Desert Vacation Villas

This modest, stucco-style condo complex was originally built in the 1970s as an apartment house, so it wasn’t designed with a big lobby area. Though small, the lobby is pleasant, with sand-colored marble tile on the front desk and floors. Free coffee, tourist brochures, and a table with chairs might invite some guests to linger for a while, but most spend their time in their condos. It’s a quiet setting with lovely views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Exterior stairs that lead to the second-story units. The pool area is the heart of the complex. Palm trees tower over its surrounding sundeck, which has a gas grill where guests can cook and dine outside at the tables. A ping-pong table and basketball court here offer some family-friendly fun. 

The hotel is located in a quiet, mostly residential North Palm Springs neighborhood in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains. A few restaurants are within walking distance, and many more plus a supermarket are within a five-minute drive. Downtown Palm Springs, with the Palm Springs Convention Center and Palm Springs Art Museum, is about a five-minute drive from the property. On weekends, a free shuttle travels between downtown and the area of the hotel. Palm Springs International Airport is an eight-minute drive away, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which travels almost 6,000 feet up Mount San Jacinto Wilderness State Park, is a 15-minute drive. Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs is 12 minutes away by car, and the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is about 30 minutes away. The Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center is approximately 40 minutes away. Palm Springs International Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

The 26 two-bedroom, two bathroom condos are large and well-maintained, although they all have varying degrees of datedness. Decor changes a bit unit to unit, but most are pleasant and homey, done up in soft, desert earth tones with tan carpeting and matching wood furniture in light finishes. Pops of color come from the upholstered armchairs and bedspreads with floral, tropical, or quilt-style patterns, though some of these look borrowed from the '80s. One highlight is the private patios or balconies in every unit, many of which feature lovely mountain views. Bathrooms and kitchens have beige-tile floors, and bathrooms have granite vanities and granite-framed shower stalls, or shower/tub combos. The kitchens in many of the units have granite counters, but some have drab, dated laminate counters. Kitchens come equipped with full-size refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, coffeemakers, dishwashers, and utensils. All units also have dining tables and living rooms with sleeper sofas. Master bedrooms have king beds, and second bedrooms have two twins or single queens. Standard amenities include toiletries, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. The units are relatively quiet, but ambient noise from other units, especially those on the second floor, can be heard at times. 

Though there's no on-site dining, this property offers multiple outdoor activities, enhancing its appeal for families. The focal point of the complex is the pool area, with a heated pool, hot tub, and a gas grill and tables for outdoor dining. A basketball court and ping-pong table are also on the ground, along with bikes to rent at no extra charge. The lobby offers free coffee, and there's a library of DVDs and books to borrow. There's also a coin-operated laundry on-site for guests' use. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.