Humans logo

Three Days in Palm Springs

Nothing but rest and relaxation

By Las MatamaridosPublished 2 years ago 20 min read
2

I have only visited Palm Springs a handful of times. As I have mentioned in previous writings, the first few were married and new to motherhood. It was not easy to sit back and soak in discovery this new place while chasing after two active kids, while juggling a spouse and a family of in-laws. My experience was pleasant enough but nothing I would call memorable.

Fast forward a decade later, after a divorce and in full Senora Season glory as I stare down the shocking barrel of age 45. I have developed and affection for Palm Springs and each time I get to visit there is a little something new to discover.

Palms Springs is not like Las Vegas. While both are in the desert and both experience extreme heat in the summer and skin numbing cold in the winter. Las Vegas differs in the sense that there is the intensity of everything that surrounds you, from massive hotels and casinos to the nonstop bright lights that are on twenty-four seven. In Palm Springs, the environment is spaced out with clusters of hotels, restaurants and shops here and there. A welcomed change of space indeed.

Day 1

We arrived on a Sunday in early June 2022, planning to do a little something different on this trip out there. Our usual plan is to get up and go getting the most we can out of the early part of the day. However, with the incredible heat out there and not being able to check in till 3 pm lead us to the conclusion that we could not do the bulk of our shopping till at least an hour before checking in.

Deciding to go slow and take our time for once, we did not bother with alarms or rushing of any kind. After showers, getting dressed and making coffee, we were finally ready to be on our way. There was a quick stop to load up on gas and we were ready for our first stop of the day.

Morongo Resort Hotel and Casino is located in the city of Cabazon near the Cabazon Outlets. From our location the 60 E gets us there within an hour and a half of driving. Parking here is ample, with a parking structure attached to the casino and hotel as well as larger area that also serves as parking that can be seen from certain rooms at the hotel.

My partner and I go to the Morongo casino frequently and our players cards reflect that. I highly recommend getting a players card because the more points you accumulate the more rewards you can get. When I say rewards I mean, comps, free play, added discounts on everything from food, casino play and hotel stays. It works out great for us, getting in as many points as possible to create little mini vacations down the line were the room is already taken care of.

We took our time and walked around the perimeter of the casino floor and located as many of our favorite types of machines that we can. Once located we hit each and everyone to see if they're feeling active. Fortunately for us the slots were generous and after a turn around the whole casino we were ready to be on the road once again. Making a quick pit stop at the bakery inside Morongo for a couple of iced coffees and pastries we were energized and invigorated for what was still to come.

As we were getting closer to our Palm Springs destination we made a quick stop at the Aerial Tram station to see if we could get a few tickets to ride the tram. Unfortunately it was full to capacity so we could not try it out. It was still early at 1 pm so we opted for discovering a brewery. My partner and I are avid beer drinkers and though we keep it as low carb as possible a majority of the time, we make allowances here and there. A mini birthday get away definitely qualified as that.

Las Palmas Brewing on Palm Canyon Dr. was where we opted to go. It is a cozy spot with a beachy vibe and knowledgeable staff. He and I ordered a golden ale and one dark ale. Neither of us are big fans of IPAs so we tend to steer clear but if you are into them, this spot had a few they brew to choose from. The temp in the early afternoon was already at 100 degrees so the beers felt like a little bit of ice cold heaven. This spot is located on the main stretch of road and there are restaurants, shops and other goodies surrounding it that one can walk through and explore. For us, it was just too hot. When the beers were gone we took our leave and headed off to our next location.

Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs is one of three location nearby in the surrounding area of the desert. With locations in Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City, the Palm Springs location is the closest to our hotel just under a mile away. Parking here is ample with a structured parking lot as well as outside parking on the next block. Going in mainly served to cool down from the sun and kill time before check in. Walking around the casino in search of our preferred slots and made a quick line at the players card desk to get new cards for much later in the evening. It was not long before we were back in the car on our way yet again to our next stop.

