Palm Desert, Cal.
 

I'll be visiting Palm Desert, Cal., the last week in October and would appreciate any information about restaurants, sights to see, etc. Also, I'm staying at the Marriot Desert Springs. Any comments about it?

We're pretty open and adventuresome as far as food and activities go, so any info will be appreciated.

Lastly, is late October a good time weather-wise?

Thanks

Watch out for cochroaches-our room was invaded with tons of them-we were staying in the villas there. We also thought the restaurants on property were way overpriced and not that good. However, we did like Joshua Tree National Forest which is not too far from there and ate at a good Mexican place in downtown Palm Springs, sorry I can't remember the name but it's on the north side of the main drag street. October should be perfect weather wise.

There are two good Mexican joints on Palm Canyon: Edgardo's Veracruz and the Blue Coyote. Edgardo's is more authentic, more unreconstructed Cal-Mex, while Blue Coyote is more geared to the gringo crowd. Not that there's anything wrong with that. For cheap Thai, I'm putting in yet another plug for Thai Smile, also on Palm Canyon. The food is excellent, plentiful and inexpensive. All of these get a steady crowd of locals as well as visitors.

For a great steak-and-martini joint, a newer place called The Falls offers slabs of beautiful prime rib and Caesar Salad prepared tableside.

You'll find an outlet of the Yardhouse in Rancho Mirage. I'm familiar with the original place on the harbor in Long Beach (my hometown)-- good California food to accompany over 100 brands of beer on draft (and available in full and half yards), depending on the location (in LB, over 250 beers on tap). A good choice to have in your back pocket.

We stayed here last April in a room overlooking the pools.We loved this property-the rooms and bathrooms were good sized and clean, and rooms have nice balconies. The pools were really nice. Yes, the restaurants are expensive here-we had a nice meal at the Japanese restaurant. There is also a Mexican and Italian restaurant. I noticed some of them have early bird specials. Lobby has a Starbucks which also sells Krispy Kreme donuts.

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll ask for the room without the roaches.

Anyone else?

I've since heard that the cochroach problem is contained to the timeshare villas b/c they are on ground level with less daily oversight than the hotel so I'm sure you'll be fine in the hotel. The pools are gorgeous and the grounds are beautiful as well.

The hotel is great, boats actually come into the lower lobby to take you for a short ride (it's a gimmick but so what)nice lobby bar w/piano player. Wonderful live birds on display.

We enjoyed a steak house called "Sullivan's" similar to a Ruth Chris but less expensive and also "The Left Bank" they have 2 locations, the one in Palm Desert had a great piano player. The Desert Musuem is also a good time.

We stayed there in April and the property was beautiful--no roaches when we were there. The Mexican restaurant was in the hotel was quite good and not that expensive. But the best restaurant we went to was a little place called Thai Smile--very inexpensive and delicious food.

Hmm---never heard the roach thing before. Surprising.

Thai Smile is a great find. In fact, we had take out from the Rancho Mirage location tonight and it was up to expectations--good and inexpensive.

Other suggestions--Omri & Boni, new location in La Quinta. Very good, but pricey. typical high end ala carte style place. A salad is $14, desserts $10, glass of wine or cocktail $12, etc. Dinner for two, without wine but a couple cocktails apiece was $160.

La Casuelas opened a new location in La Quinta. Been there twice, same old Las Casuelas philosophy: marginal food but good ambiance. Have a margarita there, but eat someplace else. Desert Sage in La Quinta---great.

Lots of activity---Yard House in Ranch Mirage. Food's ok. More suggestions if you want.

PSL

Thanks for the great responses re the hotel and restaurants. How about things to see and do in the area? (OK, OK, I'm pushing it, I know.)

We're willing to try (almost) anything, although we're not golfers, so there's no need to mention the great course in the area. Thanks again!