Nestled on historic Miracle Hill in Desert Hot Springs, The Good House is a boutique hotel and spa built around natural mineral hot springs, wellness and genuine hospitality. Originally the Hacienda Hot Springs Inn, the property has welcomed guests seeking rest and rejuvenation since 1957, while preserving the charm and character that make it one of the area’s most unique destinations.
Surrounded by mature shade trees and lush gardens, The Good House offers a peaceful desert oasis just minutes from Palm Springs. Guests can soak in two natural mineral hot spring pools, unwind in the dry sauna, indulge in spa treatments or simply relax beneath the trees with a handcrafted meal or cocktail delivered poolside. This is a 21-and-over property, kept deliberately small with just seven guest rooms, and it was featured in Travel + Leisure’s 2023 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California.
The Good House Hot Pools Information
The Good House sits in the Miracle Hill District, a protected Hot Water Zone with some of the hottest well water in Desert Hot Springs. The area’s natural hot mineral water is world renowned for its quality and is famously odorless, unlike the sulfur-scented water at many hot springs. The water reaches the property at roughly 160 degrees and is cooled for soaking.
There are two hot spring pools. The large pool is kept at roughly 94 degrees, while the smaller pool is kept around 104 degrees, and many guests enjoy moving between both throughout their visit. A dry sauna, shaded lounging areas and more than 50 years of mature gardens complete the grounds.
Resort Accommodations
Overnight guests choose from seven Deluxe King rooms, each with a plush king bed and its own character, and some with private patios or outdoor terraces. The property is filled with antiques, books and artwork, a legacy of rare book dealer and preservationist William “Bill” Dailey, who purchased the aging Hacienda motel in 2003 and lovingly transformed it into an intimate boutique hotel. Breakfast is served for guests, and overnight guests enjoy extended access to the pools beyond day-pass hours.
The Spa at The Good House
The Spa at The Good House combines the tranquility of the desert with the therapeutic powers of hot spring mineral water, offering massage therapy, facials and body treatments by appointment. Guests receiving a spa treatment enjoy one complimentary hour of soaking in the mineral pools before or after their appointment, with the option to upgrade to a full Day Pass for half price.
Dining
Dining is an important part of the experience. The seasonal menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including produce from Temalpakh Farm, with breakfast, lunch and beverages served poolside throughout the day.
Access and Usage Fees
Day Passes are available for guests looking to enjoy the mineral waters without an overnight stay, daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting at $60. Reservations are required on weekends. Bringing your dog? The Good House is dog friendly. A Pup Pass ($25) can be added to any Day Pass so well-behaved dogs can enjoy the grounds alongside you, and overnight guests may bring up to two dogs at $50 per dog per stay. Dogs must stay leashed in common areas and are not permitted in the mineral pools or spa facilities.
Nearby Attractions
The Good House is about a 20-minute drive from Palm Springs and roughly 40 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park (view hot springs near Joshua Tree), making it an easy base for desert exploring. In town, Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a short drive away, and the other mineral spas of Miracle Hill and Desert Hot Springs are close by.
Seasonal Access Information
Best Time of the Year to Visit
Like the rest of the Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs is at its best from fall through spring, when daytime temperatures are mild and the hot pools feel their most restorative. Summer brings serious desert heat, which many guests answer with early-morning and evening soaks under the shade trees.
The Good House Soak Stats:
| Season | Year-round |
| Day Passes | Available, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, from $60 |
| Parking | On-site |
| Hot Spring Temperatures | Large pool roughly 94°F, smaller pool around 104°F (source water about 160°F) |
| Area Features | Desert Hot Springs, Miracle Hill, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park |
| Closest Gas and Food | In Desert Hot Springs; on-site poolside dining for guests |
| Dogs | Yes, with a Pup Pass ($25 day use) or pet fee ($50 per dog per stay); not allowed in the pools or spa |
| Clothing Optional | No |
| Bathrooms | Yes |