ACCOMMODATIONS

The Spa Resort & Casino finally joined the race of
progress. Ditching their tent constructed casino they
build a new one intended to keep dreamers around
day as well as the night. They got a head start with a
location that tops the others, one street over from
the main drag in the heart of Palm Springs. We highly
anticipated a stay here.

Pulling into the circular driveway of their fancy new
casino we were antsy to pawn our cares to the valet.
Reality tightened it's grip when we were redirected to
their hotel which was unexpectedly across the street
on the next block. Dejected we headed over feeling
already more like an outcast than a guest. The valet
who conducted business in a parking lot at the front of
the hotel had barely enough room for a half dozen
cars had cars which were piling up on a Wednesday
night. This was becoming more work than we cared
for.

The hotel itself was a cheap remodel job of a worn out
building from 1963. When we'd finally accessed our
room we assessed our surroundings, I found
complaint with the bad curtains while we both noticed
the lack of privacy from thin walls. The pool was the
highlight and made us forget our disappointments for
a while with cocktails and food delivered while we
basked in the sun. Additionally there is a fitness
center and full spa offering body treatments,
massage, hair cuts and manicures.

Unfortunately the walk from the hotel to the casino
was enough to make guests whither amidst the suns
lingering rays or reconsider the thought of heels. The
old casino had been in such dire straights that the
money spent on improving it shined. Guests at the
casino can play their favorite games or enjoy a drink
and scheduled entertainment in the Cascade Lounge
with restaurants listed below:

The Steakhouse

The Noodles Bar

Agua Bar & Grill

Oasis Buffet

The Corner Deli

I guess you win some and you lose some. Their
location makes the Spa Resort & Casino the place to
play, just not to stay.

Check-in is 4:00 p.m./Check-out is 11:00 a.m.

Our weekday July rate for room #539 was $89

Located at 401 E. Amado Road in Palm Springs

Telephone (760) 883-1000

Orange County is rolling in money. The earth
here is painted with an endless maze of concrete
with scurried movement conducting business as
usual. While most find refuge on the outskirts
near sandy beaches and towering pines, others
find solace in the midst of it all at the Westin
South Coast Hotel.

This place is making all the right choices. First
and most importantly is a good night sleep. One
can hardly sleep this good at home and
Heavenly Bedding is a big splurge here and
every room has been blessed with it. Room
service is from the kitchen of their award-
winning Pinot Provence. I never dreamed yogurt
with fresh berries could be so good!

Pool side sunbathers can order up cocktails and
a wonderful antipasto platter while those
pumping iron can gaze with envy through the
glass of their gym which is only steps away.
When the sun has set the Lobby Lounge with it's
waterfall terrace is just the place to enjoy
cocktails and appetizers before a stroll across
the "Unity" pedestrian bridge for a bit of
shopping at the South Coast Plaza Mall. The
Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Orange
County Performing Arts Center and South Coast
Repertory are also just minutes away on foot.

Admittedly I didn't expect this much. Our room
#925 on a Friday & Saturday in September was
$159 a night. The place was without complaint.
It was clean, comfortable and left us wanting for
nothing. It's hard to find a place this nice with so
much at hand for such an affordable price.

Located at 686 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa.

Telephone (714) 540-2500

Website: www.starwoodhotels.com