Palm Springs CA trip report
Dec 14th, 2008, 09:37 AM
#1
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Palm Springs CA trip report
It is about 12 hours since we returned from Palm Springs. For me, it was business, but I took along DW (aka Mi Chica) so many of the following impressions are hers. Her airfare was a bargain $260 RT from DC on AA.
Flights going and return were on time and uneventful and the weather was a consistant mid 70s during the day and upper 40s at night.
Our conference hotel was the Spa Resort Casino. I was concerned after reading very mixed reviews on TA. I needn't have been. The hotel was excellent in every way. Our room was quite large with a nice mountain view, beds were comfortable and linens of good quality . Everything was white glove clean and the toiletries were first class. The room was done in earth tones. Hotel staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. The hotel picked us up at the airport and returned us when it was time to leave at no charge. The shuttle service was prompt. We did not use the spa, so have no opinion other than it looked nice. There are 3 pools, all heated. The largest is at about 80F and the 2 smaller soaking pools were about 110F. Everything was clean and the fitness center was the largest I have ever seen at a hotel. Equipment was plentiful, state of the art, and there are trainers to help. The public areas are very nice. The hotel and casino are in buildings a half block apart. The hotel was a fantastic value at $110/night including all taxes etc.
We found the restaurants to be well priced compared to those in DC. Two dining highlights were dinner at Le Vallauris and at the St. James Vineyard Tuscan Grill. We were told that Le Vallauris is the best restaurant in town and it did not dissapoint. The only way that I can describe the service there is "perfection." There was a very large party that took the entire patio area so we expected things to be slow, but surprisingly, that was not the case. Mi Chica started with a rich butternut squash soup that she said was delicious. Her entree of Ahi Tuna was perfectly done. I started with a roasted beet salad with goat cheese and Pistachio oil dressing. The presentation was beautiful and the flavors were a very nice mix. My entree was a half roast duck in a rhubarb sauce - delicious and the skin was crispy, not fatty at all. We usually skip alcohol but order a sparkling water. The water served there is a brand from Norway called Voss. I am going to have to try to find it here. We finished with espresso and had no room for dessert.
We loved the Tuscan Grill. One sign of a good restaurant is how they do simple dishes. Mi Chica ordered Capelline Alla Checca - angel hair past with chopped tomatoes. garlic, basil and olive oil. I had the Risotto Alla Fiesolana - that is , Risotto with spinich, goganzola and teleggio cheese. Risotto is something that I love but I am always concerned when I order it because so many restaurants do it poorly. This rissoto was easily the best I ever have had. Words cannot do it justice.
We also had dinner at a place called The Fisherman's Market. As it name implies, it has very nicely done grilled fish - they must have at least 15 types on the chalkboard menu. It is a very simple place and the prices are very reasonable. One orders at the counter of the "fish market" where the fish are on display.
Breakfasts were at the Casino's buffet. The food was decent with a very good variety and at $5.99, a bargain. They also have and extensive buffet dinner at $12.99.
Mi Chica spent her days exploring, shopping and museum hopping. She enjoyed every minute and remarked about the friendliness of everyone she met. I had one afternoon off so we rented a car and used it to visit The Living Desert and the Indian Canyons, both very worthwhile. We particularly enjoyed hiking the trails in both. Both sites are spectacular in their natural beauty and in their own way. We took the tram ride up the mountain and opted for the dinner package. If we had to do it again, I would skip the dinner. Best that can be said is that it was plentiful, but rather mediocre. One could do much better in town. The tram ride and views however are spectacular. One other highlight was the art museum. Thursday nights are free. The museum has an ecclectic and well chosen collection ranging from classic to contemporary. The glass art section was a delight.
All in all, we found Palm Springs to be a delightful place to visit. There is lots to do even if one is not interested in golf and casinos. It was also surprisingly inexpensive.
Flights going and return were on time and uneventful and the weather was a consistant mid 70s during the day and upper 40s at night.
