GoodKarmaGuy

Ahhh... Palm Springs!

THE THIRD ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS FLYERTALK GAYLA!
MARCH 24-26, 2006

How to surpass Gayla II in 2005?

Well, first a real, true, fairy tale story is in order, I think!

(Note that I have cleverly disguised the characters. )

Oh, and discounts, tips and itineraries follow. Hotel info is in the 2nd post because mine is already too big and now the story:

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Snow White and the Seven Upgrades
A FlyerTalk Fantasy

Once upon a time in a land far, far away there was a beautiful valley nestled between two, rocky, towering mountains. The sun shone every day there and the inhabitants of the valley had no thoughts of living anywhere else. They had moved to this valley, drawn by tales of a fountain of youth - muscley youth, that is. Slowly they came to live here, one-by one. It seemed that as one of the inhabitants would die, another would come to take his or her place. They were called “The Ancient Ones”.

In this beautiful valley lived a very handsome but very evil queen. This was a powerful queen who demanded only the most chi-chi couture, accomodations and service. One would have thought this queen was lonely in his low-slung, glass accented, adobe manse. But a very smart and very gay designer had placed many, many gilded mirrors in the manse for the handsome, evil, powerful queen to catch glimpses of himself.

Meanwhile, far across the mountains and across many more mountains, too, a beautiful, young maiden with huge bosoms was thinking of visiting this valley. She had heard of the beautiful valley.... even far away in the land where she lived, The Land of the Boeings- "The Mysticals". (In this place the Mystical Boeings came forth, though noone knew how or why.)

This maiden, (her name was Jean White-Something but she came to be known as Snow White because she had drifted), decided to meet her friends, the Upgrades, in the beautiful valley where, unbeknownest to her or the Upgrades, lived the evil queen. They would drink MANY frozen drinks by the pool, ogle the muscle-y boys and the pretty girls and just have a fabulous time! And Snow White knew just the Upgrade to organize this: GoodKarmumpy! Yes! Why, he is not only funny, handsome and charming but a great party planner. And, Snow smiled to herself, his modesty knows no bounds. Just the person!

So Snow White packed her carry-on, grabbed her friend, another favorite Upgrade named Wirelessleepy (who everyone just called “Sleepy"or, sometimes, "Drunky”), and planned a non-rev to the valley. There is a rumor that Snow White has a sister just as beautiful as her, living as a hermit, away in a high, wind-swept, lonely tower. Will the famed sibling finally show and dispel the myths that she is just a Sitgeic fable? Only time will tell but perhaps she will bless Palm Springs with her flowing locks.

One Thursday night, in late March, Snow White was boarding her connection in San Francisco, her mouth watering for one of GoodKarmumpy's apple martinis, (because she knew a Friday arrival ALWAYS misses out on the famed Martini Party) and there, among many, many queens, was the evil and powerful queen from the beautiful valley!

This evil queen was screaming at the poor GA, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I DON’T HAVE MY UPGRADE? I NEVER EVER SIT IN COACH!”

Snow White smiled to herself and adjusted her ample bosom. She knew that she was in first class. (Well, it is “Snow White and the Seven Upgrades”!). Snow White smiled to herself a lot. Especially on her way to Palm Springs.

Now, the Upgrades were spritely gals and guys of varying shapes, sizes and colors but all smart and sexy, as luck would have it. Another thing they had in common was their love of frequent flier miles and their ability to fly in first class for free. Too, party planning seemed to be genetic (along with decorating, dancing and a taste for the better things in life) among the Upgrades. Yes, GoodKarmumpy was planning the weekend with the help of the Grand Duchess, Princess Petrina-of-Cinncinatiland. Two Upgrade party planners, the handsome jockGRRumpy and the also-handsome ILumpyParis had already volunteered to host the Saturday Dinner, but noone has heard from them and it’s rumored that the crafty Countess Lisa of LaLa has carried them away to force them to drink house brand martinis (oh my!) and walk the... *ahem** str8 and narrow! Not to worry, because before a house is ever dropped on any of these princesses and queens, the aging Wicked Step Princess Umgumpia of La Ti Da is expected to show up, as usual, with his handsome consort and lavish, as usual, margaritas, chilled-vodk-shots and apple-tinis on their faithful subjects. As usual. (Umgumpia's mother, the real Queen-of-Cinncinatiland, has decided that she will not attend). And apparently, the other aging Wicked Step Princess, Foadrica of the Blowy City, is having work done. So no attending for her after all. How sad. And, with his bag of toys, the big, strong huntsman, DanHumpy53 is always helping looking for lost boys... err ....girls.


