Palm Springs
My friend and I wanted to go somewhere warm and escape the moody March weather that Boston endures. We wanted to stay within the U.S. but go somewhere new. We also wanted to just lounge and relax by a pool vs. feeling like we had to see historical sites or do touristy activities. We nailed it by choosing a Palm Springs getaway. We basically spent 5 days laying by the pool, eating a lot, and shopping. For that reason, I won’t bother sharing our itinerary because it would be monotonous (eat - lay by pool - eat - lay by pool, etc). Instead, here’s a summary of some places to try and things to do!
Hotel
If I’m keeping it real, the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs had some real positives and a few negatives. Here’s a quick pro/con list:
PROS
Rooms were clean (we stayed in a Premium Studio King, so I can’t fairly review a bungalow.)
Felt safe on the property
Pools were beautiful with poolside service (there are 4 to choose from between the Avalon and their sister property next door, Ingleside!)
Gym was a bit small but updated, clean, well-equipped, and had Pelotons! (Sorry I’m the kinda girl that works out even on vaca. I know. Gross.)
Food was DECILIOUS! (Chi Chi is their cute restaurant that also serves you poolside. I still dream of their Acai bowls in the morning.)
CONS
Rooms felt bare - very little furniture (weird assessment, I know. I can’t explain it but our room just felt empty and unfinished.)
Rooms a bit outdated, run-down (our shower head was legit halfway down the wall. I’m 6’ feet tall. Washing my hair was… hilarious.)
Beds were uncomfortable (lumpy and also somehow hard?)
Restaurants
4 Saints - a super chic (but not too formal!) rooftop Palm Springs restaurant with beautiful views of the mountains in the distance. There’s an outdoor and indoor dining area. I loved the vibe and our food was amazing (we opted for a couple of pasta dishes). The restaurant is in downtown Palm Springs, walking distance from the Avalon.
Melvyn’s - I think this restaurant is secretly a portal to old Hollywood. I felt fabulous just being there! Frank Sinatra or Lucille Ball might as well have been dining next to us (I WISH). The food was incredible (be sure to end the meal with the bananas foster served a la mode)! It’s next door to the Avalon, at Ingleside, their sister property.
The Colony Club at The Colony Palms Hotel - I sat at the bar on my last night in Palm Springs and ordered the pan fried chicken schnitzel (for some reason?) and a side of truffle fries. Amazing - every bite and every fry. The sun was setting over the pool just beyond the indoor bar and it felt romantic and delicious and cozy and chic all at the same time.
Farm - rustic, country-chic restaurant that we went to for breakfast and Chloe went for dinner one night as well. The food was great and they have a cool covered patio for outdoor dining as well!
Activities
I’m not a hiker, but Chloe went out to Joshua Tree for a day and also did a hike in Palm Springs that started at the visitor center and ended near the Avalon - convenient! We had planned to do the Aerial Tram but it was closed for some reason on the day we had planned to do it. So, mostly we shopped, ate, and laid by the pool. Sometimes that’s exactly the type of vacation you need. Next time, I’d try to go golfing at the well known golf courses in Palm Springs. I’d maybe a try an easy hike. And I’d definitely try the Aerial Tram.
I hope this helps shape your trip to Palm Springs!
