Palm Springs is the mid century modern capital of the world, and the best way to experience it is not from the sidewalk during a home tour. It is from inside one: coffee under exposed beams, a morning swim with the San Jacinto Mountains framed by walls of glass, and an evening by the fire pit on a patio designed for exactly that. A mid century modern vacation rental turns the city’s architecture from something you look at into something you live in.
At Apek Rentals, Palm Springs is home. Our team is made up of third-generation locals whose roots in the valley go back to 1971, and over seven years we have hosted more than 15,000 stays across Southern California with a 4.8-star guest rating. Our Palm Springs collection includes homes with genuine desert modern pedigree, from a Donald Wexler steel house to a classic Twin Palms rancho. Below is a quick way to find the right home for your group, a closer look at each one, and everything you need to know before you book.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Choosing comes down to who is traveling and how you want to spend your days. Architecture purists and couples will find nothing more authentic than The Steel House, a true Wexler original for up to four guests. Families and small groups who value privacy tend to love the backyard, putting green, and home gym at the Twin Palms Mid-Century Home. Groups of up to eight who want character and a quick hop downtown should look at the Mid-Century Oasis in the Movie Colony. Groups of ten or more should go straight to The Mod, and anyone staying a month or longer will get the most value from the Pop Art Oasis.
Sleep Inside a Wexler Original
The Steel House is one of Donald Wexler’s celebrated steel homes from the early 1960s, among the most studied residences of the desert modern era, and it is yours to stay in. Set in north Palm Springs, five minutes by car from downtown, it opens through expansive glass sliders to the pool, the hot tub, and the mountains beyond. Inside, a grand piano, a fireplace, designer furnishings, and a chef’s kitchen with all-new appliances keep the experience refined rather than museum-like.
Two king bedrooms and two and a half baths for up to four guests make it the home we suggest for couples, two-couple getaways, and anyone coming to Palm Springs specifically for the architecture. An outdoor shower, a fire pit, a grill, and a dining table for eight make it easy to host a small dinner after a day of tours, and guests rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 62 reviews. Check dates for The Steel House before Modernism Week calendars fill.
A Classic Rancho Escape in Twin Palms
The Twin Palms Mid-Century Home sits in one of the most architecturally cohesive mid century neighborhoods in the city, and its single-level layout, exposed beams, and white brick fireplace carry all the original character. An updated kitchen with quartz counters handles the modern side, and out back, a kidney-shaped pool, a hot tub with complimentary spa heating, a gas fire pit, a two-hole putting green, and a cornhole setup face the San Jacinto range.
Three bedrooms with a king and two queens make it a natural fit for families or a few friends who want a quiet base a short drive from downtown. There is even a home gym in the converted garage, stocked with dumbbells and yoga mats, and guests rate the stay 4.8 out of 5 across 48 reviews. See availability for the Twin Palms home and lock in your dates.
Celebrate With Friends in the Movie Colony
The Mid-Century Oasis brings the storied Movie Colony to your doorstep, just five minutes from downtown, with a vaulted living room, clerestory windows, a sunny yellow front door, and pops of vibrant color throughout. The standout is the “looking glass room,” a bedroom retreat with its own private patio. Outside, a mosaic-tiled saltwater pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, a built-in gas grill, an outdoor shower, and a pergola-covered dining area sit in a palm-lined backyard with San Jacinto views.
Four bedrooms and two baths sleep eight, which makes it a favorite for friend groups, milestone birthdays, and family reunions. A record player with a vinyl collection, a wine fridge, a 65-inch smart TV, and a dedicated workspace round things out, and guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 59 reviews. Book the Mid-Century Oasis for your next celebration.
Bring the Whole Crew for Modernism Week
The Mod is a colorful, mid century motel-style retreat built for bachelorettes, reunions, and design-loving groups who want to stay together. Eight individually styled suites each come with their own en-suite bathroom, so nobody draws the short straw, and shared spaces include a private pool, a hot tub with complimentary spa heating, a fire pit, a grill, a community room with a 60-inch TV and Sonos sound, a private gym, ping pong, and arcade games.
