Palm Springs... in the SUMMER!
Mar 11th, 2003, 03:49 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Palm Springs... in the SUMMER!
Yes, you read that right. We will be staying in Palm Springs in July and wondered which hotel you would recommend.
Yes, i know it will be hot, but we're used to it....we take all our western adventure vacations in the summer with our two teens.
I've read the Wyndham has the biggest pool...but are there other places that would be more teen-friendly? We'll also be exploring Joshua Tree, taking the mountain Gondola etc and not just hanging out at the pool. (Again, i KNOW its hot....we explored Death Valley a few summers ago....it was only 120! Thats NOTHING compared to a humid day in the midwest!
Also, can i get good rates directly, or going thru their web site, since its off-season...or should i still do Priceline? We got amazing rates in Scottsdale previous summers, so i'm hoping it'll be the same in Palm Springs.
Thanks in advance!
Yes, i know it will be hot, but we're used to it....we take all our western adventure vacations in the summer with our two teens.
I've read the Wyndham has the biggest pool...but are there other places that would be more teen-friendly? We'll also be exploring Joshua Tree, taking the mountain Gondola etc and not just hanging out at the pool. (Again, i KNOW its hot....we explored Death Valley a few summers ago....it was only 120! Thats NOTHING compared to a humid day in the midwest!
Also, can i get good rates directly, or going thru their web site, since its off-season...or should i still do Priceline? We got amazing rates in Scottsdale previous summers, so i'm hoping it'll be the same in Palm Springs.
Thanks in advance!
Mar 11th, 2003, 03:57 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi! We like to stay at Marriott Rancho Las Palmas, it is actually in Rancho Mirage. www.rancholaspalmas.com
It is on a golf course and has a spa (though we haven't been to either, we have gone with our 2 yr old twice). They have a nice pool with a water slide and plenty of shade. The rooms are very large and they will give you a small fridge free, but you ask for it. They have a very nice breakfast buffet, also.
It is across the street from The River, a dining complex with about 8 restaurants, including the Yardhouse, PF Chang's and Ben & Jerry's. There is also a movie theater and Barnes & Noble. You can walk there from the hotel.
Happy planning! And have a great vacation!
It is on a golf course and has a spa (though we haven't been to either, we have gone with our 2 yr old twice). They have a nice pool with a water slide and plenty of shade. The rooms are very large and they will give you a small fridge free, but you ask for it. They have a very nice breakfast buffet, also.
It is across the street from The River, a dining complex with about 8 restaurants, including the Yardhouse, PF Chang's and Ben & Jerry's. There is also a movie theater and Barnes & Noble. You can walk there from the hotel.
Happy planning! And have a great vacation!
Mar 11th, 2003, 06:11 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Ellen,
We share your wackiness and are also tentatively planning a summer trip to Palm Springs and on to LA. To our family's way of thinking, hot is hot so it might as well be REALLY hot! I'm curious to hear what people recommend. My husband and I were in Palm Springs last month on a business trip and stayed at the Doral. Nice hotel but not a great pool so we'll stay elsewhere this summer. We ate at the PF Chang's that Emily mentioned and loved that area--I'm going to check out the Marriott. We also have teens--gotta have a great pool and a waterslide if possible. I'll let you know if I come up with anything wonderful.
We share your wackiness and are also tentatively planning a summer trip to Palm Springs and on to LA. To our family's way of thinking, hot is hot so it might as well be REALLY hot! I'm curious to hear what people recommend. My husband and I were in Palm Springs last month on a business trip and stayed at the Doral. Nice hotel but not a great pool so we'll stay elsewhere this summer. We ate at the PF Chang's that Emily mentioned and loved that area--I'm going to check out the Marriott. We also have teens--gotta have a great pool and a waterslide if possible. I'll let you know if I come up with anything wonderful.
Mar 12th, 2003, 09:08 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i can't recommend a hotel but if you are searching, just ask if there is partial shade around the pool. you'll appreciate it. you should get great rates in the summer. there is a hotel there that has a large waterpark connected with it. can't remember the name but should be easy to find with a search.
Mar 12th, 2003, 12:10 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't stayed at the resort, but I do know that there is a facility known as the Oasis Water Resort (www.oasiswaterresort.com) that offers guests access to Knott's Soak City water park (www.soakcityusa.com/soakcity/ps/index.shtml). The water park is located on Gene Autry, right off of Hwy 111. Hope this helps!
Mar 12th, 2003, 12:20 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wholeheartedly support going to Palm Springs in the dead of summer. The hotel rates are so great during this time of year.
During other times, the hotel rates are so unreasonably high - and at that point, what are you REALLY getting? A standard hotel room in the middle of the same ol' Palm Springs that's been the same since the 70s. Same mediochre restaurants. Same mediochre stage shows.
I won't tell you my favorite hotel, because it's such a secret treasure. But I'll second Rancho Mirage.
-Darvy, the travel gal
During other times, the hotel rates are so unreasonably high - and at that point, what are you REALLY getting? A standard hotel room in the middle of the same ol' Palm Springs that's been the same since the 70s. Same mediochre restaurants. Same mediochre stage shows.
