Spend a romantic weekend in sultry Palm Springs

Description:

Once the choice of Hollywood celebrities, this outstanding historic hotel, formerly the Estrella, is quiet and secluded yet close to the action. It's composed of three distinct properties from three different eras, which benefited from a chic transformation in 2002 -- sort of a Grecian-meets-modern Regency style popular during Palm Springs's golden era. Guest rooms vary in terms of size and amenities -- some have fireplaces and/or full kitchens, others have wet bars or private balconies. The color scheme is black-and-white with lemon-yellow accents. The real deals are the studio bungalows, even though they have tiny 1930s bathrooms. Lavish landscaping is an elegant finishing touch. The restaurant, Citron, serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch (entrees $24-$34; three-course brunch $35) and has a full bar. There is also pool food service.

Our Local Expert Says:

This street can get very busy and very crowded during the middle of the day. There are lots of great shops and restaurants; if you come early you can find street parking and you will have a days worth of shopping ahead of you. If you visit later in the day it is easier to find parking off the main street just a short walk away.

Description:

This mile-long avenue in Palm Desert is often called "The Rodeo Drive of the Desert," comparing it to the renowned upscale shopping district of Beverly Hills. Art galleries, fine furnishings, couture clothing and restaurants make this tree-shaded avenue ideal for strolling and browsing. There are some bargains to be found, especially in the upscale chain stores at The Gardens on El Paseo, but most of the clientele here do not need to check the price tags. However, everyone can enjoy the free contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibits presented on the landscaped meridian.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the Hollywood stars on the walk may be names of those you may have already known were Palm Springs regulars, but some may surprise you, and others may be names you've never heard of that make you wonder why they are famous.

Description:

Hollywood had it first, but Palm Springs happily pays homage to the original Walk of Stars. Of course, Palm Springs does put its own spin on things. In addition to actors, actresses, directors and other film-related personalities, the city has immortalized a few Palm Springs pioneers, frontier doctors and other inhabitants from the early days. The big, Hollywood-style brass and mosaic stars run for blocks along both sides of Palm Canyon Drive. Local historical stars are congregated in front of the Village Green museums, while major stars such as Sinatra and Bob Hope are in front of the Desert Fashion Plaza.

Description:

A little bit of traditional and a little bit of the avant-garde, with something for everyone. We welcome you to this intimate state-of-the-art 433-seat theater located in downtown Palm Springs. Our nearly perfect acoustics are often applauded by the artists who grace our stage and our audiences enthusiastically return year after year to experience the entertainment only provided by live professional theater.

Description:

Just outside of the Palm Canyon district, this classic restaurant earned Zagat Guide's "Best Restaurant in the Valley" designation. Most guests prefer to dine on the flower-filled, tree-shaded patio, which is heated or cooled to suit the season. While the food is billed as "Mediterranean French California Cuisine," the French influence prevails. The menu features Paté de Foie Gras, Fish baked with Dijon Mustard Mousseline, and Grilled Veal. Most entrees are in the USD28-38 range. Special requests can be accommodated with one day's notice.

Description:

This restaurant at the Ingleside Inn is renowned as a romantic, traditional restaurant with a seductive lounge. Acclaimed as "One of the Ten Best" by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, it is guaranteed to be memorable. Virtually all of the appetizers could have been found on New York menus of the 1920s: shrimp cocktails, Oysters Rockefeller and Beluga Malassol caviar quoted daily at market price. The French Chicken Breast is a favorite specialty.

Description:

In keeping with its name, this restaurant, the pride of the Viceroy Palm Springs, sports sunny yellow interiors and contrasting white furniture, while retaining its Hollywood-style glamour. With dining options indoors and by the pool, it is frequented not only by the hotel's guests but also by tourists and locals looking for a fine dining experience. Modern Californian cuisine with a French twist is what you will be served here. A typical meal would consist of a sugary glass of Le Citron Bleu and a plate of tapas or spicy tacos. Try the highly recommended Maple Leaf Farm duck breast in foie gras. Dessert would involve a delectable Citron tart or a scrumptious Valrhona Chocolate Souffle. A traditional American breakfast and brunch is also available, and though the service is slow, it is well worth the wait, so dig in!

Description:

Once the choice of Hollywood celebrities, this outstanding historic hotel, formerly the Estrella, is quiet and secluded yet close to the action. It's composed of three distinct properties from three different eras, which benefited from a chic transformation in 2002 -- sort of a Grecian-meets-modern Regency style popular during Palm Springs's golden era. Guest rooms vary in terms of size and amenities -- some have fireplaces and/or full kitchens, others have wet bars or private balconies. The color scheme is black-and-white with lemon-yellow accents. The real deals are the studio bungalows, even though they have tiny 1930s bathrooms. Lavish landscaping is an elegant finishing touch. The restaurant, Citron, serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch (entrees $24-$34; three-course brunch $35) and has a full bar. There is also pool food service.