Aqua Soleil Hotel and Mineral Water Spa in Desert Hot Springs has a limited number of dog-friendly rooms available, so mention your dog when booking to secure a pet-friendly room. Dogs are not permitted in Soleil Suites or inside the pool area and must be kept on a leash at all times in public areas.

Located in California’s Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs sits surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains to the south, the San Bernardino Mountains to the northwest, and Joshua Tree National Park to the east. The mountain views from the hotel grounds are striking, and the desert landscape gives the whole area a peaceful, unhurried quality. On clear mornings, you’ll see the mountains rising dramatically across the horizon while you’re having coffee on the grounds.

The hotel’s main draw is its three pools filled with hot mineral water, drawn from the Desert Hot Springs aquifer deep beneath the surface by their on-site well. The mineral-rich water is naturally heated and known for its soothing properties — guests come here specifically for that experience. While your dog cannot join you in the pool area, the hotel grounds offer plenty of space for walks and fresh air between soaks, and the relaxed pace means you won’t feel rushed to get back inside.

For activities beyond the hotel, the nearby area offers solid options. Joshua Tree National Park is a short drive east, and while dogs are restricted on most park trails, the scenic drives and roadside stops are genuinely worth exploring. The otherworldly rock formations and twisted Joshua trees create an unforgettable landscape, even if you’re experiencing it from the car or at pullouts.

Closer to the hotel, Desert Hot Springs has quiet residential streets and open desert terrain that work well for morning and evening walks. The air is crisp and clean, and you’ll often have the streets largely to yourself. The combination of mineral water pools and a dog-friendly room policy makes this a practical base for a desert trip with your dog, especially if you’re planning to spend time in the area rather than just passing through.