Another great week in Palm Springs

The highlight of this vacation was my husband's 3.5 Senior men's USTA tennis team competing in the National Championship. No they did not win but came close! And the team had a great time in Palm Springs

There is so much to see and do in Palm Springs. Some of the top activities are the following:
The tram: This is a must do activity. I found the tram to be more spectacular than other "gondola" rides I have taken. This tram is much larger and very unique. While going up the mountain you see great views of the desert and the mountain. And the narration tells you about the history. I personally have taken the tram many times and over the years, the tram has been updated. It is hard to imagine that while it may be too hot at the base of the tram, it could be too cold by the time you get to the top!
Indian Canyons: You could spend days hiking and enjoying the beauty of the area. There are actually many canyons in the one area so you can return time and time again and do different hikes.
The Windmills: I have never seen so many in such a small area. They are very impressive just to look at even if you don't take the official tour.
Living Desert: This is not a typical zoo since you get to see many different animals in their natural habitat. Again there is a focus on interesting history and other information as you wander around the huge complexe.
Other places such as Palm Springs Museum, the casino, golfing, shopping, and of course restuarants!

This is about the tenth time I have taken a vacation in Palm Springs, but this vacation was extra special because of the tennis tournament.

There are many web sites for information. See For Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism web site

Quick Tips:

Do some research before going to Palm Springs. There is just too much to do and too many great restaurants that you may miss if you don't plan ahead. The Friday edition of the local paper has restaurant reviews that provides more information than in the tourist brochures. I know I am an extreme planner but I actually write down each day and split the day into three parts. Then I list what I plan to do.

To save money on dining, I suggest you purchase Palm Spring's own Dining Card which costs about . I personally saved for the week! You can purchase the book at many locations but I received extra special attention - I called ahead and the office manager (who lived close to the Cimarron Resort) dropped off the book for me.

Best Way To Get Around:

I think you need a car unless you stay at a downtown location and only plan to shop and eat.

Best Things Nearby:
Golf on-site

Best Things About the Resort:
New resort so furniture, appliances, etc. are also new;

Not crowded;

Computer access facilities.

Resort Experience:
The cimarron resort was a very "pristine-like" resort alongside the golf club. I believe more amenities will be added but for now the pool was the major amenity!

There was so much to like about the resort and little not to like. What I didn''t like was that there was no tennis on-site (and we had to find by ourselves a public court); they expected you to pay for courts at a nearby resort. Also there were no exercise facilities. Rather than pay for a poor excuse of an exercise room at a nearby resort, I paid a reasonable weekly fee for a Gold''s gym membership.

Now for the good. First the pool (and pool area) was never crowded and I was able to swim to my heart''s content. And the hot tub was great. There were always nice conversations going - very friendly.

A second nice plus is that there was a computer, so I was able to access the internet (and my email) every day. This came in handy as I checked out restaurant reviews and kept in touch with teammates who were arriving later in the week for the tennis championship.

A third perk was a laudry room (no charge for machines) was always accessible, so instead of my husband needing to bring about 18 shirts for tennis, I was able to pack lighter!

Finally the condo rooms were large, airy, and nicely decorated. Since I am used to my own space, I have trouble with small condos. I had no problem at this resort. The very large bathroom had two doors so it was accessible via the bedroom and via the hallway (so if you have extra people you don''t walk through sleeping area). The bathroom vanity area had a large counter so I could lay out all the cosmetics, etc. In addition to a large living room, dining room, and kitchen, the unit had a balcony with a table and several chairs that was sunny and enjoyable for eating outside.

I had plenty of towels, plenty of kitchen stuff (I eat breakfasts and lunches in; never use for dinners though), TV reception was good, there was a book exchange, the on-site restaurant was great, etc.

One final item about this timeshare: for each unit, you had a two car garage! In twenty years of exchanges, I have never traded at a place with a separate garage per unit.

Pictures to follow.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Poor
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Excellent

Best Things Nearby:
Restaurants; Activities

Best Things About the Resort:
Tennis club where the pro will match you up for a game every day; Location is great; Computer access.

Resort Experience:
Palm Springs Tennis Club is one of my favorite timeshares and I believe I have exchanged into this resort at least five times (mostly via RCI). I would buy except you don''''t get a set week.