So, as Snow White settled into 2C, (being an Aisle, of course!), and Sleepy dozed in 2D(being a 100% Window, of course!), the evil queen swept passed, stopped and came back to give our dear, dear Snow White a piece of her mind. Seeing Snow’s Bose headphones and premium seating, the nasty queen grew livid. This was worse than FORT LA-DI-DA!! Not realizing that Snow was a non-rev, had gotten the ‘phones from a FT thread-recommended promo and was using drink coupons gifted from the Coupon Connection, the evil and powerful queen stopped mid-sweep and gasped. Why, this must be an even MORE powerful queen from that fabled Emerald City! That would explain her beauty, her bosom and the seemingly endless perks!

And he was right.

The End

What? You thought there was more to this story?


Being a Palm Springs Fairy Tale, the ending is always the same, dear. Think Jaguars and Rental-Cars. Drinks-at-the-Pool and Beer at The Barracks. Prince Albert and Princess Sebastian. A Fabulous-Mixed-Crowd and Everyone-Welcome. Suprise-Entertainment and the Usual-Suspects.

And, of course, the real power is in the Miles!

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Ahhhh... we love a happy ending! (We also love our friends in FLL, just in case anyone asks! )

This is a PG rated event and ALL FLYERTALKERS are welcome and encouraged to attend. We have quite a handsome following of hetersexuals that attend! Please come, everyone! (As a matter of fact, this event is always cross-posted in the Community Forum HERE so that all can be in the fun!

This is a very, very, very fun event. Several of us have wandered around past Gaylas in dazed amazement at how much fun these PSP Do’s really turn out to be! The crowd is very mixed of all different ages, shapes, colors and sexes. Dress is casual, though somehow these folks manage to make casual seem like they have a personal shopper at Nordstrom's. (And he STILL buys his t-shirts in the kid's department! )

Again, reviews of Palm Springs area hotels are in my SECOND post of this thread as there seems to be a 15,000 word or less rule. (and OMG we are up to +18,000 with the hotels!) Please add your comments and reviews in a post and they will be moved to the review area in the second post. It is not possible to go through all the PSP threads but we do remember that lots of folks had good suggestions at various times.

Also, please be courteous of some member’s anonymity. As well, if you would prefer not to be named on the list, please just email or PM me so that I can add you to the count. This worked well last year for a few members. If you do not say otherwise I will add your name(s) to the list.

HOST HOTEL: The former Elizabeth Arden Spa and Resort, The Villa. The Villa has finished renovations and is HOT, HOT, HOT. It is the talk around town right now for its dining, too. It is a mixed, men and women, gay and str8 resort with no clothing optional areas.

They love, love, love us and have given us a GREAT high-season deal:

Our discounted price for Friday and Saturday is $129/ night+. And we get 50% our already discounted price on Thursday and/or Sunday! Please ask them to extend this discount if you stay other nights.

These discounts will be honored as long as there are rooms available. But, technically, the cutoff is January 31st.

ITINERARY: please note that usually only Friday and/or Saturday evening events are “de rigeur” and only Saturday Evening requires advance payment.

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THURSDAY NIGHT:
8pm : UNOFFICIAL WHO-IS-HERE-EARLY? MEET-AT-THE-STREET-PARTY-AND-HAVE-DINNER!
Let us know in advance that you will be here. We will probably meet at the Rainbow cactus at 7pm, walk around the street festival that is held every Thursday evening and eat dinner together.

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FRIDAY NIGHT:
830pm: World Famous Gayla Martini Party.
LOCATION: The Villa
DRESS: Fun Resort Wear. Maybe bring a sweater. Temperature expected to be 60-70's at 8pm.
Expect some folks to go bar-hopping after. Some us will sit around the fire until 2am.
PRICE: $20pp PAID IN ADVANCE, please, via Paypal or check. $10pp if you are drinking one drink or less. RSVP REQUIRED. (We can usually ad late comers).

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SATURDAY EVENING EARLY SUPPER:
430pm: "Afternoon Cocktails on the Patio" at Wang's.
530pm: "Early Supper on the Patio" with surprise entertainment that the PSP Gayla has become famous for.
LOCATION: Wang's with food served family style.
Price: $40/pp all included, PAID IN AVANCE, please, via Paypal or check. (We can usually and late attendees.)
[i]DRESS: Fancy Afternoon Resort Wear.

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SATURDAY NIGHT GAY BAR WHOOPEE TOUR:
10pm
LOCATION: Start at Hotel Zoso. Designated drivers available.
DRESS: Cool Bar Clothes (Cool, that is, for hot dancing!)

