GETAWAYS

What’s Doing In…Palm Springs

After 9/11, travel for everyone will never be the same. Luckily, for those of us who live in California – there are countless destinations just a few hours drive from Los Angeles that do not require having to deal with the airport. One such destination is Palm Springs, and with summer here – there are endless travel and dining bargains to enjoy, from the ultra luxurious to the moderate and affordable.

I recently spent a few days at classy The Lodge in Rancho Mirage. What a delightful travel and dining experience it turned out to be. Owned by Rockresorts, The Lodge sits on 24 acres way above (actually 650 feet above) the breath taking Coachella Valley. You are transported away from the cares of the day up there…it’s so quiet, all you may hear is the crash of silence. It’s 240 rooms and 21 suites are well appointed, with special summer weekend rates beginning at $169 per night ($135 for triple A members). They also have a weekend golf and spa package at $149. Its grounds are lushly landscaped. There is a huge pool for a dip, or tennis, or you can play a game of croquet on the hotel’s east lawn. At their Avanyu full service spa they will pamper your body and senses. When it comes to dining, The Lodge’s café is among the best out there. Try the tasty Colorado rack of lamb or delicious fresh Eastern scallops. Just recently they lowered the season price of their buffet Sunday Brunch to under $40 per-person. This is one of the most sumptuous and premiere brunch experiences in Palm Springs and it’s not to be missed with more than 30 dishes from Eggs Benedict to Sushi to Caviar, Prime Rib, and an array of creative fresh salads and signature desserts. The pastry chef makes actual two-bite sized chocolate cakes and key lime pies. Bring your appetite and your tired city body. For reservations contact The Lodge at 760-321-8282.

Quite a shift away, but none the less appealing for the price -- is the Hotel Mojave in nearby Palm Desert, close to the toney shopping district, the El Paseo. This unique desert landmark was built as a late 1940s motor inn. Now restored to that earlier time, it’s charming and unique. The inn’s cozy 24 rooms/suites start at $99 weekends for the summer. There is a leafy courtyard and pool; a nice buffet breakfast, including fresh OJ, is included. For more information call (760) 346-6121. A few blocks walk away on the El Paseo at Larkspur is a little French café all the locals know – Café des Beaux Arts. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their prices are quite moderate. The CdBA serves the best chilled Chicken Caesar Salad ($11.50) there is. I also recommend their seafood stew, Bouillabaisse ($23.95). For reservations call (760) 346-0669.

Charles Barrett
chasb119@netscape.net

Getaways 2002