Our conference hotel was the Spa Resort Casino. I was concerned after reading very mixed reviews on TA. I needn't have been. The hotel was excellent in every way. Our room was quite large with a nice mountain view, beds were comfortable and linens of good quality . Everything was white glove clean and the toiletries were first class. The room was done in earth tones. Hotel staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. The hotel picked us up at the airport and returned us when it was time to leave at no charge. The shuttle service was prompt. We did not use the spa, so have no opinion other than it looked nice. There are 3 pools, all heated. The largest is at about 80F and the 2 smaller soaking pools were about 110F. Everything was clean and the fitness center was the largest I have ever seen at a hotel. Equipment was plentiful, state of the art, and there are trainers to help. The public areas are very nice. The hotel and casino are in buildings a half block apart. The hotel was a fantastic value at $110/night including all taxes etc.
We found the restaurants to be well priced compared to those in DC. Two dining highlights were dinner at Le Vallauris and at the St. James Vineyard Tuscan Grill. We were told that Le Vallauris is the best restaurant in town and it did not dissapoint. The only way that I can describe the service there is "perfection." There was a very large party that took the entire patio area so we expected things to be slow, but surprisingly, that was not the case. Mi Chica started with a rich butternut squash soup that she said was delicious. Her entree of Ahi Tuna was perfectly done. I started with a roasted beet salad with goat cheese and Pistachio oil dressing. The presentation was beautiful and the flavors were a very nice mix. My entree was a half roast duck in a rhubarb sauce - delicious and the skin was crispy, not fatty at all. We usually skip alcohol but order a sparkling water. The water served there is a brand from Norway called Voss. I am going to have to try to find it here. We finished with espresso and had no room for dessert.
We loved the Tuscan Grill. One sign of a good restaurant is how they do simple dishes. Mi Chica ordered Capelline Alla Checca - angel hair past with chopped tomatoes. garlic, basil and olive oil. I had the Risotto Alla Fiesolana - that is , Risotto with spinich, goganzola and teleggio cheese. Risotto is something that I love but I am always concerned when I order it because so many restaurants do it poorly. This rissoto was easily the best I ever have had. Words cannot do it justice.
We also had dinner at a place called The Fisherman's Market. As it name implies, it has very nicely done grilled fish - they must have at least 15 types on the chalkboard menu. It is a very simple place and the prices are very reasonable. One orders at the counter of the "fish market" where the fish are on display.
Breakfasts were at the Casino's buffet. The food was decent with a very good variety and at $5.99, a bargain. They also have and extensive buffet dinner at $12.99.
Mi Chica spent her days exploring, shopping and museum hopping. She enjoyed every minute and remarked about the friendliness of everyone she met. I had one afternoon off so we rented a car and used it to visit The Living Desert and the Indian Canyons, both very worthwhile. We particularly enjoyed hiking the trails in both. Both sites are spectacular in their natural beauty and in their own way. We took the tram ride up the mountain and opted for the dinner package. If we had to do it again, I would skip the dinner. Best that can be said is that it was plentiful, but rather mediocre. One could do much better in town. The tram ride and views however are spectacular. One other highlight was the art museum. Thursday nights are free. The museum has an ecclectic and well chosen collection ranging from classic to contemporary. The glass art section was a delight.
All in all, we found Palm Springs to be a delightful place to visit. There is lots to do even if one is not interested in golf and casinos. It was also surprisingly inexpensive.
Dec 14th, 2008, 09:20 PM
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Great report, sounds like you had a great time. The Spa Hotel is well located, great to walk around PS shops and restaurants. We were in Palm Desert a couple weeks ago and the weather was 80-84.
Le Vallauris is a very nice restaurant, I agree it is one of the best in downtown PS. Most people don't have dinner at the restaurant up at the top of the tram, but the package is well priced. We like to come down the tram at twilight when the lights of the city are just coming on and then have dinner in town.
Did you go to the Village Fest on a Thursday night? Lots of fun shopping and people watching.
Le Vallauris is a very nice restaurant, I agree it is one of the best in downtown PS. Most people don't have dinner at the restaurant up at the top of the tram, but the package is well priced. We like to come down the tram at twilight when the lights of the city are just coming on and then have dinner in town.
Did you go to the Village Fest on a Thursday night? Lots of fun shopping and people watching.
Dec 14th, 2008, 11:47 PM
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Hi there,
we will be in palm Springs on the 28th of December for 2 nights.
We are staying at the Holiday Inn due to its good reviews.
It sounds like the Living Desert is a good place to visit. What else do you suggest?
Thanks basingstoke2 for the great restaurant tips.
Thanks
Donna
we will be in palm Springs on the 28th of December for 2 nights.