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SUNDAY BRUNCH:
1130am
LOCATION: The Villa Poolside
DRESS: Shorts and T's with Jimmy Choo sandals.
Price: Individual menu orders and individual checks. Expect $10 entrees.

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SUNDAY BEER BUST:
6pm
LOCATION: The Barracks. (This is an Adults-Only Event)(NOTE: The Barracks website is currently offline. Directions will be passed out at Brunch).
DRESS: Leathers, jeans, boots, harnesses, PA's, ropes, cowboy hats, daisy-dukes, military. You get the idea.
Price: $1 beers
NOTE: We usually go get a bite to eat later, about 9 or 10pm

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WHO IS COMING:

Defintes:
KenCT
SeeYa
Peteropny +1
Nobbi +1
GoodKarmaGuy +3
jockdAAddy
ILuvParis
izzik +1
Wireless
lisamcgu
gay
olafman
dfwoods
Nicholas
mwp2paris +1
FlyBalletGuy
St Sebastian
bluesincenew
missydarlin +1
Shirl
OutofOffice
DEK
kyushuman
holtju2
fanoftravel

"Just for Martinis"
CDF +1
nroscoe

"Just for Brunch"
CMC Flyer







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TIP: We have blocked a certain number of rooms at a discounted rate until the hotel sells out! Let them know you are with the FlyerTalk-Martini Party Group.

TIP: Payment for dinner should be through PayPal or you can mail a check. To Use Paypal, pay the $40 for dinner to [email protected]. Include the first names and genders of each attendee. For those of you unfamiliar with PayPal, peteropny will post directions on ho to do this.

TIP: We often organize side things like shopping and hiking. PM KenCT to go on the Red Jeep Tour that (I think) he is organizing. Very cool!

TIP: See the end of this post for Palm Springs general info.

TIP: Reserve a rental car now. You can cancel later. The prices will go up, up up!

JOE'S SPECIAL TIP: I always book car rentals and then recheck once a week to see if the rates have gone down. PSP cheapest rental car: Dollar Rental Car.

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Some cool gay PSP links (with notes!) by gayBob :

http://ww.palmspringslife.com/medi...vents/index.php

Here is a link to things happening at the PSP convention center, though it doesn't look like much is happenin' during the Gayla III

http://www.palmspringscc.com/events/default.aspx

Here is a link to a gay rag the Desert Daily Guide, which is posted on the net:

http://www.desertdailyguide.com/weekly/index2.php

Here is a link to another gay rag the Bottom Line, which also is posted on the net. It has a nice list of events each month (check early March for March events):

http://www.psbottomline.com/

Here's a site about gay PSP. It's mostly advertising but does have a map.

http://www.palmspringsgay.com/

Here's a great site about PSP, which includes a gay section:

http://palmsprings.com/ 

AIRPORTS

Local airport: PSP. This airport is really, really cute and worth flying into if it is not a lot more money. And no, you will not need a car if you are only there a couple days. Hotels have free parking and there are some awesome daytrips.NOTE that the car rental desks here close early: 9/10pm!

Alternative Airports: LAX, SAN (2-3 hour drive depending on traffic), SNA, BUR, ONT( @ 2hour drives +- depending on traffic), LAS (cheeeeeap rental cars but a 4 hour, albeit gorgeous, drive).

Some creative routing may be beneficial. For example, last year AS for $108 SFO-PSP was found. While that may not work for the Gayla(who knows, though!) it does seem that a low fare to SFO, ONT, LAX or LAS may be combined with a low fare to PSP.

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SIDETRIPS: Many available! Also several special events that cannot be had elsewhere.

If you can get in on Thurs nite - Palm Springs has a street fair downtown- they close down the main street to traffic and there are booths up and down the street . I had the most marvelous roasted corn - yum makes me want to come back . - jan_az

The Palm Spring Follies are supposed to be fabulous. The ladies are all retired show girls, some from Broadway, others from Radio City Music Hall, and so on. I've see a video and they are terrific. The run is usually from November through May 30. Thanks to SanDiego1K


Joshua Tree National Park is a few miles away and is a beautiful drive with hiking and walking available.

There is a big Casino in downtown PSP.

Palm Springs even has an Air Museum.

