It was first class service with an air of classy casual friendliness from the moment I arrived at the Hilton Palm Springs (400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way; 760-320-6868; PalmSprings.Hilton.com).
Stepping into the brightly lit open lobby reflects what others and I have come to expect of Palm Springs: bright, sunny and fun.
Keeping up with the town’s reputation, the Hilton Palm Springs is one of the official host hotels for the upcoming Dinah, the weeklong all women spring break that coincides with the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s annual tournament the Kraft Nabisco Championship at the Mission Hills Country Club.
The hotel will be fresh for the ladies as it recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation updating everything from its look from the lobby to the pool and spa to the bar and lounge to the latest technological offerings in its 59 suites.
The Location
Art and culture, dinning and shopping is only two blocks away. Downtown Palm Springs has extended up N. Palm Canyon Drive with the city’s new Uptown Design District with blocks filled with Palm Springs-centric mid-century furniture and home design galleries and boutique shops.
Outdoor activities are also within walking distance from the hotel. Biking and hiking trails leading into the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains are easily accessible from downtown Palm Springs.
The hotel is also close to Hotel Zoso, the Renaissance Palm Springs, the Spa Resort and Casino, Courtyard Marriott, the Palm Springs Marquis Palm Springs Marquis and Curve Hotel Palm Springs creating the ideal situation for the Dinah to host a block party for the very first time.
When you are ready to relax, enjoy the Elements Spa or head across the street to the Spa Resort Casino to experience Palm Springs natural spring baths at the “Taking of the Waters.” The experience takes guest through a refreshing inexpensive treat through saunas and natural mineral baths and pools.
The Room
Spread out in the spacious room that includes a living room area and king size bed all looking out onto the deck overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains.
The bed was like a dream to sleep in, when there was time to sleep. Palm Springs might be a small resort town, but it is packed with the type of dining and entertainment options from sun up to sun down expected in a large city.
Or bring the party back to your room to hang out enjoying a drink on the deck or on the sofa around the coffee table. The room is that spacious and cozy, like home.
My only problem with bringing the party back to the room is the insulation from other guest’s rooms is poor. I could hear the party next door or was it down the hall? Other guests in my group heard the same party that went late into the night and our rooms were miles away from each other.
The Bathroom
The bathroom area is nicely divided with a powder room separate from the shower and toilet, so girls can get ready at the built-in vanity and closet across from it without taking up the bathroom.
I enjoyed a nice treat, not having to wait for the water to heat up. The water turned on almost hot automatically.
Dinning and Drinking
Get the night started with a cocktail at Harvey’s Lounge at the lobby before heading out for a night on the town. Or stay in for the night with a dine-in experience at the Terrace Restaurant.
The Amenities
Gadget queens like Super G will enjoy testing out the new technology that allows plug-ins for MP3 connection in the alarm clock radio and more. Rooms come with complementary Wi-Fi. Relax in the room watching a movie on the 27-inch TV from bed or the sofa, which folds out into an additional bed for guests or kids.
Stay by the pool enjoying drinks and food from the grill at Al Fresco, the poolside bar and grill.
Stay fit at the gym or head out to enjoy one of the many outdoor activities from golf at one of the 130 courses to more than 140 biking and hiking trails.
After a day playing in the sun or partying all night, girls can enjoy massages, facials, nail, hand and foot treatments at Elements Spa located right in the resort.
Guest Services
The resort is well maintained, very clean with excellent customer service. I was always greeted with a smile and a courtesy question about how my day was or if I needed anything. As a woman traveling alone, there wasn’t a moment that I didn’t feel like I wouldn’t be taken care of if I needed anything.
THE FLUFF
Hilton Palm Springs, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way; 760-320-6868; PalmSprings.Hilton.com
RATING: 4 = black
(rating from best to least 5 – 0 corresponding colors green to midnight blue)
TYPE OF LODGING: Luxury resort
CHECK OUT: $$$ = $175 – $350
(lowest price for a single night in a standard room during peek-season)
SWEET DREAMS: Peaceful and relaxing with the action at my fingertips.
WORTH THE SLEEP?: zzz: Like being at home.
(z = Not worth the overnight; zz = Had a good time, but I’ve slept better; zzz = Like being at home; zzzz = This was divine!)
VIBE: Casual, cool, fun luxury.
SCENE: Dress up or stay in shorts, flip flops and your favorite 1960s button down linen shirts, it’s all good here.
LOCATION: Close to the action (art, dining and nightlife, outdoor activities, and shopping), but peaceful and relaxing when you get to your room to rest up for the next night out on the town.
ROOM: Every room offers either a mountain or pool side view. Offering eye candy or nature you can’t go wrong. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with an at home feeling.
BATHROOM: The layout is perfection with the separate powder room and closet area from the shower, sink and toilet. Watch the water, it turns hot fast.
AMENITIES: Updated technology, room service, bars and restaurants, gym, pool and spa, free Wi-Fi. Great location to art and entertainment, dinning, outdoor activities and shopping, basically anything a girl could want is at her fingertips onsite and within walking distance.
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