How to Travel to Palm Springs on Points and Miles

Although Palm Springs is often known for its golf courses, this stunning desert city has something for every type of traveler. Sun seekers, tennis lovers, shopaholics and avid foodies can head to this California resort oasis to unwind beneath the blue skies or to partake in the famous sights and endless activities.

Getting to Palm Springs is a breeze, and there’s a wide selection of great places to stay. If you plan right, you can pay for all or most of your Palm Springs escape with airline miles and hotel points. Here’s your points and miles guide to Palm Springs.

Getting there

Nearest airports

The Palm Springs International Airport is two miles east of downtown Palm Springs.

Major airlines flying to Palm Springs

There are currently 11 airlines that fly into Palm Springs:

• Air Canada.

• Alaska Airlines.

• Allegiant.

• American Airlines.

• Delta.

• Frontier Airlines.

• JetBlue.

• Southwest.

• Sun Country.

• United.

• WestJet.

Flying to Palm Springs on points and miles

Whether booking a flight using airline miles or tapping into Chase or AmEx points, the cost depends on your point of origin. Here are some current examples of the best points and miles options for cheap flights to Palm Springs. Prices are round trip.

Hotels on points in Palm Springs

The greater Palm Springs area is made up of several cities that offer a unique blend of experiences, architecture and culture. The inspiring landscape of the valley is set with sprawling hotels, luxurious resorts and inviting spas. Check out these hotels to book with points in Palm Springs and beyond.

Marriott Bonvoy

The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

Looking to splurge? Located on a cliff top overlooking scenic Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage offers unparalleled luxury set among 20 miles of hiking trails.

Cost to book in points: Rooms usually start at 50,000 points per night, but can rise to 70,000 during peak travel times. NerdWallet currently values Marriott Bonvoy® points at 0.9 cent each. This property also has a $40 daily resort fee that isn't typically waived on award stays.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points

Use points to book an affordable Palm Springs trip with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. It currently offers an annual free night award valued up to 35,000 points. Terms apply.

You can also accumulate points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Plus, they throw in a free night award valued up to 85,000 points (see rates and fees). Terms apply.

If you want Gold status in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, but don’t want to commit to a Marriott-branded credit card, check out The Platinum Card® from American Express, which also comes with automatic Marriott Gold Status (see rates and fees). Points you earn with the card can be transferred to the Bonvoy program at a 1:1 ratio. Terms apply.

» Learn more: How to maximize The Platinum Card® from American Express

Hilton Honors

La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

This hacienda-style resort is another excellent splurge location. Nestled between five scenic golf courses, La Quinta Resort & Club boasts 41 pools, seven restaurants and a spa.

Cost to book in points: Rooms at this property often cost 64,000 to 166,000 points per night, and NerdWallet values Hilton points at 0.6 cent per point. The resort fee is $35 a night, but Hilton may waive the fees on award stays, increasing the value from booking with points.

How to earn Hilton Honors points

One of the best ways to earn Hilton Honors points is with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, where you’ll receive Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, among other valuable benefits (see rates and fees). Terms apply.

The Platinum Card® from American Express also comes with automatic Hilton Gold Status (see rates and fees). And the American Express Membership Rewards points you earn with the card can be transferred to the Hilton Honors program at a 1:2 ratio, which means 1 American Express point equals 2 Hilton points. Terms apply.

World of Hyatt

Hyatt Palm Springs

The budget-friendly Hyatt Palm Springs features all-suite accommodations and private balconies and is located in the heart of iconic downtown.

Cost to book in points: Log into your World of Hyatt account to find this Category 3 bargain, which costs just 9,000 points per night for an off-peak stay. NerdWallet values Hyatt points at 2.2 cents each. Resort fees are $22 per night, but Hyatt will waive resort fees on award stays, increasing the value of booking with points.

How to earn Hyatt points

Your best option for earning points is with the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which lets you earn points for spending on the card and also comes with an annual free night.

» Learn more: Is the World of Hyatt Credit Card worth its annual fee?

If you visit Palm Springs

The Palm Springs area is a popular destination with no shortage of trendy hotels, luxurious spas, shopping and outdoor activities. And if you tap into these tips for how to get to Palm Springs with points and miles in 2021, you can cover the cost of a trip with awards, too.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, see this page.