leaves a lot to be desired, it has at least been improving nicely in the Los Angeles area, between the Thompson Hollywood, the tommie Hollywood, Hotel Figueroa, and more (unfortunately the Park Hyatt Los Angeles project is still stalled)
Bottom line
The Thompson Palm Springs is expected to open in 2023. It now has a Hyatt webpage, and will be a Category 5 World of Hyatt property at opening. This is the former Andaz Palm Springs project, which has now been under development for roughly a decade. Here’s to hoping that the hotel actually opens in 2023, and doesn’t encounter even further delays.
Are you excited about the Thompson Palm Springs?
Yes, the current Hyatt Suites in downtown PS is very tired, dated and just plain crummy. They know they have a prime location and refuse to do any updates.
I was just in PS. If you think the Thompson will be open by summer 2023, I've got some desert land in the Florida swamplands to sell ya!!
Are those so called "life style" hotels merely trying to be hip with some marketing sizzle so they can overcharge rooms? Are they really any different from a Regency or Grand??
Can't wait for more traffic congestion and more people adding to the already over populated area. What drought? Whatever Hyatt. Keep absorbing every other hotel so you're homogenized. Palm springs has lost its charm and these developments are part of the reason. Money money money!
This will be an welcome addition to Palm Springs. It's central to downtown. It's only a 2 min walk to the Hyatt though. and will give Kimpton The Rowan and Hotel Zoso a run for their money.
The Parker is nice, but so far away from anything.
This would be great to see, as the current Hyatt in Palm Springs is incredibly old and tired. Had to stay there for a friend's wedding and couldn't wit to leave.
*wait - sorry!
Which begs the question what is Hyatt doing to do with their existing property? Either renovate or drop the affiliation.