Summer Splash at Descanso

May 31, 2023

Make a Splash in Palm Springs this Summer!

Jim Gladstone READ TIME: 3 MIN. SPONSORED

Prices down, pants down!

While that's not the official slogan of the Summer Splash promotion now underway in Palm Springs, there's no denying that it accurately describes the special appeal of a gay escape to the Southern California desert between June 1 and September 15 (holidays excluded).

The boutique properties of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels group – including several of the 10 clothing optional resorts for gay men – are offering a bundle of bargains to summertime visitors, from weekday deals to $100-off savings to free extra nights.

You can check out all of their pics and profiles at your leisure, but here's a quick look at some of their most distinctive features:

  • Desert Paradise, the El Mirasol Villas and the Canyon Club each boast a sauna and steamroom.
  • INNdulge throws Thursday night pizza feasts and weekend pool parties.
  • The Santiago Resort, Descanso, Twin Palms, and The Hacienda at Warm Sands offer free breakfast and lunch to guests every day.
  • Triangle Inn Palm Springs combines mid-century modern architecture with Southern (California) hospitality.
  • Vista Grande features a lushly landscaped Pleasure Garden, complete with waterfall.
  • All World's Resort has indoor and outdoor mazes to explore.

    And all that is in addition to the Summer Splash deals!

    Of course, if you're a more modest sort, there are plenty of gorgeous properties with beautiful pools where the dipping isn't skinny. Take your pick from hotels in an amazing range of architectural styles: From sleek mid-century modern compounds to Spanish haciendas to a Japanese-accented inn complete with kimonos, there's a Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotel to suit anyone's fancy.

    Planning the Perfect Days

    West Coast visitors know that Palm Springs' reliably clear and sunny weather makes for a great getaway from the June gloom that that can sock in much of the Pacific shoreline and San Francisco's chilly gray month of Fog-ust.

    But to make the most of your time in the desert, you'll want to plan your days wisely.

    Early mornings and early evenings are the best times to get some outdoor exercise. Maybe rent a bicycle (some of our properties even have loaners!) or take a hike in spectacular Palm Canyon, lined with prehistoric rock formations and shady groves of fan palm trees.

    Mid-day, when the sun and the temperature are at their highest, it's time for a few hours of poolside R&R back at your resort. Or maybe head for the air conditioned exhibitions at the Palm Springs Art Museum and do a little souvenir shopping at selection of local retailers offering their own special bargains as part of the Summer Splash.

    After dark, of course, there's no end to the dining, nightlife, shopping, and gallery hopping along Arenas Road and the downtown strip.

    Choices, Choices!

    Whether you're looking for a romantic escape with your partner or a hard-partying weekend with the gang, Palms Springs Preferred Small Hotels has properties that will exceed your expectations. Our one-stop website lets you browse, compare and directly book a stay at over 70 distinctive properties.

    To take advantage of Summer Splash deals, sign up here and receive the latest offers by text or e-mail. You'll also get a chance to register for Summer Eats offers at participating local restaurants.

    Get away to California's gay oasis this season. Book a stay with summer savings at your favorite Palms Springs Preferred Small Hotel.

    by Jim Gladstone

    Jim Gladstone is a San Francisco-based writer and creative strategist.

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