We are staying at the Holiday Inn due to its good reviews.
It sounds like the Living Desert is a good place to visit. What else do you suggest?
Thanks basingstoke2 for the great restaurant tips.
Thanks
Donna
Dec 15th, 2008, 11:26 AM
#7
Original Poster
MBn- I agree with your thoughts about the best time for the tram and having dinner in town. One problem with going up later is that it too dark to walk any of the trails. We did go to the Thursday Village Fest and really enjoyed it. I did not know it is every week.
Lordy - We only spent 3 hours at the Living Desert, but could have spent most of the day. For those who have never been there, it is a combination zoo, botanical gardens with various desert themes, and walking trails into the desert.
Mi Chica also liked the other Botanical Garden (I think it is called Woorton) and the various museums in town, particularly the Indian Museum and the small museums at the Village Green. Don't miss the Indian Canyons. You can book a tour for $35 or just rent a car and go yourself which is what we did. A one day rental cost us $40 at Enterprise and allowed us to visit the Living Desert, Indian Canyons and Tram on the same day. It would have cost much more to book the tours and take a taxi to the tram. Also Mi Chica reminded me to mention that there is place on the main drag that says "Library" but is actually liquidating old library
books. It is run by volunteers and she was able to pick up some great books including first editions, all under $5, many are way under.
I would really be remiss in this trip report if I did not mention that in our experience there, the people of PS seem like some of the nicest folk around.
Lordy - We only spent 3 hours at the Living Desert, but could have spent most of the day. For those who have never been there, it is a combination zoo, botanical gardens with various desert themes, and walking trails into the desert.
Mi Chica also liked the other Botanical Garden (I think it is called Woorton) and the various museums in town, particularly the Indian Museum and the small museums at the Village Green. Don't miss the Indian Canyons. You can book a tour for $35 or just rent a car and go yourself which is what we did. A one day rental cost us $40 at Enterprise and allowed us to visit the Living Desert, Indian Canyons and Tram on the same day. It would have cost much more to book the tours and take a taxi to the tram. Also Mi Chica reminded me to mention that there is place on the main drag that says "Library" but is actually liquidating old library
books. It is run by volunteers and she was able to pick up some great books including first editions, all under $5, many are way under.
I would really be remiss in this trip report if I did not mention that in our experience there, the people of PS seem like some of the nicest folk around.
May 22nd, 2009, 08:20 AM
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Basingstoke - clicked on your name to find your TR to Italy and found this as well. We have the opportunity to also go to the desert during that time period (after christmas) we have a timeshare at the Palm Desert Marriot and have been toying with doing that instead of going to Europe... it is a 2 hour drive for us and "free" (our timeshare)... choices, choices...
May 22nd, 2009, 03:04 PM
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This is a great trip report.
Boy, wish I could've warned you off on the tramway ride and dine. Unfortunately, it is no secret to locals that the food is only so-so, has been for years.
The name of the botanical garden you refer to is "Moorten's." It is a neat deal, every type of cactus and succulent you can imagine. The library downtown is the historic Welwood Murray Memorial Library.
Your comment about the friendliness of the local community is gratifying. I believe that on the whole, people here are friendly and try to be good hosts.
PSL
Boy, wish I could've warned you off on the tramway ride and dine. Unfortunately, it is no secret to locals that the food is only so-so, has been for years.
The name of the botanical garden you refer to is "Moorten's." It is a neat deal, every type of cactus and succulent you can imagine. The library downtown is the historic Welwood Murray Memorial Library.
Your comment about the friendliness of the local community is gratifying. I believe that on the whole, people here are friendly and try to be good hosts.
PSL
May 22nd, 2009, 03:58 PM
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Thanks for the report, we were in the area last month and enjoyed meals at BluEmber,Wally's Desert Turtle, Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe and the restaurant at the Westin Mission Hills where we stayed. ***kim*** 
May 22nd, 2009, 04:35 PM
#11
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Thanks for the kind words. PSLocal, we loved your city and look forward to visiting again. Other than the friendly people, I was also surprised at how affordable everything was in comparison to DC. I expected quite the opposite since I had always thought of Palm Springs as a playground for the rich an famous and thus expensive. A restaurant like Le Vallauris would cost at least twice as much in DC.
