King Elvis in Palm Springs

Did you know that the King of Rock and Roll had strong ties to Palm Springs, California? In May of 1967, Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married in Las Vegas, but honeymooned in a spectacular mid-century modern home here in Palm Springs, located at 1350 Ladera Circle in our Vista Las Palmas neighborhood. Exactly nine months later little Lisa Marie was born.

Elvis never owned the home, but leased it from 1967-1970, spending several months a year at this get-away with Priscilla and his new daughter. Palm Springs visitors can drive by and see the well maintained exterior, or arrange for an Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway private tour of the interior as well as the backyard pool area.

For a look at this historic pop-culture treasure, and to get a better sense of that history, see Behind Closed Doors: A glimpse into a Palm Springs mid-century modern home fit for a king – and his bride, from the Summer, 2011 issue of Broughton Quarterly.

Although the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway may be the most well known Presley residence in Palm Springs, more noteworthy perhaps is what is now known as the Presley Estate. In 1970, Elvis purchased a home located at 845 W. Chino Canyon. At the time of his death in 1977, Elvis owned only two homes, this property and Graceland in Memphis.

From 1970 until he and Priscilla divorced in 1973, they spent about 3 months each year at this home. Elvis even turned the living room into a makeshift recording studio, and it’s rumored that in 1973, songs including "Are You Sincere", "Blue Spanish Eyes", "I Miss You", and "Sweet Angeline" were recorded here.

After his divorce from Priscilla, Elvis turned the home into a ”bachelor pad,” fitted out more for entertaining than family life, and spent many weekends with guests in the evening by the swimming pool. Like more recent Palm Springs residents, he commuted between Las Vegas and Palm Springs by airplane. For more information, check out the Presley Estate.

No matter what your age, if songs like “Hound Dog,” and “Suspicious Minds” let you know that Elvis really was the King of Rock and Roll, then you might be interested in exploring the Elvis legacy when you next visit Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Attracts a Wide Variety of Visitors

I’m always amazed at the incredible diversity of Palm Springs visitors – you are straight and you are gay – retired couples, 30 something singles, and families with their kids or relatives. And you come from all over the US and Canada, as well as Europe, Central and South America as well as Asia and India, to enjoy our great sunny weather, our unique natural environment, and combination of cosmopolitan yet laid back small town feel.

One of the things I like to do is search websites and blogs for visitor reactions to Palm Springs, including the writer’s personal recommendations. Learning what others like helps me to make appropriate suggestions for my own guests and clients.

So here are a few links to posts I recently ran across. I thought you might enjoy some outsider viewpoints.

From My Daily, a blog targeted primarily to residents of the UK, it highlights a couple of my favorite boutique resorts, showing the variety of our accommodations here in Palm Springs.

In the Real Travel Adventures Magazine, Nancy and Dean Hoch (from their pictures I would guess perhaps a couple enjoying their retirement) share their impressions of our Desert Playground – Then and Now, based on a recent visit.

And finally, from TravellingMom.com, a military mom travelling alone with her 4 year old, talks about her experience in Palm Springs.

It’s one thing to get recommendations from someone who lives in Palm Springs and loves it, but another thing to read what our wonderful visitors have to say.

Naked in Palm Springs

On any day in Palm Springs, it would be hard to guess how many people are out in their back yards or sitting around a sparkling swimming pool au natural. Call it nudist, naturist, or just clothing optional, Palm Springs is the perfect place to work on that all-over tan.

My guests and clients often remark on the fact that almost every private home and most boutique resorts are surrounded by tall “privacy walls.” This, and our cityscape characterized by low-rise properties, provides an ideal environment in which to enjoy being naked. Palm Springs is one of the most popular nudist destinations in the world, with over 30 resorts that allow nudity on their grounds.

The American Association for Nude Recreation notes that naturist/nudist travel is now a $440 million industry, up from $200 million in 1992, so if you haven’t stayed at a nudist or clothing optional resort before, it might be time to find out just what it’s all about.

The best-known nudist resort in Palm Springs is, undoubtedly, the six-acre Desert Sun Resort, probably because of its famous “naked bridge” that crosses above Indian Canyon Drive, one of our main downtown streets. This bridge allows guests to walk from one part of the complex to the other without having to put on clothes. The upscale and family-friendly resort has it all; tennis courts, three swimming pools, two hot tubs, a full service restaurant, spa, and offers both villas and condo accommodations (some condos are even available for purchase).