The primary reason I return each year is that there are over 10 tennis courts and if you get to the office by 7:45am, you can sign up for a court where they will match you up with comparable opponents. We didn''''t get there that early and they were still able to get us matches for each of the three times we requested them!

I also like the adults-only pool area. The pool was not crowded and the setting is beautiful. The lounge chairs all have thick pads so they are very comfortable. The other pool area (for adults and kids) is larger and also nice. The vegetation around the pool was indicative of the extra touches that make this resort a plus.

The rooms have everything you need and everyday there is some sort of service (towel exchange and make-up the beds) and halfway through is a thorough cleaning. One evening, after dinner, most of the tennis team came over for a drink and the living room/dining room comfortably held 8 adults.

Our room had a small balcony that overlooked one tennis court. You also got a great view of the mountain, which appears to come right to the door of your unit.

The resort has a very welcoming check-in area which is open 24-hours a day. The staff were always courteous and helpful. From the desk you can get a key to the fitness center which has a treadmill, eliptical machine, recumbent bike, free weights, and a few exercise machines.

The resort has many activities for the guests. It is cute that each night, a flyer is put on your door that lists all of the activities for the next day.

The location is great so we were able to walk to restaurants most evenings.

The only negative I would say about the resort is that it is aging and the rooms need an overhaul. The furniture was OK, but much older than our other condo. The heating/air conditioning system needs work. photos to follow

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

This restaurant was on-site to the Cimarron Resort timeshare which was a definite plus since we were exhausted from our trip and just wanted to get some good food - quickly.

The restaurant was very quiet even though we ate around 1:30 PM Saturday afternoon. But that was ok with me since I wanted to relax a bit. The waitress was very friendly and did not try to rush us. The entire restaurant was very open and nicely decorated. Perfect decor for the golf club house/cafe/restaurant combo.

I am not sure exactly what was on the menu since I was sold on the special - lobster quiche. My lunch was delicious! There was plenty of lobster (probably the fake type but it was good). In addition the quiche was cooked just right - not underdone or overdone. In fact based on my meal that afternoon, we returned to eat at the same restaurant on Sunday evening (but it was closed that night!)

After eating lunch, we walked around the grounds (the restaurant had a deck that overlooked the golf course and also led you to the condos). The resort is very new and except for the fact that there are few trees, the grounds are beautifully landscaped.

Our lunch for two was $19. That price included the 20% discount from the dining club (rather than the 15% discount from the resort). The price also included a few beers, tax, and tip. This was our first visit to this restaurant but would return if we stay in the area again.

You don''t go to the Beer Hunter Restaurant if you want a quiet place to eat a five star dinner. But this place has many plusses. It is a great sports bar atmosphere with many TV''s and lots of munchie type of foods to choose from. The menu also includes an extensive list of beers to choose from.

Another big plus for us was the fact that the restaurant was very close to our timeshare since I didn''t want to drive too far after spending the entire day flying to California.

I ordered the Beer Hunter special which consisted of four foods. The calamari was excellent! The fried mushrooms and potato skins were quite good. Unfortunately the wings did not measure up. There was plenty of food so I brought some back to the condo for future snacks.

I want to also mention the waitress. Not only was she friendly and attentive during the meal, she gave us directions (very patiently) to a local tennis court for us to play tennis for free. She even drew us a map so we could find the place easily. This was incredible since she had lots of customers and she still took the time to help us out.

Our bill included a $5.00 discount. The total for two "light" dinners (tax and tip included) was $27. That included several pints of beer. After all you can''t go to the Beer Hunter without sampling some of the beers!

This Indian Restaurant may not be as "great" as the Indian Restaurant I frequent at home, but the food is good and I return every time we are in Palm Springs. In fact, I cannot figure out why there aren''t more people at the restaurant. I don''t think you need a reservation but I always call in advance just in case.

As soon as we arrived, the excellent service started. The host immediately met us at the door and seated us at the best table that was open at that time.(I hate it when a host starts to seat you at a poor location when better locations are available). After being seated, the wine steward arrived (but we usually don''t order wine) and then the waiter came over and took our drink order. When he returned with our drinks, he was ready to take our dinner order. During our time at the restaurant, water glasses are promptly filled and Indian appetizers are placed on the table. The feeling is that the waiters are available without being intrusive!

