My husband and I are considering Palm Springs for Thanksgiving weekend, just the 2 of us. He used to go to the Marriott Desert Springs resort and loved it. I think I would like it mainly because it has a large pool that I can swim laps in. I could use some help on this whole trip because I've never been out there before.

Flying from the east coast, our flight would stop over in Phoenix, Las Vegas, L.A., Minneapolis, Dallas, or Chicago. Any recommendations as to which flight if any would be best, all other things being the same? Or would it be better to fly to L.A. or Las Vegas and then rent a car? Probably if I looked at a map I might be able to answer some of these questions, but I wanted to throw the question out there anyway just in case there's something I'm overlooking. We're really not planning on sightseeing or doing anything but spacing out for a few days.

Any recommendations as to type of room or room location? We're not concerned about price, we are concerned about noise, and we would want a really nice view.

Finally, are there any other resorts or hotels that we might prefer? We don't play golf or need activities other than a good gym and a swimming pool. We like to read, relax, eat dinner out, and take walks or bike rides. We're not into partying or crowds, and even though I know the Marriott Desert Springs is a huge complex, there seem to be areas you can go for peace. It also seems to be the only place that has the creature comforts we like, including a big swimming pool. I would love to go to someplace that has natural springs on site, but I believe I would have to sacrifice swimming to do that.

Any & all tips & suggestions welcome. Thanks.

One more thing: We're not wedded to Palm Springs - in the past I've considered the Boulders, too. We just need a place that's fairly easy to get to from PHL and that has reliably warm weather. Hot springs would be ideal, but anyplace that has a healthy, natural feel would be good.

Flying-I would avoid Mpls or Chicago connections due to potential weather at that time. I have flown into LAX-which is fine; although I prefer to fly out of Palm Springs-much less hassle when you are departing..otherwise you need to allow lots of time in case of traffic back to LAX.

I like staying in Palm Desert (actually have a townhouse there) since it is so centrally located. The Marriott is very nice.

Hi KeyGal..
Just stayed at the JW Desert Springs over Memorial Dayfor 4 days and I would ask to be over by the Mikado Restaurant side over looking the lagoons and golf course and the 3-5 floors is above the restaurant but quiet and private..it looks like they have done a remodel recently..
The sushi is quite good in the bar and they have a teppanyaki grill that is very popular.
They have a spa there but we did not go.
I would fly into LAX and rent a car..takes less than 2 hours and would probably be cheaper direct..
Thanksgiving is high season..
Did you check on Expedia or direct(hotel) for a combo flight hotel and car?
I know that they are having really aggressive campaign on the timeshares at Shadow Ridge Villas and are a Marriott property too..
The weather will be perfect to relax and chill and eat well..
Palm Desert is the perfect place to stay in between the Springs and Rancho Mirage and gorgeous Indian Wells..
Alot of great restaurants..
Have a wonderful time..

jbass & tams -- Thanks for all the suggestions. I didn't think about the possibility of bad weather on the stopover -- that's why I love this forum!

Just read that the JW DS will be undergoing renovations from July through March, so I'm rethinking that location now....

KeyGal..
I would do Hyatt Grand Champions in Indian Wells..$200+ on Expedia
I wouldn't stay at the JW DS if it is undergoing a major renovation..
Also, We did check out Shadow Ridge Villas owned by the Marriott and that looked really nice..(timeshare villas)
I have stayed at The Lodge and it was ok but they were doing a major renovation that we didn't know about until we checked in..I hate when that happens!
I would fly direct to LAX and rent a car because you will need one and it isn't that far to and from LA to PS..

We fly into and out of Mpls. a lot (on business) and I must say we have NEVER been delayed by bad weather in Mpls. but have been delayed by weather in a lot of other cities. I would not avoid MSP if this is your best choice for a flight. If you can't find a flight into Palm Springs you might like Ontario as an alternative airport. I like to fly there or Orange County far more than LAX but sometimes the best flights are to and from LAX. Have a good trip.

I happen to live in Minneapolis - I wouldn't use it as a connection city if I had a "choice". Unless you fly NWA - that way, if you are delayed, you have many more options. From my own experience, when flying into So. California, the least expensive flights go into LAX for obvious reasons.

Can't you get a non-stop flight? I just flew from PHL-LAX non-stop on UAL last week. It makes for a much shorter travel day.

If you have to connect, you might want to consider flying into the Ontario airport, which is about an hour closer to Palm Springs than LAX.

I have stayed at both the Desert Springs and most recently at the Shadow Ridge Marriott, and they are both very nice. Desert Springs offers both hotel rooms and condos (the call them villas), while Shadow Ridge is basically a timeshare condo property.

Shadow Ridge does have a very large, adult swimming pool also. (The kids pool is nearby.) Some of the Villas at The Shadow Ridge get alot of road noise from Monterey. It currently has no in-house spa (it is only 1/3 built out). They send you to Desert Springs or Rancho Las Palmas Marriott for spa services.

Desert Springs has more restaurants, shops, and and in-house spa.

There are many other nice properties in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area. Check out La Quinta, Renaissance Esmarelda, Hyatt Grand Champions, Rancho Las Palmas Marriott.