Another favorite nudist resort is the 17-room Terra Cotta Inn which has a heavy repeat visitor clientele due to its friendly atmosphere, outdoor pool, huge Jacuzzi with mountain views, complimentary daily poolside breakfasts, romantic fire pit, and spa services.

Palm Springs also has one of the largest concentrations of gay and lesbian resorts in the world, with nearly all of these being clothing optional.

However, if you’re not quite ready to share your nakedness with strangers, but still want that all over tan, or just to explore what it’s like to wander naked outdoors any time you want, consider renting one of our many Palm Springs vacation rental homes. Vacation Palm Springs offers a variety of private homes you can rent by the day, week, or longer. Many of these have secluded walled yards and pool areas where your privacy is guaranteed.

Planning a Palm Springs Weekend Getaway

Palm Springs is a great destination for Californians looking for a weekend of rest and relaxation in almost guaranteed sunshine, a change of pace from hectic work or family schedules and a short distraction from everyday stress – in short, a hassle-free break from everyday routine and responsibilities.

Palm Springs is an easy (or at least as easy as it gets in SoCal) 2-3 hour drive from most of southern California and only about a 1½ hour flight from either San Francisco or Sacramento on American or Alaska airlines.

As a Palm Springs Vacation Visitor Concierge I have helped plan stress free weekend “break-ations” not only for first time visitors to this desert paradise, but also for those who escape to Palm Springs on a regular basis. Based on my experience here are some hints and tips for making your getaway most enjoyable.  

Consider what will make your Palm Springs weekend “special.” For example, do you want:

o      To simply sit by the pool soaking up the sun and maybe catching up on some reading

o      To explore a Palm Springs you’ve never known before

o      A singular romantic adventure or perhaps more inclusive family/friends fun

o      Solitude, or a chance meet and socialize with others you may encounter

What do you want?

Think about “vacation time” as a valuable resource. Take into account the total time involved with your getaway weekend:

Time planning your weekend getaway – To avoid disappointment keep in mind:

o      Choose your hotel/resort carefully – There are over 120 different accommodations in Palm Springs, ranging from large hotels to very small boutique resorts. Each is distinct in terms of size, clientele, price, ambiance, amenities and overall style. How much time will you be spending lounging around the pool at your hotel/resort? Chances are for a weekend getaway it‘s a pretty fair amount. If you make the wrong choice, that will impact the overall success of your entire weekend.

o    For first time visitors – Recommendations from friends can be helpful, but those recommendations are often based on the friend’s personal preferences and experiences, not yours. I’ve had several occasions where clients booked hotels and activities based on a friend’s recommendations only to arrive and find out it was exactly what they did not want.

o       For repeat visitors – Although you may have had a great experience in the past at a certain hotel/resort or restaurant, it may be different this time. We all like certain familiarity and routine, but keep your Palm Springs getaways fresh and enjoyable by considering something new and different for a change. Don’t fall into the “same old, same old” trap where this weekend visit was not as great as the last visit.

o       Vacation research, hotel/resort availability checking, making reservations, etc. can all take a lot of time.

How much time do you have or want to invest in pre-arrival vacation planning?

Travel time to and from Palm Springs – It’s all part of your vacation; the goal is to reduce travel time and eliminate hassle so you can enjoy Palm Springs.

o       If you’re driving from southern California – Remember that the freeways to and from Palm Springs get really clogged on Friday and Sunday afternoons. Is it possible for you travel earlier on Friday afternoon (or even Thursday evening) and return late Sunday evening?

o       If you’re flying – book as soon as possible for best times and seat selection. Flights fill up quickly, and are usually full. Check on arriving Thursday and/or departing Monday. You may get a better deal.

o       Many smaller hotels/resorts will waive fees for late check-out on Sunday since they don’t have reservations booked on Monday.

Do you have any flexibility in your getaway arrival and departure so that you can minimize travel hassle?

Actual time in Palm Springs – It’s been my experience that most weekend visitors want as much R & R as possible during their limited time in Palm Springs, so consider:

o       Having your room fridge and pantry stocked from your shopping list prior to arrival – a trip to a Palm Springs grocery store is not R & R time

o       Do you want some lunches or dinners delivered to your hotel/resort – make those plans ahead of time and the meals will magically arrive on schedule

o       You will have limited opportunity to explore the restaurant scene in Palm Springs. There’s everything from budget bistros to break-the-bank fine dining. Avoid disappointment with last minute choices that really don’t match your budget or preferences – get local advice early on what’s currently great and what’s not so hot

o       Even if your goal is to spend your weekend lounging by the pool, consider leaving the resort, if only for several hours, to do something new and different. Advance planning can ensure the you experience something that will be personally memorable.

