Photo: Splash House in Palm Springs.
Let’s face facts: it’s hot in Palm Springs every summer. So hot, it’s officially the off season in the desert. But what’s the difference between 100 degrees in June, and 120 degrees in August, really? The mercury rises, but it’s a dry heat, and you won’t even notice, thanks to the good times you’ll be having in the pool.
Speaking of pools, some of the best hotel pools in Palm Springs are less crowded this late into the summer, and plenty of events are still taking place in the area, despite the sweltering heat. Here’s a roundup of the best deals and events in Palm Springs this month.
Splash House
This music festival takes place twice in Palm Springs every summer: once in June, and again in August. If you missed the June party, fear not, because the August line-up is equally as stellar, featuring buzzing names from the electronic music world such as Big Gigantic, Katytranda, and Bob Moses. Splash House takes place at three different hotels (The Saguaro, The Renaissance and the Rivera), and all are linked via shuttle buses for those who buy passes to the festival. Expect daytime drinking and poolside revelry, Vegas-style, but much less aggressive, music-wise: Splash House organizers pride themselves on not booking the kind of ‘EDM’ that Sin City thrives on, but more chilled-out and ‘tropical’ producers/DJs that know how to build a poolside vibe. There is also a nighttime element of the festival, which takes place near the airport and features more big name DJ talent. All ticket and hotel details can be found at Splash House’s website, and you don’t need to stay at one of the host hotels to get in on the fun.
More information at http://www.splashhouse.com.
La Serena Villas – The New Hotel In Town
La Serena Villas, Palm Springs.
Earlier this year, owners Lars and Kelly Viklund opened this charming 18-room property. Originally built in 1933, this hidden gem just off of Palm Springs’ main shopping strip offers travelers the perfect chill-out spot to get away from it all, yet still just steps from the action. This month, the opulent yet understated hotel, which features separate individual villas that feel like tiny Spanish-style homes, is celebrating the launch of restaurant Azucar, which overlooks the perfect pool and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The landscaping inside the property is really something to see, and you’ll feel at ease instantly as your chakras naturally align the moment you set foot inside the serene Spanish scene. Be sure to grab the great summer rates at this hotel before prices rise in winter!
More information at http://laserenavillas.com.
Comic-Con Palm Springs
OK, so it’s not quite Comic Con in San Diego, but there is still quite a bit happening at this event in late August in Palm Springs. For starters, they’ve got the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter, in concert, singing, friends. Marvel Comics founder Stan Lee is also one of the big names on the bill here the last weekend in August (Comic Con goes down Aug 25th-27th at the Palm Springs Convention Center). Tickets are as low as $60 for all three days if you buy in advance, or $70 for walk up fans.
More info can be found at www.comicconpalmsprings.com.
Skylark Hotel – Steal This Deal
Groupon has a decent deal at the moment for the recently remodeled Skylark Hotel, which is around $50 a night, even on weekends, depending on availability in August. New owners took over the Skylark in October, and have been steadily winning over new fans of the boutique hotel with a colorful 1950s feel.
More information at http://skylarkps.com.
