I’ve been escaping to La Quinta Resort since my early 20s when my girlfriends and I (all of us dead broke) would pile in a room in the middle of summer and splurge on massages and margaritas. Since then, I have experienced this desert oasis in as many ways as possible. I’ve stayed in a villa with 8 other crazy girls for a Bachelorette weekend. My husband and I have made it a romantic getaway. And I, in need of a lot of perspective on love and life have come alone, waking up to the New York Times, a journal and a latte by the pool. Yet (shockingly) still with my own cluttered thoughts. You know, everywhere you go, there you are kind of thing…
Since the 20s, it’s offered solitude away from the madness of Hollywood and it’s not hard to see why. Only a 2.5 hour drive from LA, it’s one of the easiest weekend getaways if you want to lay by a pool for a little R&R.
There are so many luxurious hotels in the desert now (The Parker is my favorite spa), but I keep coming back here for the private casitas, all nestled around your own little pool just feet outside your door. We were lucky enough to get upgraded to a Starlight Casita on this trip (that’s our room in the photo above, upstairs, with our own private patio).
Palm Springs in the summer is cheap, but it’s also blazing hot. You will spend the majority of your waking hours in the pool. Case in point…
Part of the charm of La Quinta is the history. Because it was built in the 20s, don’t expect Kelly Wearstler decor. It’s Spanish in style, with big in-room fireplaces and huge tubs. There were some maintainence issues around the property on this last trip (which has NEVER happened), but the manager assured me all would be fixed immediately. The room itself was as lovely and spacious as always.
The grounds here are enormous and there is something for everyone. Tennis, golf, and of course The Spa. Occasionally, they will offer discounted spa treatments and I recommend that. But, I just can’t bring myself to pay full price for a massage here anymore as the spa itself is in need of a revamp.
At night, we always have dinner at the Adobe Grill–the homemade tortillas and table side guacamole are a must. Sit outside as there is always live music, but you’ll definitely want to cool off with a margarita (or three).
If you are looking for a last minute vacation or just need a little break away from it all, you’ve still got a few weeks to book your stay before the prices sky rocket back to $300-$500/night. How is summer almost over?!
La Quinta Resort & Club. 49499 Eisenhower Dr La Quinta, CA 92253. 760- 564-4111
Yes, how is summer almost over?! And your birthday upon us once again! We must make a plan to celebrate and catch up. La Quinta, like all your adventures, looks absolutely lovely and, at least to my way of thinking, much more desirable because of the lack of Kelly Wearstler decor :-)).
I loved it too. Of course it had nothing to do with the fact that I was attending a National Assoc. of ABC Boards. It was May, and it was hot, but not sweaty hot (dry heat) and the nights were perfect.The resort was beautiful. It would have been fun to stay in one of the casitas, but I stayed in a townhouse on the property that was very nice. Would love to go back some day.