This will be a very fun weekend... HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

GoodKarmaGuy

All of the "big" evenings are accounted for but here are some foodie ideas for evenings and lunches on either end of your visit:

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

SFOTRAVELER":
On my last visit, I was at a large, fun, queer-friendly Chinese / pan-Asian place...surely you guys know it...can't remember the name, though. christianj: could be Wangs, Thai Smiles, Peppers, etc.
--EDITOR: This is Wang's.)

christianj:
Here's a list of our favorites:
- Shame on the Moon - Rancho Mirage - Same owners as Blame it on Midnight in PS but with better food.
- Blame it on Midnight- PS - Great people watching with decent food.
- Kalura Trattoria - PS - Super italian food on S. Palm Canyon Dr. next to the theater.
- Zin American Bistro - PS - New Place with great food on S. Palm Canyon Dr.
- Sherman's Deli - PS - for the biggest sandwiches
- California Pizza Kitchen - PS- for a quick pizza or salad
- Hamburger Mary's - PS - for a fun time
- El Mirasol - PS - for the best mexican food and magaritas
- Wangs - PS - for chinese

Other places we have either tried or have received recommendations for:
- Spikes (EDITOR's NOTE: Probably is "Spike's Baja Cantina" (611 South Palm Canyon Drive) 760-864-9775 -Gay-owned Mexican restaurant located two doors away from Heaven, in the Sun Center Mall."
- Johannes
- Davey's Hideaway
- New Asian place in the casino in PS
- New Cheesecake Factory in Rancho Mirage


GoodKarmaGuy:
Isort of thought that Blame it onMidnight really looks like the inside of a drag queen's closet (I HEAR... never having actually SEEN the inside of a drag queen's closet )... all sorts of sparkly things hanging from the ceiling. If you are here before 8pm, the avaerage age is 90. It drops to 20-30-something after 8pm. The food is good. The menu layout reminds me of places like Wolfie's in Miami where you have to pay an extra 25 cents for an extra lemon slice. Then the menu throws in really interesting things like a shrimp ceviche! A very "Palm Springs" experience over all. Later this place is more of a bar than a restaurant.

Hamburger Mary's (always an OK chain experience) was a real hetero-touristy.

thetravelguru:
Wangs has a great happy hour on Friday nights. Usually starts round 6ish. Eat at Wangs or any of the other great restaurants in the area and then head to Hunters Nightclub.

From RBCal: Following are my favorite exclusively gay restaurants/bars in PSP:

Look
139 East Andreas Road
Palm Springs, CA
Phone: (760) 778-3520
Large outdoor patio, younger crowd, good food, walking distance to gay district of Arenas and shopping on Palm Canyon.

Plum
241 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760)322-0200
Very popular Sunday brunch, older crowd than Look.

Blame It On Midnight
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA
Phone: (760) 323-120
Large restaurant and bar, has been in PSP forever. In my opinion the food is just okay but it is very crowded. The food is much better than Rainbow Cactus which is also crowded but mostly with an older clientele.

Butterfield's Adobe at The Villa Resort
67670 Carey Rd.
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Phone: (760) 328-7211
Excellent brunch/lunch seven days a week. The best new exclusively gay restaurant in PSP in my opinion.

Sidewinders (BAR)
67555 E. Palm Canyon, Above Upper Crust Pizza
Cathedral City, CA 92234
The bar I like best, since it has a friendly crowd and line dancing. I find the dancing cowboys interesting, even before I saw Brokeback Mountain.
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Hotels will be in several categories:

NOTED BY ILuvParis: People should be aware that many of the resorts may have a three or even four night minimum stay in March - since it will definitely be prime time in PSP.

MEN'S RESORTS
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WOMEN'S RESORTS
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"MIXED" RESORTS(men AND women, possibly str8)
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MILES AND POINTS RESORTS AND HOTELS
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SO..........

MEN'S RESORTS

First, general comments by FTers:

JGR01:
PSP has many many gay B&B complexes. Your choice will definately impact the what you want.

For example CCBC can be considered a bath house hotel for nudists! LOTS of play and minimal on the hotel facilities (nothing wrong with that as I had a GREAT time a the 'stable' house there one weekend). They tend to host 'group weekends' so you may find yourself with naked square dancers or drag-festa-val or ??

Santiago on the other hand is (hope still is as been 2+ years since was there) a more elegant place with great sunning and great mountain views and really a relaxed place. Its more a couples place with minimal play ....

Another place (I forget) has Saturday wet jockeyshorts contests and lets the locals into the grounds for a fee... real busy and real 'groups'... not relaxing.

The weekends tend to be very busy and the the week is much more relaxed and friendly. I know Sun/Mon nights many times I was one of three guests at some places.

The trouble is you need a current 'scope' of the place you are going to stay. They change names/ownership sometimes and what was an elegant couples type place (enjoyed Triangle Inn many years back that way) .. then boom new owners .. and you get the leather/bear crowd or the twinks or the lesbians.

