Known for their intimate and extraordinary lodgings, several Palm Springs boutique hotels also have on-site restaurants that round out an authentic stay experience. Kitchens are run by chefs dedicated to creating thoughtfully prepared, and often locally sourced, meals with their own twist.

My boyfriend Paul and I just couldn’t get it together. We’ve been dating for close to four years, and with opposing schedules, separate houses and part-time kids, being able to spend quality time alone is rare. So when the miraculous happened and we had a week to ourselves, we decided to get out of town for a romantic getaway. We wanted to go somewhere special, somewhere sexy: hot even. “What about the desert? We could go to Palm Springs.” I suggested one night.

Don’t bother looking for the gay district in the desert resort town of Palm Springs. That’s because LGTBQ culture is the back bone of all of Palm Springs life. From night clubs to restaurants, boutique hotels to well, boutiques, Palm Springs may be the queerest, gay-fueled resort town on the planet.

Who knows Palm Springs better than the men and women who own and operate or manage the city's boutique hotels? Here are a few recommendations on must-do activities and places to see during your trip.

Foodies looking for a place to stay with on-property dining are in luck — several boutique hotels in Palm Springs have their own restaurants with menus that appeal to everyone. The Ingleside Inn's iconic Melvyn's Restaurant has served everyone from Frank Sinatra to Liza Minnelli. Gourmet dishes are prepared table side, like Sinatra's favorite, the Steak Diane, and delicious desserts like Crepes Suzette and Cherries Jubilee. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, there's also a bar and special weekend brunch menu with endless champagne for just $9 a person.