<p>I, my sister and our husbands would like to bring my 81 year old mom to the Palm Springs area during the Feb. school vacation week (I’m a teacher). Her brother lives in the area and they haven’t seen each other in 6 years. Since both of them are in declining health, we would like to give her a vacation and the opportunity to spend time with him and his family.</p>
<p>My mom is frail, can’t walk long distances and tires easily. Of course we plan to have a very low key trip and would like to find a nice resort/spa with a beautiful atmosphere where she can relax and be pampered a bit. Someplace with a spa and restaurants on the premises. I think it has been over thirty years since she flew on a plane and has had very few REAL vacations in her life. </p>
<p>Getting there is not easy as there are no direct flights to Palm Springs. We are trying to fly into San Diego and think it might be easier on mom to rent a car there and drive the rest of the way rather than get on another plane. Not sure.</p>
<p>This trip is about making memories for her. Our price range would be, well moderate, I guess. Four star or higher but not outrageously priced. Any info or help would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Personally, if I had five people to accommodate, I would consider renting a vacation house. There are some very fantastic properties for rent for even short stays. And there are some great day spas right in town. Just a thought.</p>
<p>I fear it wouldn’t fall in the moderate range as I’ve only stayed there for conferences and got a reduced rate, but the La Quinta Resort and Club is beautiful and sounds like it would suit your family well. There are both hotel type casitas and condo style individually owned units on the property. The latter may be available on a site like VRBO.</p>
<p>Have you thought about her staying at a resort in San Diego and seeing if the brother can meet her there? There are plenty of them in San Diego, the weather’s usually just as nice as Palm Springs that time of year, and IMO, it’s more scenic. It’d save your mom the time and hassle of getting to Palm Springs. I’m not sure it’s a great idea for your 81 y/o mom to rent a car and drive from San Diego to Palm Springs (or Ontario to PS). Do you think she’d be fine with Southern California freeways?</p>
<p>GladGradDad,
Lol. My mom has never driven a car so it would indeed be a harrowing experience for all involved if she were to rent one! I was probably too vague but we are accompanying her on the vacation and will do all of the driving. There will be at least 5 of us, maybe more.</p>
<p>I will check out La Quinta Resort. Thank you, Anxiousmom.</p>
<p>Musica, I think I looked at Hotel California but because my mom has a hard time getting around, we thought it would be nice to go somewhere that has a great atmosphere, feels festive and offers some luxuries on the premises. Thank you, though for the suggestion!</p>
<p>As far as staying in San Diego, her brother has even worse health than my mom and i don’t want him to have to travel to meet us. Both my H and I have been to San Diego and Palm Springs and we really like the desert area. Hope my mom does too!</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions! I did check out Ontario and the prices to fly there are comparable to San Diego. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from boston to either airport, unless we pay about 800 dollars and that ain’t gonna happen.</p>
<p>I have seen the Esmeralda online and I will take a closer look at it! Thank you!</p>
<p>I’ve stayed at the La Quinta before as well (work trip). I stayed around Christmas time - can’t remember if it was just before or just after. It was a nice resort with a relaxing atmosphere. The room I had was nice (a ‘casita’ I think) and not the typical big hotel style but rather, a grouping of one story rooms around a pool - they have lots of pools with clusters of casitas around them. </p>
<p>The La Quinta is the only place I’ve ever stayed in Palm Springs but I’ve only stayed there the one time but I’d certainly be willing to stay at that location again.</p>
<p>btw - on the price of La Quinta or any other resort, beware the ‘resort fee’. This sometimes isn’t obvious when you’re booking a place but it can add quite a bit to the overall cost.</p>
<p>Thanks, GladGradDad,
Yes, we became acquainted with that resort fee when we were booking a trip last year to Scottsdale, Arizona. We will probably book through AAA. They managed to find us a deal that eliminated the resort fee.</p>
<p>The La Quinta? Is that the Renaissance LA Quinta?</p>
<p>Marriott Desert Springs, which was mentioned above, is a good choice with all its restaurants and spa on the premises. It is a neat place. I haven’t stayed there but I have been there and also eaten at the Japanese restaurant (Mikado) on the property. It is located in Palm Desert. </p>
<p>I have been to Palm Desert countless times as my parents’ winter home is there, though they have now passed away. I am going again in a few weeks. This resort mentioned above is very close to their home. I will give you the link:</p>