May 22nd, 2009, 05:50 PM
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We are headed out early morning for a 3 day long wonderful weekend in Palm Desert..
Nothing like heat and a pool bar..relaxing eating and drinking..woooo hoooo!
Glad you liked our Le Vallauris basingstoke2..your right that it would be twice as much in DC..
Love the French restaurant at the Willard and the hotel..name escapes me..
Palm Springs area is very hip and overall can be had cheaper than most areas..they say you can get a great place for less than $100k on a golf course..great deals right now.
Happy Memorial Day!
Nothing like heat and a pool bar..relaxing eating and drinking..woooo hoooo!
Glad you liked our Le Vallauris basingstoke2..your right that it would be twice as much in DC..
Love the French restaurant at the Willard and the hotel..name escapes me..
Palm Springs area is very hip and overall can be had cheaper than most areas..they say you can get a great place for less than $100k on a golf course..great deals right now.
Happy Memorial Day!
May 22nd, 2009, 11:56 PM
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We are headed off Saturday morning to La Quinta for the weekend. Nice warm weather this weekend. We found when we were there over Easter week, many of the restaurants had great $36 three course dinners.
We have reservations at Lavender Bistro in LQ
http://www.lavenderbistro.com/Home_Page.html
We have reservations at Lavender Bistro in LQ
http://www.lavenderbistro.com/Home_Page.html
May 24th, 2009, 03:24 PM
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Hello MBnancy.
You may have already been there, but I can endorse Lavendar without any hesitation. The people that own it also own Le St. Germaine in Indian Wells, a continental cuisine spot with very good food that has been there for years.
It is Sunday and the weather is phenomenal. I hope you are having a good time.
PSL
You may have already been there, but I can endorse Lavendar without any hesitation. The people that own it also own Le St. Germaine in Indian Wells, a continental cuisine spot with very good food that has been there for years.
It is Sunday and the weather is phenomenal. I hope you are having a good time.
PSL
May 24th, 2009, 06:31 PM
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This report encouraged me to go ahead and book our timeshare at Christmas - we will go to the PD Marriott Villas... I am going to have my birthday dinner at Le Vallauris and enjoy the spa. Venice? No...but we really want to just relax.
May 24th, 2009, 09:07 PM
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We've been here at at the Westin in Rancho Mirage for the last 2 days and the weather has been fab..leave late Monday.
Nothing like a pool, pool bar and great food, great resort and weather!
MomDD..glad that you booked PD for Christmas..
Isn't it nice to just drive a couple of hours from home and you are in a really cool place to vacation?
Le Vallauris..one of our favorite place and the outside patio is heavenly..
Dinner tonight was at Las Casuelas for Marg's and good Mex..patio is so gorgeous.
MBnancy..thanks for the Lavender bistro tip..next time but looks great!
Hope all had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
Nothing like a pool, pool bar and great food, great resort and weather!
MomDD..glad that you booked PD for Christmas..
Isn't it nice to just drive a couple of hours from home and you are in a really cool place to vacation?
Le Vallauris..one of our favorite place and the outside patio is heavenly..
Dinner tonight was at Las Casuelas for Marg's and good Mex..patio is so gorgeous.
MBnancy..thanks for the Lavender bistro tip..next time but looks great!
Hope all had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
May 25th, 2009, 05:12 AM
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Dinner tonight was at Las Casuelas for Marg's and good Mex..patio is so gorgeous>>
That is my favorite place to go in PD
Glad you are enjoying it!
Yes, we are blessed to live in Southern California. I was thinking that today when I was sitting on the beach... it was actually really nice. I feared it might be cool but it was a perfect day and no "June gloom" in San Clemente.
That is my favorite place to go in PD
Glad you are enjoying it!Yes, we are blessed to live in Southern California. I was thinking that today when I was sitting on the beach... it was actually really nice. I feared it might be cool but it was a perfect day and no "June gloom" in San Clemente.
May 25th, 2009, 09:01 AM
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Did you go to the "big" Las Casuelas? Remember when there was a little storefront one in downtown Palm Springs (I don't think it's there anymore)?
Glad you're having fun and the weather is great. I think I'll plan to use our timeshare (same place as Mom's) next Memorial Day!
Glad you're having fun and the weather is great. I think I'll plan to use our timeshare (same place as Mom's) next Memorial Day!