Grocery Outlet. Our hotel had a kitchen well equip with refrigerator, oven, stove, sink, and all the other amenities. It is what I specifically searched for when looking for where we would stay. There are those who go on vacation and dont want to do anything but be on vacation. While that is well and good for some people, it is just not my thing. For us it is far more economic to cook at least two of our meals for ourselves over expensive restaurant eating. A nice dinner or brunch here and there is entirely possible and we have done it, while cooking for the majority of our meals. It is not something I mind or am opposed to which is why it works for us. Once again everyone has their preference, this is just what I do.

We picked up, eggs, sausages, cheese, patties, a bag of wings and another of onion rings, bread, and ice cream. I was already bringing with me, oils, seasoning, low carb tortillas, a case of water and few cases of beer and a bottle of whiskey. By the time we were done with the shopping we were able to check into the hotel.

One of the things I have truly enjoyed in regards to Palm Springs is the convenience of everything being so close by. If planned correctly, you can position yourself to be walking distance to most things and or a quick ride share option away.

The Float Hotel was just a quick five minute ride from the grocery store. Arriving at our hotel, we check our email for instructions on how to check in. The hotel does contact less checking in so you just need to wait for an email that will provide you a four digit code that you use to enter the property and another four digit code that will be for you room itself.

The property is private which I love since Covid, I tend to get very antsy when around too many people. The place looks like a playground for adults looking to relax. The pool is from and center at this place and it is surrounded by these lovely cabanas on one end that are shaded by curtains, and open air lawn chairs for all the sun worshipers. There is even a corner spot that has padded benches, privacy curtain and ceiling fan for larger groups. Surround this area are longer benches, a grill, fire pit, and a separate area that has a pool table and outdoor lounge type of area.

The rooms themselves are what border the property. Most rooms face the pool with a set of french doors. You punch in your four digit code and walk into your bedroom. Ours was a large comfortable king size bed on one side of the room and in front of it was a small table for two and high dresser set with tv on top. A large plush leather chair at one corner and a mini hallway. along the wall of the hallway is the closet which is the length of the way and in front of that is the bathroom. The kitchen is at the end of the hall, along with a back door that leads to a back yard of sorts and large trash container.

The space for the two of us was perfect and suited our needs to the last detail. As soon as we were able to get into our room we got to work arranging our individual space and putting our personal items on each side of the bed. Then we worked on the kitchen and putting everything in order there. Groceries got put away and the hotel had an ice maker which we used to get a few beers cold as quickly as we possibly could. When everything was in order we laid back on the bed and took in the cool air conditioning and enjoyed a quick cat nap.

The pool was on the agenda of things to do next. Changing into our suits, grabbing our backpack cooler filled with ice cold beers. We made our way outside and doused ourselves in sunscreen. Posting up in the far corner with the long benches we cracked open two beers and jumped right into the pool. The water was at a perfect temperature and there are large and small floats for guests to use while in the water. It was an enjoyable couple of hours drinking and lounging around. It was exactly what I wanted out of my vacation. We were off to a wonderful start.

Once we had enjoyed enough of the pool, naturally we were ravenous. My partner took to the task of preparing our dinner which was the chicken wings and half the bag of onion rings that had been purchased from the grocery store and let me tell you it was heavenly. After dinner we started getting ready to go out for the night.

An ride share was generated and we were all set to head back to the casino and do a little gambling. Since we had been there earlier we knew exactly were we wanted to go and which slots we wanted to pay special attention to. Players cards in hand and drinks in the other we were off and running. My partner and I enjoy a variety of slots. Some of them include the Lightning Links, Dragon Links, Buffalo, and Top Dollar just to name a few. The idea behind gambling for me personally is purely for enjoyment. I never spend hundreds upon thousands of dollars on it and I know when to quit. I always set a limit for myself and if I reach it then it is time to stop, and if I win, I'll keep 75% of my winning and gamble with the rest depending on how much of my original bag I have left. When I still have money I have to start gambling with and I win, then I will keep all my winnings and continue playing with what I have. For me it is all about the fun of the atmosphere,and enjoyment being there in good company.