I ordered one of the lamb entrees. I liked the fact that the waiter convinced me (nicely) to order rice with the meal. He used words to the effect that I would be happier that I had the lamb over rice. He was absolutely correct! This lamb entree was different from what I am used to (Lamb Palek) but very delicious all the same. My husband who could not find his favorite stand-by (chicken korma) ordered the mixed grill. He also was happy with his selection.

Each year I return to this restaurant for the great food. I just wish the atmosphere were a little better. I feel like I am eating in a cafeteria.

Our entertainment card provided us with a $12 discount. With the discount our bill for two was $34. That included one Indian beer, tax, and tip.

I selected this restaurant since the American Way listed this restaurant as one of the top ten steakhouses in North America. I figured we should visit even though I do not like steaks. What a nice surprise to find the steaks at this restaurant are so fantastic that even I would return. I did not order the most expensive nor the largest size and I still would rave about my dinner - the steak is cooked so it practically "melts in your mouth".

The menu is a la carte and we ordered the ceasar salad (for two), which is quite expensive (about $20) but worth it. First the salad is made at your table and as you watch the waiter prepare it, he entertains you with information about the salad. I also believe the recipe is included on your menu so it is almost a read along experience as he prepares it. Finally, the salad was delicious.

We also ordered the mashed potatoes with garlic side dish, which was very good. I was of course tempted with selecting the rich chocolate dessert (but I forgot the exact name).

We would normally order a bottle of wine with dinner but since we had wine back at the resort and didn't want to spend too much money, we ordered some beer (one negative was there were no draft beer available).

I would definitely recommend reservations. Even though we were able to make our reservations only a few days ahead, we were lucky that the restaurant was not so busy that evening.

The restaurant has several sections of dining that each have a different atmosphere from more romantic to family. Wherever you sit, the dining experience is pleasant. And check out the door - it was the largest door I have ever seen.

After eating, we walked back to our timeshare, which was the beginning of walking off some of the calories.

This restaurant had no discounts and I would still return the next time I go to Palm Springs. There are also two other locations nearby but we did not visit - yet.

Our bill for two (including special salad, deserts, beers, tax and tip) was $121.

This restaurant was on our "let's return" column and it will remain in the same column for the future. I liked the restaurant as well this time as the last time about four years ago.

Since we invited friends to dine with us, I was a little nervous that the restaurant would not be as good as I remembered. Not to worry though - all four of us would recommend returning again. I would use the word excellent when talking about the quality of food, the service, and decor.

First the decor and atmosphere: even though the restaurant was not crowded we were seated at a nice location (I hate restaurants that make you refuse their first selection!).

After sitting down, and since I knew immediately that my menu selection would be rack of lamb, I had time to look around at the items on the walls. It wasn't what I would call a "fern bar", but the vegetation was present and artfully placed around the rooms. And for some, you might even consider it romantic.

The service was prompt and courteous at all times. We were told the specials in adequate detail (I believe the others were persuaded by the specials, but not me because I LOVE rack of lamb). In addition to selecting the main course, we had to choose the type of salad, type of potatoes, and type of bread.

For the salad I chose the salad with the shrimp, and it was absolutely delicious. I originally ordered garlic bread but luckily the waiter let me change my selection to the sweet bread. Good choice as one of my friends said - you can have garlic bread at home but the sweet bread was different and very good.

The rack of lamb was well done (maybe just a little too well but that was probably my fault since I said no pink), tasted delicious, and was presented well on the plate (just like the culinary magazines).

When it came time for the waiter to tell us about the desserts, I listened a little more carefully and I was persuaded in my selection - and I have to give the waiter credit for helping me pick the most chocolate of the chocolate!

Our bill for two which included salad, dinner, wine, desert, tax, and tip was $67, but we had a discount of about $15 so you should figure about $80.

This restaurant was on my "let''s return" list, but this time our experience was not as good as experiences in the past.