It sleeps up to 16 guests, welcomes up to three pets, and includes four complimentary bikes for the roughly one-mile ride to downtown bars and restaurants. Past groups give it 4.7 out of 5 across 44 reviews. Plan your group stay at The Mod while your preferred weekend is still open.
Spend the Season in the Desert
The Pop Art Oasis gives snowbirds and remote workers a retro base near Palm Canyon Drive, with pop-art murals, bold patterns, four bedrooms, three spa-like baths, and space for ten guests. Outside, a private pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, and an outdoor bar and lounge set the scene for long desert evenings, and inside a chef’s kitchen and dedicated workspace make it easy to settle in.
In line with City of Palm Springs rules, it is available for stays of 28 nights or longer, and booking direct saves 40 percent on monthly stays. Our Palm Springs monthly rentals guide covers everything else you need to plan a season in the desert, or you can reserve the Pop Art Oasis for your winter in Palm Springs.
When to Book
Palm Springs high season runs from October through April, with daytime highs in the 70s from November through March. Modernism Week October takes place October 15 to 18, 2026, and our best-located homes go quickly for those dates. The flagship 11-day Modernism Week returns February 11 to 21, 2027, and the most sought-after mid century rentals often book six to twelve months ahead, which means now is the time to secure your February stay.
If you are flexible, April and early May bring warm days and thinner crowds, while summer offers the best rates of the year for travelers happy to trade afternoon sightseeing for long pool days. Our Palm Springs winter guide has more ideas for the cooler months.
Your Palm Springs Stay Starts Here
A mid century modern vacation rental is one of those rare stays where the house is as much the destination as the city around it. Afternoon light through clerestory windows, a pool glowing under a mountain sunset, a fire pit beneath exposed beams: these are the moments guests tell us they remember most.
Browse our Palm Springs mid century modern vacation rentals, filter for homes with private pools or a hot tub, or explore our large vacation rental stays if you are planning for a crowd. Pick your dates and book direct for our best rate and $100 off your first stay. We are locals, we are here to help, and we will make sure your stay feels effortless from the first message to the last swim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Apek Rentals homes in Palm Springs are mid century modern?
Our top picks for design lovers are The Steel House, a historic Donald Wexler steel home, the Twin Palms Mid-Century Home, the Mid-Century Oasis in the Movie Colony, and The Mod for large groups. You can browse the full lineup in our Palm Springs collection.
Can I stay in an architect-designed home in Palm Springs?
Yes. The Steel House is an original Donald Wexler steel home, one of the most recognizable residential designs of the desert modern era, and it is available to book as a vacation rental.
What is the best mid century rental for a large group?
The Mod sleeps up to 16 guests in eight suites with en-suite bathrooms, plus a pool, a hot tub, a gym, and a game-filled community room, making it ideal for bachelorettes, reunions, and Modernism Week groups.
Are the pools heated?
Heating options vary by home and are listed on each property page. The Twin Palms home and The Mod include complimentary spa heating, and pool heating is available as an add-on at homes like The Steel House, the Mid-Century Oasis, and The Mod, with a two-night minimum and 48 hours’ notice.
What is the minimum stay?
Minimum stays vary by home and season and are shown when you select your dates. Some homes, like the Pop Art Oasis, are available only for stays of 28 nights or longer.
How far ahead should I book for Modernism Week?
For February’s Modernism Week, we recommend booking six to twelve months ahead. For Modernism Week October, check availability as early as possible, since the best homes are often reserved well in advance.
Are your Palm Springs rentals permitted?
Yes. Palm Springs requires a City-issued permit for short-term rentals, and our short-term listings display their permit ID. Homes without a short-term license are offered for stays of 28 nights or more, as city rules require.
How old do I need to be to book?
The primary renter must be at least 25 years old.
What is the cancellation policy?
Most homes offer a full refund within 48 hours of booking and a 50 percent refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before check-in. Full terms are listed on each property page.