He and I were at the casino for a few hours before deciding to head back to the hotel. At the hotel we ordered delivery, pigged out and went back in the pool for a late night swim and a few more drinks. It was at this time that we met a few of the other guests of the hotel. During the day it seemed like we were the only ones there but at night quite a few of the other guests came out. Everyone we met was nice and easy going, we were all there with the same plan in mind which was rest and relaxation.

Eventually we called it a night and retreated back to the air conditioned oasis of our room with day one completed and excited for what day two would bring.

Day 2.

The second day of our Palm Springs adventure began bright and early at the hour of 6:30 am because the park opens at 7:30 am. The day gets hot in June very early and I have been wanting to go on a hike at Tahquitz Canyon for a while now. Making more of an effort to try out a few things Pal Springs has to offer when made the conscious decisions to set alarms the night before and not leave waking up to pure chance.

Admission tickets to the grounds can be purchased at the Tahquitz Canyon Visitors Center. Admission for adults is $15.00 and the park is open till 5 pm in the from October till the 4th of July. We opted for the shorter of the few hiking trails offered. 1.8 miles not very long for the 5 miles hikes we usually go on but it was a tough one for sure. Quite a climb but I am more than confident I had burned off the take out from the night before.

By the time we returned to the car it was close to 9 am and already 90 degrees and we were sweating buckets and in serious need of electrolytes. Rushing back to our vehicle we drove back to the loving cool comfort of our air conditioned room as quickly as we could without breaking speed limit laws.

Back in our room, it was definitely time for breakfast. While I made breakfast, my partner jumped in the shower. I was making chilaquiles (toasted tortilla chips, sauteed in salsa, topped with mozzarella and a fried egg) and I make it from scratch so by the time he was out of the shower, I was done frying the tortillas into chips. I took my turn in the shower and while I did that, he warmed up the salsa and shredded the cheese. By the time I was out, all that was left to do was saute everything together, add the cheese and top it with the fried egg. While I did that, he was cleaning off and setting our table and grabbing our drinks. Breakfast was served and it was sublime after the hike we had been on.

At this point my partner had work business to tend to on zoom in the early afternoon and while he did this I grabbed the Backpack cooler and filled it with ice and beers. I put on a swimsuit, grabbed a book I brought on the trip and went outside to sunbathe, swim and read. The beauty of this place was because the pool is the center and the rooms all surround the pool in a square, is that once you step outside you immediately face a portion of the pool. In our case our room was directly facing a cabana and in front of that was the middle of the pool. I posted up at a cabana and proceeded to lay out and read. It was absolute heaven to do this very small thing that can be taken for granted. I relished in this ability and got through a few chapter and a beer, then grabbed a new one and went in the pool.

My partner came out a few hours later once his meeting was all done and joined me. Dressed in his full swim gear, he wasted no time in grabbing himself a cold drink and jumping in the pool to cool down from the already intense heat. We swam and drank for a while, then ventured back into our room for a quick nap to wake up refreshed and invigorated for the nights adventures.

We got dressed and decided to walk around and explore for the night. Although it was still on the warmer side after the sun went down, it was not unbearable, and both my partner and I like exploring. Any time we go to a place we don't normally frequent, the two of us will do our research and see what's around for us to see and do.

Deciding on Lapperts Palm Springs serving shakes, ice cream, shaved ice and soft serve. The walk was not far at all and being outside felt good. we split a chocolate peanut butter shake and a Dole pineapple soft serve. Trying each of the items we ordered and savoring the sweet delights we had purchased we made our way to the street to our next location, the La Quinta Brewing Co.

La Quinta Brewing Co. is also located on Palm Canyon and a quick four minute walk from Lapperts. Starting it off with the flights and sampling a little bit of everything like the amber ale Heatwave, the pilsner Poolside, and the Bloody Hot Summer, just to name a few of our favorites there. The spot has indoor and outdoor seating. It is the perfect friends night spot and date night as well.

We continued to walk around and window shop while people watching till we eventually made our way back to our blissful retreat. Where we then proceeded to partake in another night swim and indulge in delivery. The perfect end to our second day.

