Monday, March 4, 2013

Palm Springs: the PERFECT getaway when you've had enough of Las Vegas

Las Vegas is awesome, but if you live here or have been here a million times already and want to get away, do I have a great overnight or 2-day trip for you!

When Lori and the Sacca sisters--Donna and Gina--were here a couple of weeks ago, the four of us took a quick overnight trip to Palm Springs.  I've talked about Palm Springs before, and every time I go there, I like it even more.  It's a good 3-4 hours away, depending on your road skills, and it's a pretty boring drive, but the destination makes it all worth it.

If you go, you'd be crazy not to stay at the Riviera Palm Springs. Lori and I stayed there a few years ago when I attended a comedy conference, and at that time, the rooms were only so-so. Oh, but they've all been redone and they are gorgeous! I forgot to take a photo before all our stuff was all over the place; this is from their website, but it is exactly how our room looked.



Okay, well, we actually overlooked the parking lot, but who cares? As nice as the rooms are, you'll want to spend most of your time poolside.  Dig this--there are little fire pits all over the place, which is really cool at night, and the heated pools and hot tubs are open 24/7.



 No, wait.  Here's a better photo of the pool area:



The property is old-school swanky and the staff makes everyone feel like a movie star. We rolled in on a Sunday afternoon and with Gina's military discount, got our room for only $119, though resort fees brought it up to $165. Still, not bad considering the quality of the experience.

Palm Springs is a cool town with fantastic restaurants and great shopping that won't break your bank.  Hey, look at this funky Kleenex dispenser I picked up in one of the cute little shops.


Is that the coolest thing or what?  Seriously. And speaking of cool, there's no better way to escape the heat than the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a thrilling 10-minute ride on a rotating tram car that brings you up nearly 6000 feet in elevation to 8516 feet above sea level. 

The view on the way up

And with that elevation comes a 30-degree drop in temperature. Weren't we just in our bathing suits?

Lori, me, Donna and Gina

We had SUCH a blast! And as luck would have it, there was a Rod Stewart tribute artist performing Sunday night in a little park downtown.  So much fun!


What a great way to celebrate 50 years of friendship!

If you go, I'd recommend that you do two nights. (Joshua Tree National Park is nearby, too, if you want to get in some hiking.) But if you have only an overnight, it's still worth the trip.  The problem is, you won't want to leave the pool at the Riviera.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I second the recommendation! Palm Springs was so much fun. Next time we'll stay longer.

Donna

Mimi said...

Oh it looks like such a fab place! Will definitely put it on my bucket list. Glad you celebrated 50 yrs of friendship!

Debbie said...

The Riviera was THEE place to stay in Palm Springs back in the disco 70's. OMG I had many a great night at that place and I have some stories ... oooh do I have stories.

XOXO
Deb

Linda ... p.s. I GOT A JOB!!!!! I start tomorrow (March 6). Will email you later!

Taradharma said...

looks/sounds great!

I've been on that tram -- took it up to do some backbackin', yo. Many years ago when my body could actually do some backpackin'. Yes, the temp difference is astounding. But, being the good hiker I was, I was prepared.

Gina D. said...

I'm just going to whine for a second. Waaaah! I want to go to there now! I miss the sun. And palm trees and a heated pool sounds wonderful right about now.

Ok, I'm done. Glad you guys had a good time--it looks beautiful. It's great to see old friends going on trips. My friends and I always talk about it, but it never seems to happen. Of course I don't have as much years in my friendships as you ladies do in yours!