vacationing in Palm Springs or Palm Desert, Confused (Los Angeles, Riverside: hotels, rental)

[TorontoFlintstone]

We are a family of 7 (2 retired, 2 kids - ages 6 & 8, 3 adults) thinking of vacationing a week in the California Desert areas. Just wondering what area should we stay in?? We prefer vacation rental homes. We saw a website called Palm Springs Vacation Rentals, there are tons of 4 bedroom houses looking really nice on the internet. But, the problem is we do not know where is a safe area, you know, no gang or drug...

I read through some threads about La Quinta, etc. Can anyone suggest a safe area for vacationers??

Anyone can give us some idea what is there to do in the area?? We usually go to vacation in Florida, you know, beach, pool, etc. Thinking of a change...But, do not know what to expect??

Please help!! Getting really confused in the areas... Thanks!

[htmlfamily]

Originally Posted by TorontoFlintstone

We are a family of 7 (2 retired, 2 kids - ages 6 & 8, 3 adults) thinking of vacationing a week in the California Desert areas. Just wondering what area should we stay in?? We prefer vacation rental homes. We saw a website called Palm Springs Vacation Rentals, there are tons of 4 bedroom houses looking really nice on the internet. But, the problem is we do not know where is a safe area, you know, no gang or drug...

I read through some threads about La Quinta, etc. Can anyone suggest a safe area for vacationers??

Anyone can give us some idea what is there to do in the area?? We usually go to vacation in Florida, you know, beach, pool, etc. Thinking of a change...But, do not know what to expect??

Please help!! Getting really confused in the areas... Thanks!

Hi mr Flintstone Palm Springs doesn't suffer from a crime problem in the major resorts so I don't think you'll have any problems there. Just make sure you don't get the "cheapest" place you see because you almost always get what you pay for. You may also want to inquire about a Resort hotel like Hyatt Grand Champions or others, At any rate when you pick one out before you reserve ask the forum for it's seal of approval. Palm Springs is really nice if you pick a nice place!

[TorontoFlintstone]

Hey Htmlfamily, Thanks for your info. I checked out the Hyatt Grand Champions, it is located in Indian Wells, is that area better?? And how far it is from Ontario, CA??

[dougnaie]

Palm Springs is more of the "old" and Palm Desert is more of the "new"...I myself prefer Palm Springs because I have such fond memories of going there as a child. Palm Desert is too fancy for me. We stayed at La Quinta one time and I hated it. To resorty if that makes any sense (and hambugers that were priced at like $12)..I have never found crime to be a problem in PS. Cathedral City used to be sort of a problem, but I think even they have made a total turnaround. You have to kind of view it all in a straight line, because you can get from PS to PD taking Palm Canyon Drive. It passes through Cathedral City, Indian Wells and others. We stayed at The Lodge in Indian Wells a few years ago and it was nice. Close to The Living Desert which is an interesting spot to spend an afternoon as a family. There is also a water park nearby - maybe 15 minutes.

All in all you really can't go wrong. This is a super area to take the family. Lot's to do for the whole family. I guess in closing the last thing I would say is that there are more family friendly resorts in Palm Desert, so that may be your best bet. Palm Springs has more small boutique hotels that are not particularly kid friendly.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by TorontoFlintstone

We are a family of 7 (2 retired, 2 kids - ages 6 & 8, 3 adults) thinking of vacationing a week in the California Desert areas.

When are you planning on vacationing? Summer rates (I think) are less but it is really hot (and if I could write that in 96 font I would).

If you go to Palm Springs check out the tram and if you are in reasonable shape consider hiking (I think 11 or 12 miles round trip) to Mt San Jacinto from the top of the tram. It is not as hot at 12000ft.

LocalHikes - San Jacinto Peak via Palm Springs Tram

Also, check out the date festival in Indio. (too late)

Riverside County Fair and Date Festival 2008 Feb 15-24 > Home

Not sure if the Los Angeles Angeles still play a few spring training games in Palm Springs anymore. My dad took me back in the mid 1960s and I went again in the mid 1980s.

[TorontoFlintstone]

I looked through a few owners rental site, we found out the vacation homes in Palm Desert look nicer. We are planning to go on March 2009. How's the weather at that time??

Do any of you know how far it is from Ontario International Airport to Palm Desert, La Quinta, area??

Thanks!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by TorontoFlintstone

I looked through a few owners rental site, we found out the vacation homes in Palm Desert look nicer. We are planning to go on March 2009. How's the weather at that time??

Do any of you know how far it is from Ontario International Airport to Palm Desert, La Quinta, area??

Thanks!

The weather is perfect in March - not too hot.

You can't figure out how far apart two places are using the internet?

from: ontario airport, ca to: 49499 Eisenhower Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253 (La Quinta Resort & Club) - Google Maps

[TorontoFlintstone]

I saw quite a few vacation homes in Deepwell, is that a good vacation area in Palm Springs??

[RUBIES77]

[quote=TorontoFlintstone;3265711]We are a family of 7 (2 retired, 2 kids - ages 6 & 8, 3 adults) thinking of vacationing a week in the California Desert areas. Just wondering what area should we stay in?? We prefer vacation rental homes. We saw a website called Palm Springs Vacation Rentals, there are tons of 4 bedroom houses looking really nice on the internet. But, the problem is we do not know where is a safe area, you know, no gang or drug...

I read through some threads about La Quinta, etc. Can anyone suggest a safe area for vacationers??

Anyone can give us some idea what is there to do in the area?? We usually go to vacation in Florida, you know, beach, pool, etc. Thinking of a change...But, do not know what to expect?? HERE ARE MY CHOICES: Palm desert, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta would be my choices for families with children. Palm Springs attract more singles, a gay crowd, has lots of hotels, and is more transient. The northern part of Palm Springs could be a little "rough." Good-luck.

[RUBIES77]

The Ontario Airport is about one hour from Palm Spring, with moderate traffic. (Please see my other reply to you.) Palm Spring has lots of things to do with the children in daytime. But may not be so safe at night, regardless of what other people may tell you.