StarwoodGuy: Palm Springs and Disney Birthday Getaway

We left the Riviera early so that we could make our way over to one of my favorite hotels, if not my favorite hotel in the SPG collection. I am a huge fan of this hotel, and even on the busy Memorial Day weekend the staff was amazing. The grounds of the property are some of the most relaxing I have ever seen, with mini-golf, giant chess, croquet, and various other activities for the young and old alike set throughout a wonderland type atmosphere. Two outdoor pools and the indoor pool and spa at the Palm Spring Yacht Club add to the amenities of the property. The suites in the main building are great, but many people love the terrace suites with patios leading right out to the north pool. Brunch at Normas is a town favorite but priority is given to hotel guests so stop in and ask for an outdoor table on the terrace at check in or early in the morning.

We checked in early and were ushered out to the pool while our room was prepared. We relaxed and had drinks at the North Pool which is the more child focused pool with the main pool filling up early each morning on busy weekends. After only an hour they called to let us know the room was ready, but we were so relaxed we stayed poolside for a few more hours. When we finally went in we were upgraded to one of the upstairs Suites, with huge open living and lounging areas all decorated by Jonathan Adler, a large patio overlooking the peaceful grounds, and two bathrooms on opposite sides of the room, one being a ‘party shower’ bathroom. Our bags had been dropped off and a bottle of champagne on ice had been left for us as a birthday treat for me.

We headed out for a relaxing hour in the indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna/steam complex that is the Palms Springs Yacht Club, the luxurious and tranquil spa complex in the hotel. Afterwards we showered and headed out to Tropicale, one of my favorite restaurants in the city. From there is was just a walk around the downtown area which I had never seen so packed, even over Coachella, White Party, or Palm Springs Pride, some of the main weekends in the city. The newly inaugurated flights from New York and Toronto were definitely bringing a different group from the typical West Coasters that frequent Palm Springs, I had never seen so many families on the one hand and fraternity/sorority groups on the other. It was almost as though Spring Break and Disneyland had collided in the desert and the restaurants and bars of Palm Springs were bursting. We stopped at the casino briefly which is always fun before heading back in an Uber to the hotel.

The next morning we did my favorite hike just across from the Parker, the Araby Trail. This is one of the best hikes, not too difficult and not too grueling if done early before Palm Springs really heats up. The views from here are amazing. After it was brunch at Normas on the patio, the Breakfast Quesadilla is a must, and then a few more hours before the pool, a trip back to the Palm Springs Yacht Club, and then a late departure thanks to the late check out the hotel provided.

As always an amazing property and stay, the staff were wonderful and even when completely full, every guest is made to feel relaxed and special.