I won't tell you my favorite hotel, because it's such a secret treasure. But I'll second Rancho Mirage.
-Darvy, the travel gal
Mar 12th, 2003, 07:29 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Oh Darvy, now you have me curious. Sure you won't share?
Ellen, here are the hotels/resorts that keep popping up when I search. A couple of them have waterslides but I can't remember offhand which ones they are: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort, Westin Mission Hills Resort, Marriott Rancho Las Palmas Resort (as mentioned by Emily), JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa and Hyatt Grand Champions Resort. Anyone have any positives or negatives on these resorts for us? We're looking for the wow factor--my kids want nothing more than to go back to Jamaica but it's just not happening this summer...we want that resort feel in the U.S.
By the way Ellen, where have you stayed in Phoenix with your kids? We're also thinking about that area on our way to California.
Ellen, here are the hotels/resorts that keep popping up when I search. A couple of them have waterslides but I can't remember offhand which ones they are: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort, Westin Mission Hills Resort, Marriott Rancho Las Palmas Resort (as mentioned by Emily), JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa and Hyatt Grand Champions Resort. Anyone have any positives or negatives on these resorts for us? We're looking for the wow factor--my kids want nothing more than to go back to Jamaica but it's just not happening this summer...we want that resort feel in the U.S.
By the way Ellen, where have you stayed in Phoenix with your kids? We're also thinking about that area on our way to California.
Mar 19th, 2003, 01:24 PM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ellen--loved you in "Vacation" ...
The Wyndham and the Hilton have great pool areas and are in downtown Palm Springs -- walking distance from all the shops, activities, restaurants and bars.
In Palm Desert, the Marriott Desert Springs is pretty impressive -- beautiful golf course, shops, huge pool area and restaurants that you hop on a "ferry" to get to.
By the way, my wife and I went to PS in the middle of last summer and we loved it -- but we don't mind the heat. It's worth putting up with for the great nights!
The Wyndham and the Hilton have great pool areas and are in downtown Palm Springs -- walking distance from all the shops, activities, restaurants and bars.
In Palm Desert, the Marriott Desert Springs is pretty impressive -- beautiful golf course, shops, huge pool area and restaurants that you hop on a "ferry" to get to.
By the way, my wife and I went to PS in the middle of last summer and we loved it -- but we don't mind the heat. It's worth putting up with for the great nights!
Mar 19th, 2003, 04:19 PM
#11
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep. It's hot in the dead of summer. That doesn't mean that it's a bad place if you can stand the heat. In fact, I really love the summer nights out there. Knott's water park is a good place for the kids to cool off and have some fun.
Might also want to consider a sunrise horseback ride through the canyons.
Might also want to consider a sunrise horseback ride through the canyons.
Mar 19th, 2003, 08:15 PM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We really like the Rancho Lal Palmas, but the water slide isn't really thrilling. They let me take my 2 yr old down it on my lap. I haven't been to any other hotels, so I can't compare. I think the Rancho Las Palmas actually has the 'longest' waterslide at a resort in the area, though. I could be wrong. 
Happy hunting!
Happy hunting!
Apr 9th, 2003, 06:26 PM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can anyone help me make this decision for our two nights in PS this July?
The Westin Mission Hills - $170 each night
Rancho Las Palmas $123 / $94
Wyndham $109 / $129
Hilton $109 each night
So....of the above, which is the best one? All reportedly have great pools and slides.
Which one is in the best area for shopping and the Gondola / Tram?
Are there any other factors i should consider, as price isn't everything!
Thank you SOOOOOO much for your help!!!!
Apr 10th, 2003, 03:41 PM
#19
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like the Rancho Las Palmas the best. I spend almost every week-end in Rancho Mirage just across from that hotel. It is very nice with a nice spa and restaurant. Across the street is The River, with different restaurants, shopping and a theater plus Borders Books. You are also close the the mall and El Paseo (thing Rodeo Drive of the desert) and all the 111 highway shops and restaurants. I also like the living desert, small zoo experience. There is a great small gourmet market in the Vons center next door call Bouchee which has wonderful sandwiches and take out food.
Have Fun!!
Have Fun!!
Apr 11th, 2003, 06:30 AM
#20
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1. Best family orientation is probably Rancho Las Palmas or Westin. In terms of location, RLP is probably better. Very close to The River, as mentioned, and less of a wind factor than the Westin.
2. On shopping and the PS Aerial Tramway, you would be fine at RLP. Lots of shopping within minutes. The tram station, which is on the far western edge of Palm Springs up a short grade, would be maybe 25-30 minutes in the car.
Can't think of any other factors really. I agree with others that you would be happy at Rancho Las Palmas.
2. On shopping and the PS Aerial Tramway, you would be fine at RLP. Lots of shopping within minutes. The tram station, which is on the far western edge of Palm Springs up a short grade, would be maybe 25-30 minutes in the car.
Can't think of any other factors really. I agree with others that you would be happy at Rancho Las Palmas.