Day 3

This was officially our last full day in Palm Springs as we would be leaving the following morning. We lounged in bed slipping between sleep and lazy casual tv watching off and on. Around 9 am we decided we needed food. I took the last of our cinnamon raisin loaf slices and made french toast, eggs and sausages. Deliciously filling and decadent we decided to get up and put our pool gear on and relish in our last day of complete peace and relaxation. For the rest of that morning and afternoon, we moved from the pool to the cabana. Between drinks, reading, drinks and snacking we talked, teased, laughed and played, simply living in the moment of being in each others company. Looking back on it now I can say it truly was the best way to spend our last full day.

The one place I really wanted to make sure we made it to even if no other spot worked out was the Purple Room. This lounge bar and restaurant with a ratpack feel is also located on Palm Canyon Dr. A part of the Club Trinidad Resort, the Purple Room can be found front and center of the hotel. Reservations are recommended but on Tuesday you can go straight to the bar for Happy Hour. My main reason for wanting to go was while doing my research earlier in the week I discovered that they offer whiskey and bourbon flights. I absolutely love bourbon and whiskey is a very close second. Ever since a long ago trip to Kentucky and following the Bourbon Trail to a couple of the distilleries on the map years and years ago. I have been in love ever since.

There is a list of four different themed flights, each one holds a cluster within a certain price range. The Rat Pack is $25, The Dean Martin is $50, The Frank Sinatra is $99 and The Grand Pappy is $130. My partner and I stayed on the low end and went with The Dean Martin. The bartender made our selection for us because we rationalized that as much as we love to consume bourbon and whiskey, we are not expertly versed in it (the distillery tours from my trip to Kentucky do not exactly count). His selections did not disappoint let me tell you. Not only did the bartender make choices we had never tried, but he brought us some very flavored full bodied selections.

Taking full advantage of being at the bar and specifically being there during Happy Hour we ordered their tasty selections of that menu. Going with; Short rib sliders with cheddar cheese and purple coleslaw, mushrooms stuffed with sausage, mascarpone, parmesan and marinara, and order of Panko crusted avocado and finished it all off with the classic mac and cheese that was made with gruyere, cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Everything we sampled was absolutely delicious and went well with the whiskey and beer we had with us.

There is a full restaurant menu and nightly entertainment. You can come in for food and drinks while listening to live jazz and a variety of other performers depending on the night. Reservations are recommended and I would go during their happy hour for sure. Having never been there before, I prefer a good happy hour because it gives a glimpse into how good (or not) the menu options of establishment are without spending on a full size entree and risking disappointment. My partner and I will surely be returning on a different trip to try the dinner and show without question. I will say that The Purple Room is temporarily closed at this time for the season and will reopen August 30, 2022.

When we were ready to move on we made our way to the casino one last time and try our luck. While at the casino, we walked around, ordered a few more drinks and played favored slot machines and having an all around blast. At the end of our night there we went back to our paradise one last time, ordered take out and some late night swimming.

Departure

We woke up a bit earlier than check out just to make sure we cleaned up, collected all of our personal belongings and made sure we were not forgetting anything. I'll take a quick moment now to say that we did experience car trouble on this trip. While my partner has a new car that he just recently bought, there was an issue with his battery that we were unaware of making it so that from our second day till our last his car would not start without a jump. I would like to plug the AAA affiliated tow and service companies (Tony's Auto Center) for coming out to our locations and really giving us the star treatment as far as assistance and car advice went. They were all amazing and we are incredibly grateful for all their help.

The road back to reality was a smooth one. There was very little to no traffic and we were back home within a hour and a half. I came home and began the process of unpacking and doing laundry. At some point that day, I sat down and paused to go over all the details of my trip and began writing them down so that I could always go back to this moment when I was at peace. I often do this because when I am in the middle of chaos and stress during the real world. It is in reading these past trips that serves to recenter and focus me while bringing me the motivation and tolerance I need to ensure that there is a next trip. Until next time.

travel
2

About the Creator

Las Matamaridos

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.