All said, I like PSP because of the options and ability to do lots of things.

Rent a car .. go the the cable-car and drive to Joshua Tree area .. Go shopping.. do Shame on the Moon for a fabulous dinner (not gay but most friendly like all of PSP)... there is a kewl little fish/chips shop on the edge of downtwon by the start of Warm Sands. Am not a club/bar person so cannot make comments there.

aeneastwin:
The good thing about staying at Warm Sands all-male resorts is that the surrounding ones are within walking distance and have day passes that allow you to sample what each has to offer. Also, Warm Sands is a short driving distance (and even walkable) to the main strip in Palm Springs. A very nice IHOP and Duane Reade with a full selection of alcohol are nearby.

FROM THE EDITOR:
The following includes reviews of the men's resorts in Palm Springs (condensed from Out and About's Palm Springs guide by peteropny).
(Where a Fter name appears, that is THEIR review. Otherwise O & A's words are paraphrased. Not plaigarized, BTW. Generally, they are ordered from highly rated ones first down to lower rated ones (some similarly rated ones may be in alphabetical order). Most of the gay resorts are clustered in two areas, Warm Sands and San Lorenzo, and location are indicated as such. Rates are generally $100-150 per night for the basic room, otherwise any outside this range will be mentioned. Property size and "cruise" factor is included (some of the resorts can be extremely cruisy and we include this information as FYI as this is not for everyone. Some are more bath-house type facilities and these are included at the end. These are still hotels, though.). Note however, almost ALL the properties are clothing optional. Generally a continental breakfast and some sort of light lunch is provided for guests. It may be very simple. If we have not included a website, that means we didn't have one handy. Google it or call 411 if you need to. Check things out!

HIGHER RATED PROPERTIES (SOME LUXE):

Hacienda at Warm Sands - www.thehacienda.com - Smaller 10 room property in Warm Sands. Elegant and luxurious rooms and grounds. Somewhat higher rates. Service seems to be very high including pillow choice. "Cruise" factor - Low.

One of the nicest resorts in the Warm Sands area is The Hacienda. Pricey but very nice!
jefro
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East Canyon Hotel and Spa - www.eastcanyonps.com - 15 room top notch luxury property with very luxurious rooms and grounds. Only property with a full-service spa. Expensive rooms start at $139. Downtown Palm Springs location - just west of Warm Sands. Walk to some bars. "Cruise" factor - Low.
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Chestnutz - www.chestnutz.com - Smaller 12 room property in San Lorenzo. Full gym facilities and laundry facilities. Cozy property. "Cruise" factor - Medium to High.
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Desert Paradise Resort Hotel - www.desertparadise.com - Warm Sands property with 14 rooms. Property has been under renovations by the current owner. "Cruise" factor - Medium to High.
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El Mirasol Villas - www.elmirasol.com - 16 room Warm Sands property. Large rooms in property that was built by Howard Hughes. "Cruise" factor - Medium.
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Harlow Club Hotel - www.theharlow.com - Downtown Palm Springs, west of Warm Sands and San Lorenzo, property with 15 rooms. Massively renovated luxury property by the same owners as Santiago. Room rates start at $160. "Cruise" factor - Low.
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INNdulge - www.inndulge.com - Larger 24 room Warm Sands property that is well managed. Complete gym on property. "Cruise" factor - High.

When not staying with friends, I much prefer InnDulge. It's low key, sexually. You can swim, hot-tub, and sunbath nude and no one will jump you. You may get the once-over, and some come-hither looks, but nothing aggressive. The owners John and Jean Guy are very gracious hosts who see to it that their guests enjoy their stay. Guests come (no pun) from all over the world. They have a happy hour every evening with snacks, and many other social activities poolside. Coffee and juice by the pool every morning is my idea of paradise, next to watching meteor showers streaking overhead from the hot tub. GarySAN

Inn Dulge has a very low key atmosphere and the owners work hard to maintain the place. ILuvParis

I've stayed at InnDulge a couple of times and really liked it. It's "clothing optional" but not too sleazy (OK late nights in the jacuzzi can be...) Nice breakfast and social hour in the evening included.
myleguy
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Las Palmas Hotel - www.laspalmas-hotel.com - New North Palm Springs property with 17 rooms. 1950 property was totally renovated. Top-notch service. "Cruise" factor - Medium.

