Is anyone familiar with the Palm Desert, CA area?

[Jeafl]

We are trying to exchange our timeshare points, and one of the places available for next year is the Marriott Desert Springs Villas in Palm Desert.

I was just wondering if it was fairly centrally located, if you wanted to do Disneyland and other southern California attractions. My kids have never been to California and would like to see as much as possible. It is really difficult to pinpoint the best area in which to stay.

I would also like to know if anyone has stayed at this particular Marriott, and what you thought of it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[CookieGVB]

Nowhere near Disneyland - about 100 miles away.

 

[dwwlmw]

My parents have a house in Palm Desert, it's a great place for a vacation but if you are going for the sole purpose of doing Disneyland and other So Cal attractions I wouldn't stay there. It is about a 2 hour drive to Disneyland (give or take depending on traffic). We usually get a hotel at Disneyland for a few days while we are down there.

 

[Disney-Kim]

I can't help on staying there but I grew up in Palm Springs...which is next to Palm Desert.

For Disneyland and LA area it is a 2 - 2.5 hr drive to Dland depending on traffic and a little more to the beach areas...add 1 hr for Bev Hills area depending on traffic. San Diego is about the same...2 hrs away.

Personally...I would NOT want to stay there for a home base to do So Cal. Palm Springs/Desert is a SMALL town and not a whole lot to do...except golf and swim. I personally find it a bit on the boring side. although...there are casinos

It is a LONG drive to LA attractions and back. You are fighting tons of traffic to do everything in LA.

It is a very deserty looking area but there is lots of green...gold courses etc. I think its pretty but then I live in Phx and LOVE it

If you do stay there....eat at Las Casuelas Mexican restaurant on Hwy 111....that will be closest to your hotel. I grew up eating here and its great !!

See if you can get ANYTHING in the LA area if that is the main focus of your trip or even San Diego area.

 

[Disney-Kim]

In case you decide to stay anyway and want some day drive ideas for scenic things....

1. Take the Palm Springs Aerial tram up to the top of the mountain...really cool !

2. Drive to Hemet - windy scary road but pretty area up by Lake Arrowhead

3. Drive to Joshua Tree Nat Monument - fantastic national park for hiking and climbing on rocks

4. Not sure if you can still hike the canyons in Palm Springs...they were closed to the public last time I heard...but always a fantastic place to go as kids

5. Drive to Big Bear Lake (2 hrs) for playing in the snow and skiing (depending on time of year)

just some thoughts if those are your interests

 

[Jeafl]

Thanks everyone, I'm glad I asked! It looks like it is going to be too far to use as a "home base".

Sadly, it doesn't look like there are any timeshare places remotely close to DL. Most are in the San Diego area, Carmel/Monterey, Newport, Carlsbad, Ventura and the San Francisco area. Ugh.

 

[minniecarousel]

You could stay in San Diego - see the sites there, then add a couple of nights at a motel on Harbor Blvd, across the street from Disneyland. (SD has Sea World, the Zoo, LegoLand, the beach)

If you're considering the Monterey/Carmel area, I could tell you about the area.

(Palm Desert sounds very HOT during the summer!)

(ETA: newport Beach is in Orange County, not far from Disneyland. Look into that one!)

 

[Disney-Kim]

Thanks everyone, I'm glad I asked! It looks like it is going to be too far to use as a "home base".

Sadly, it doesn't look like there are any timeshare places remotely close to DL. Most are in the San Diego area, Carmel/Monterey, Newport, Carlsbad, Ventura and the San Francisco area. Ugh.

NEWPORT....grab it

Newport Beach would be IDEAL for an LA/So Cal vacation base. Its only about 25 mins from Disneyland. Its very central and its the BEACH. In Summer the weather would be awesome...not hot.

you could do the beaches, Disneyland, Knotts, Magic Mtn, Beverly HIlls, San Diego is 2 hrs away.

Very central !!! San Diego has a LOT to do as well.