Owned by world-famous drag queen, Trixie Mattel, her namesake roadside motel is every bit as camp as you’d expect, and it makes for a fabulous stay in Palm Springs. Tucked behind a gold-adorned bubblegum pink gate, the refurbished mid-century motel is an Instagram-dream-come true. From its neon Trixie Motel sign, 70s pool floats and Mattel’s signature made up eyes painted on the wall, to the gilded retro Palm Springs aesthetic in the reception and individually themed rooms, the property is brimming with photo opps.
Whimsical, nearly everything is pink (down to the Smeg appliances) and over-the-top in the best way, it’s the kind of place you’d imagine Barbie would vacation. Every room is designed with a catchy theme–think Queen of Hearts, Atomic Bombshell, Flower Power and Yeehaw Cowgirl, so no two are alike.
Designed by Dani Dazey, a multi-talented creative with a successful career as a graphic, textile and fashion designer before pursuing interiors, the Trixie embodies her mission to empower her clients to go bold and express themselves to the fullest.
The Atomic Bombshell room, for example, features a vintage shower and vanity, two ball chairs, and matching bed sheets, curtains and wallpaper in a galactic blue, purple, pink and orange print of planets and rainbows. Funded by the Scott brothers, also known as the kings of renovation TV, the entire process of bringing Trixie Motel to life can be seen on Discovery+.
Since the renovations began back in 2020, Mattel and her team have received lots of support from the LGBTQIA+ community. To give back, Trixie Motel is already serving as a meeting and event space for LGBTQIA+ organizations to share the fabulous queer space with the local community. As Trixie put it, “it’s near impossible to get anything made in this industry (especially GAY STUFF), but [Trixie Motel] is our big pink baby and we love her and Palm Springs.”
Add to that its friendly staff and dreamy location in old Las Palmas (walking distance to downtown), it’s no wonder this new boutique property is already becoming a fast favorite among visitors.
Top Takeaways
Location: Palm Springs, California
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A camp Barbie dream vacation.
Food + Drink: Guests can enjoy a breakfast basket and unlimited drip coffee in the morning as well as an inventive menu of cocktails at the bar or by the pool.
Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool; Free WiFi; Fridge; Complimentary toiletries; Breakfast bar.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The oh-so-Instagrammable aesthetic and friendly staff.
5 Nearby Attractions: Joshua Tree National Park; Moorten Botanical Garden; Walk of the Stars Palm Springs; Palm Springs Art Museum; Tahquitz Canyon
Any Personal Neighbourhood Recs? Visit The Pink Cabana for cute drinks and creative Moroccan-inspired food inside the stunning Sands hotel and spa. For the best plant-based food in town, check out Tanya’s vegan deli. Crystal Fantasy is a candy store of crystals, oracle decks for anyone with a spiritual practice, and also has an energy healer and tarot reader on site for readings.
Rooms: Seven individually designed rooms, each with their own unique theme.
Pricing: Rooms start at $400 per night.
Closest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport
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