In October, we stayed at Las Palmas in the North end of town. Rooms were quite nice. Bathroom was awkward and cramped. Attentive and responsive ownership. Laid-back atmosphere.
peteropny
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La Posada de las Palmas - www.laposada.com - Small 10 room property located in a residential neighborhood. Relaxed atmosphere. "Cruise" factor - Low to Medium.
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La Posada East - www.laposada.com - 11 room Downtown Palm Springs property with the same ownership as the La Posada de las Palmas. Large pool and Jacuzzi. "Cruise" factor - Medium.

La Posada is very nice but it's a bit of a trek to the bar/downtown area if you don't plan to drive.rjque
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Santiago - www.santiagoresort.com - Larger 24 room San Lorenzo property. Larger immaculate rooms with many recent upgrades. One of the largest pools among the gay resorts. "Cruise" factor - Medium.

My favorite is Santiago - large nicely furnished rooms, great service.
(UPDATE: This property was recently (mid-late 2005) sold to new owners so not sure what changes are in the works.)
peteropny
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Terrazzo - www.terrazzo-ps.com - South Palm Springs property with 12 rooms. Eager to please attitude of the owners. Amenities and service positives are somewhat offset by smaller rooms and somewhat noisy location off South Palm Canyon. "Cruise" factor - Low.

One of the nicest resorts in the Warm Sands area is .... Terrazzo which is on South Palm Canyon. The owners are great and very hospitable.
jefro
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Totuga Del Sol - www.tortugadelsol.com - 12 room San Lorenzo property. Rates start at $80. Accent is on comfort and relaxation rather than luxury. "Cruise" factor - Low. I highly recommend "Tortuga del Sol". Right across form Santiago. Owned by a very nice gay couple. It's low key, clothing optional, no sex required.Nobbi
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Triangle Inn - www.triangle-inn.com - 13 total (including recently acquired house next door) unit San Lorenzo property. The house has 4 total rooms and can be rented as one large unit. Large rooms with small but romantic grounds. "Cruise" factor - Medium to High.
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Mid-Range Resorts:

All World's Resort - www.allworldsresort.com - Large 44 room Warm Sands property that was created by combining 3 smaller resorts. Ownership is the porno company All Worlds Entertainment. Rates start at $69. Ongoing renovations. "Cruise" factor - High.

If you are looking for a porno star sort of experience, you may wish to try All Worlds Resort, which has served as a location set for All Worlds Adult films. However, All Worlds Resort is rather stark, with a lot of concrete.aeneastwin

The Saturday lunch BBQ at All Worlds Resort is fun and they sell day pass for $5. ricepaddy

Read this trip report on ALL WORLD'S RESORT by apudme.

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Bacchanal - www.bacchanal.net - Small 7 room Warm Sands property undergoing significant renovation. "Cruise" factor - Medium.
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Indianola - www.indianola-tiki.com - 11 room North Palm Springs property. Polynesian themed with original furniture and artwork. "Cruise" factor - Medium.
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Inn Exile - www.innexile.com - 31 room Warm Sands property. Modern stark design appealing to hunky young Southern California types. Rates start at $80. "Cruise" Factor - High to Very High.

The grounds are very "high desert". Waterfalls, rocks, concrete formations and a few cool cacti. No shade. Incredibly simple, almost dowdy rooms with all southwest decor. The place is breathatkingly gorgeous at night. BVery cruisy with "gate-jumpers". GoodKarmaGuy
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Mirage/Vista Grande/Avalon/Atrium - www.mirage4men.com - Large 40 room, combined, Warm Sands properties. Rates start at $79. "Cruise" factor - Off the charts.

I highly recommend Vista Grande with its lush landscaping and expansive view of the surrounding mountains. Also, the tropical garden and steam room make for more adventures than an episode of Survivor! aeneastwin

I LOVED this place but found a few locals who looked down their noses at me when they found out where I was staying. I did not realize that it had that "bath house" rep. The management has changed their daily admissions policy and admit only locals during the day. No out-of-towners who are staying elsewhere. Also, noone but guests are admitted at night. The grounds and waterfalls are lush and beautiful and the rooms were kitschy, large and well appointed, though not very fancy. I stay there all the time.
GoodKarmaGuy

NOTES SPECIFICALLY ON THE ATRIUM SECTION OF THE VISTA GRANDE:

The Mirage and Vista Grande are adjoining interconnected resorts. The Atrium is across the street. All three have the same owner, but the Atrium is not as convenient because you have to cross the street to join the "action". ricepaddy2