Since there were so few customers, the management had decided to close off many locations. That might have been a good business decision for him but we were planning to eat in the outside dining area! In addition, even though we had reservations, we were led to a very undesirable location which was the first table from the kitchen and next to the coffee station. We voiced our displeasure but to no avail. So to be honest, my bias against this restaurant started immediately!

I do not think the waiter was attentive and the food was only ok. I had a seafood pasta dish and I would only rate it so-so. In fact the entrees were only a few dollars cheaper than the prior evening and the food didn''t even begin to compare to the prior evening''s meal. I was uncomfortable that our friends dined with us based on our past visits at this restaurant!

With the $30 savings from our discount card, the total bill for four (including no appetizer but including dessert, glass of wine and several beers, tax, and tip) was $110.

This "outing" was different from most of our other dinners during the week. First of all, all twelve members of the men''s team plus three significant others wanted to get together and have dinner at an Italian restaurant. This restaurant fit the bill because they could accommodate the entire group! In addition the food was good and the restaurant was casual. The bunch of guys were comfortable eating there and the women were happy it was a restaurant and not a dive! The waitresses and waiters were prompt and courteous and helpful explaining some of the dishes.

I ordered lasagna, my usual selection at an Italian restaurant, and I was not disappointed. There was plenty of sauce and the chef was not skimpy on meat or cheese either. We took our time eating and telling stories and at no time did the waiters rush us.

After eating, we looked at the "activities" in one of the other dining rooms. You should eat at this restaurant just to observe this room (it was Friday night)! There was a man playing the piano surrounded by a U-table of diners and the diners were clapping (and cheering) one of their group members doing Karaoke. There may have been an accordion player also. They were having a great time, and we especially liked the fact that even though all of our guys were seniors, this group was OLDER. I am not sure this happens all of the time, but considering the table configuration, it probably does.

Someone else in the group selected this restaurant, but I am glad I went. Our bill for two (including salad, beers, tax, and tip) was $52.

The first comment my husband made was that there wasn't a single tree on the entire course.

Besides that fact, he enjoyed the course. I was surprised that he played three times on the course but the money was right, it was convenient, and the course was nice.

This was the long course (the short course was closed since they were reseeding) and there were plenty of sand traps. Unusual features were that the greens were bermuda and were slower than expected. Also the sand traps were finely crushed marble. If you hit off the fairways, you ball landed in desert which made the ball unplayable.

We called ahead to ensure that we would be able to get a tee-off time. However, just prior to playing for the third time, my husband had no problem altering his tee-off time.

The price included hitting a bucket of balls and the cart.

The started added my husband to another group so he didn't play alone.

One caution--for all courses in the area--the greens are reseeded in October so many courses are closed. You need to check ahead if you plan to golf in October.

While in Palm Springs this time, we played tennis at five separate locations:
1. A local court one mile from the Cimarron Resort at the local park. We needed to find a practice court that teams coming in for the tournament wouldn't know about. Also we wanted to play without paying. This was a cement court and not the nicest court but it fit our purposes.
2.Tennis at Desert Princess in Cathedral City - You can reserve courts but there is a charge ($15 hour for Cimarron guests). My husband's tennis team practiced there once and played two of their matches there. The courts are in great condition.
3.Tennis at the Riviera in Palm Springs - My husband's tennis team practiced there once and played two of their matches there. The courts are in great condition. I do not know the price for rental since the courts were reserved for the tennis championship for the five days.
4.Tennis at the Palm Springs Tennis Club - The 10 plus courts are not open to the public. Either you are a member of the Club or staying at the timeshare. What is great is that members want to play matches, so the pro arranges matches between members and timeshare guests. We were always able to find matches when requested. We even played the morning when we were leaving! The courts are in good condition (though there was construction going on with the adjoining restaurant and store which was a little bit of a problem) and all of the tennis staff are extremely friendly. I especially make a point to say hi to Pam at the desk!
5.Tennis at Desert Springs in Palm Desert - This resort has lots and lots of tennis courts, all in excellent condition. I went there for a private lesson, though Peter Burwash International runs two or more clinics a day. I have taken each of the clinics in past visits (some more than once) so I now take private lessons. The teacher is wonderful and I always learn something. The clinics are reasonable (I think about $25 each person); the private lesson for one FULL hour is $70.