Of all the gay resorts in the Palm Springs, this one is the best if you are looking for a combination of well-maintained digs and free-wheeling opportunities. One selling point about staying at the Atrium is that it does get awfully crowded during the day pass period in the Vista Grande section and you might prefer some peace and quiet in the Atrium (and you can always saunter over during the peak times in the steam room, which are from 3PM to 7PM) aeneastwin
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Warm Sands Villa - www.warmsandsvilla.com - 25 room Warm Sands property. Much improved and completely renovated property. "Cruise" factor - Medium.
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The Columns - www.pscolumns.com - Small 7 room Warm Sands property. Rooms in need of renovation. Decent grounds. Rates start at $79. "Cruise" factor - Medium to High.
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Desert Bear - www.thedesertbear.com - 11 room North Palm Springs property marketed to "bears" and their admirers. Basic rooms and grounds. Rates start at $65. "Cruise" factor - Medium to High.
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HOTELS FREQUENTLY BEING ACCUSED OF BATHHOUSES MASQUERADING AS HOTELS:

Camp Palm Springs - www.camp-palm-springs.com - 29 room North Palm Springs property. Mediocre rooms. Rates start at $69. "Cruise" factor - Very High.

Camp Palm Springs is one of the more active resorts in terms of wild sex. The range of guys will vary from one night to the next, but overall it has a pretty sleazy atmosphere--for better or worse. If your sexual tastes are a bit raunchier than the regular vanilla stuff this may be a place to check out. Of course I am only sharing what I have heard from others.. Seeksreal
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Canyon Boy's Club - www.canyonclub.com - Motelly 31 room North Palm Springs property. Rates start at $79. "Cruise" factor - Very High.
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Cathedral City Boy's Club (CCBC) - www.ccbc-gay-resort.com - 44 room Cathedral City property marketed as a frisky playground. "Cruise" factor - Very High.

CCBC is a bathhouse masquerading as a motel. Overall it's ok. The grounds are cruisy at all hours (including breakfast), the pool was fine; our room was only ok. This was my first trip so I have no point of reference, but I hope it gets better than this. I've already told ILP that I'd like to stay in the Warm Sands area in January. "
jockdAAdy
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RESORT THAT HAS RECENTLY CHANGED OWNERSHIP / MANAGEMENT W/O REVIEWS:
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La Dolce Vita www.ladolcevitaresort.com - 19 room South Palm Springs property. Recently acquired by new management so not sure what changes are in the works. The following comments are from when the place was called the Citadel - Front portion has been renovated but the rear part needs serious renovation. "Cruise" factor - Medium to High.
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WOMEN'S RESORTS(reviews condensed from the Out and About Guide by peteropny).

Queen of Hearts - www.queenofheartspsp.com - All women property with 12 rooms. Simple, well appointed, and cheerful rooms. "Cruise" factor - Low.
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Casitas Laquita (Women's) - www.casitaslaquita.com - 13 room property with women only clientele located in south end of Palm Springs. "Cruise" factor - Low.
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"MIXED" RESORTS(men AND women, usually str8)

HOTTEST new str8 hotel in a GREAT location: Hotel Zoso!

I thought it had the obligatory pale, overweights by the pool and the obligatory gorgeous gay-men employees, but I thought the cruise quotient was near ZERO. (Hotel has been open a month as of this writing, Jan. 15, 2006) GoodKarmaGuy

Pepper Tree Inn (look for it on Travelocity/Priceline):
My friends really liked it. They have originally booked into the Movie Colony hotel and were disappointed on arrival. They found this one from trip advisor and walking around. We took a tour around it last summer. It seems nice, neat and clean and the lady on the front desk was very nice. We thought the rooms were a bit basic and if we're going to PS, then we want to be gay (if you know what I mean). From a gay perspective, I'd choose something in the Warm Sands area myself over this one. But that's just my taste. LHRTim

The Spa Resort Casino in downtown PSP looks fun though I have never been in it. I will check it out in the future. www.sparesortcasino.com

Just gambled at the SPA Resort last week - the rooms in the hotel itself are dated. jan_az
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MILES AND POINTS RESORTS AND HOTELS

The Hilton is across the street [from the casino]. jan_az

I really liked the Hilton in Palm Springs. Average F and B, stupid resort fee, but a great location, especially if you come into town on Thursday and go to the street fair! Only 1 block away. Ask for a pool king on the first floor. They place the bed diagonally with back lighting and have big, wooden louvered french doors. Very cool and chi-chi. Walk to downtown and shops. $5 taxi from airport. The FD was more like a discount property, though. They "lost" a package sent to me. Then found it. Never told me that I had mail, etc., etc. But it sure was a gorgeous place! GoodKarmaGuy
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For mainstream hotels, I've only stayed at the Hyatt Grand Champions, very nice but kind of away from central Palm Springs.
peteropny

There is a another big beautiful Hyatt in Downtown PSP.
GoodKarmaGuy
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

GoodKarmaGuy

NOTE THAT YOU SHOULD BE BOOKING YOUR HOTEL AT THE VILLA ASAP. THE DISCOUNTS WILL LAST UNTIL THE HOTEL SELLS OUT.

There are several folks who are trying to save $$$. PM Me and I will put you in contact with each other for roomate stuff. Don't be embarrassed. Some of us are flying non-rev or on B6 to save money. I might even have to (HORRORS!) burn miles myself as a big work gig just got cancelled!

===============================

In response to questions about sending payment:

We can almost add folks at the last moment. Maybe. Please let me know in advance if I need to save a place for you.

1) If you ARE OR ARE NOT coming to the Martini Party, please let me know.

2) If you ARE OR ARE NOT coming to the cocktail hour before Saturday Supper, please let me know.

3) If you ARE OR ARE NOT coming to Saturday Supper, please let me know.

4) If you are coming to the Martini Party or Supper, please Paypal peteropny or pm him for his snail mail address and you may send him a check. Peter is our treasurer for this event. Paypal is convenient to use for a credit card. If you are not familiar with it, go to Paypal.com and sign up. It is legit. (NOTE: Taxes and gratuities for both events are included.)

5) If anyone has any special dietary needs, please PM me.

6) Several of us are non-drinkers or small drinkers. We have reflected this in the pricing structures.

7) We will take brunch attendance at the Saturday Supper.

This is a very, very, very fun event with a very, very mixed groups of funny, smart and pleasant folks with no attitude! (Ok, ok, ok... almost no attitue! )If you have any qualms or questions, please PM me and we will talk.

Joe

KenCT

Link above for Red Jeep Tours is incorrect. Nothing much to organize. Anybody interested just let me know.

Also, in restaurants, Spike's no longer exists. It is now Plums . Unless you're talking about Spike's Baja Cantina (611 South Palm Canyon Drive) 760-864-9775 "Gay-owned Mexican restaurant located two doors away from Heaven, in the Sun Center Mall."

GoodKarmaGuy

Thanks, Ken!

We do get a nice discount if enough people go on the tour. I would love to do it, finances permitting!

Also, I will reference Spike's with your info, regardless of how which Spike's it was. This is the first time that all these reviews/references were included, so there might be some more updating needed.

Nobbi

Thanks, Joe! But paypal requires a registered email address to send to. Could you please post peter's email address for paypal.

Thanks!!!

(or should I pm him for that?)

peteropny

OK - PayPal's should be sent to me at [email protected] (note that Paypal account name is NOT Peter or PM me for my "real" address - note it's the same as last year for those who might have kept track). Please note that PayPal charges 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction - so the amount that should be sent are as follows:

Fri $10 (1 Drink Max) & Sat $40 = $51.75 per person
Fri $20 (2+ Drinks) & Sat $40 = $62.04 per person
Sat $40 Only = $41.46 per person

Please have payments in (or arranged for by 3/10/06) since we will need to let the various establishments know our final number. Also, in addition to the payments, please also indicate interest in the Sun Brunch and Sat pre-dinner drinks. I will attempt to acknowledge receipt of payments as I receive them. Please note however, that I will be out of the country 2/14-26/06 with limited internet access so may not get to you during that period of time. Thanks!!

GoodKarmaGuy

Thanks, Aunt Peter!

Also, when you send payment, please send first names and gender of attendees.

Merci.

DEK

Not sure if you want us to post this info. here or PM you but I'll take a chance and post here:

I will be coming to all of the above (Martini Party, cocktail hour and Sat. supper).

I do have a question though. What is "resort wear"? Us hicks from the backwoods of Maine know not these things....

izzik

It means leave the peace signs at home.

FlyBalletGuy

OK, bought my ticket today so I'm irrevocably in!

KenCT

Same here. Paypalled yesterday.

Nobbi

Darn, you beat me to it. I PP'd today. Thought I would be first.





Jack & I will be attending all!!!!! (and make that 2 drinks!!!) [Actually why stop at 2?)

KenCT

I know name tags are really cheesy and everybody hates them, but this will be my third "Do," and I still keep confusing screen names, real names, and in some cases, drag names. For the hot ones, the outrageous ones, and the well put together - no problem, but how can we keep track of everybody else?

GoodKarmaGuy

Hmmmm... which am I? Think about your answer carefully!



Anyway, we always do name tags for the Saturday Dinner. You will get a little packet when you arrive with a name-tag and whatever I decide will be "etc.".