If you’re a first time visitor, how about choosing one of the unique Palm Springs attractions: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram, rising 8500 feet above the desert floor up Mt. San Jacinto; Tahquitz Canyon is a 2 mile loop hike to Tahquitz Falls, exploring local Native American history; The Living Desert is a one-of-a-kind desert oriented zoo and botanical garden.

If you’re a returning visitor and have previously explored some of the major attractions consider something new: visit Cabot’s Old Indian Pueblo, a unique Hopi inspired Pueblo hand crafted by an eccentric over a period of 24 years using only found materials; learn how Palm Springs become the city it is today on a casual walking tour through the former neighborhood of Hollywood Stars; take the waters in the hot mineral springs that was the original winter home of the Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

How can you spend quality vacation time and reduce time spent on routine tasks?

Get local assistance in creating your “perfect” Palm Springs weekend getaway. You deserve the best Palm Springs has to offer.

o       Don’t depend solely on Palm Springs portal websites – remember that some are based just on paid advertising, and most only provide information provided by the hotel/resort, restaurant, activity or attraction. It’s usually targeted to a general visitor and not to you specifically. You’ll spend a lot of time clicking.

o      Don’t rely just on the recommendations of friends, even if they live in the Palm Springs area. Their suggestions, though well meaning, are based on their own experience, and are usually limited to what they have personally explored and enjoyed.

o       DO seek assistance from a local professional who takes time to get to know your specific preferences, provides unbiased and independent recommendations and will follow through both before and during your Palm Springs getaway with an ongoing goal of making sure you have a wonderful weekend. In the end, it will save you time, hassle and money.

No Time for Vacation Planning? – Hire a Personal Vacation Concierge

Somewhere in the back of our minds most of us recognize the importance of vacation time for stress relief, decreased burnout and better health. So what is that keeps us from taking time off from work? For many the answer is STRESS, and a feeling that the stress of taking time off is greater than the stress of not taking that time off.

According to BusinessWeek Magazine, “The vanishing vacation has many perils. Refusing to take time off burns people out and wreaks havoc on productivity. Vacation deprivation is one reason workers are reporting more mistakes, anger, and resentment at co-workers, according to the Families & Work Institute. Former NASA scientists, working on behalf of Air New Zealand and using testing tools normally reserved for astronauts, recently found that vacationers experienced an 82% increase in job performance post-trip.”

In today’s high stress world, vacation time is essential, providing an opportunity to unwind and recharge our batteries. But taking even a short "break-ation" requires planning – and planning takes time. One of the stresses of our world today is that most of us are “time poor;” we just don’t have enough of it.

Enter the Personal Vacation Concierge, providing services that save time and make it easier to take one’s foot off the accelerator pedal briefly. I am a Personal Vacation Concierge located in Palm Springs, California. Like my counterparts in other vacation destinations I cut through the overload of information available in guide books and on the Internet, replacing guesswork with wise suggestions based on my local experience and knowledge, thereby avoiding disappointments and frustrations that can arise, whether you’re headed for a weekend getaway or full week or two week vacation.

Geared to the needs of busy individuals, couples, families and small groups, a Personal Vacation Concierge takes the work out of planning and executing an exceptional vacation, providing customized information and recommendations about where to stay, where to eat and what to do, itineraries, arrangements and special services, all saving you time and effort, and giving you the opportunity to have a more hassle-free vacation.

Each Concierge provides different services, often depending on their location. For example, in addition to Vacation Planning, some of the services I provide are: lodging and restaurant reservations; vehicle rental or limousine service; resort fridge stocking and meal delivery; entertainment, attraction and event tickets; day-trip excursions; spa appointments; and outdoor guide services.

The next time you think you just don’t have time to plan a vacation or weekend getaway, consider using the services of a Personal Vacation Concierge. Our goal is to ensure that your vacation is a stress-free as possible. That’s pretty valuable today!

Real Palm Springs Resort Experience

Yesterday I had the opportunity to provide a personalized tour of the Palm Springs Old Las Palmas neighborhood (formerly called the Beverly Hills of Palm Springs) to two visitors from New York City.

These guys made their original Palm Springs resort reservation based on recommendation from a friend, but when they arrived at the resort they saw a swimming pool filled with fun-loving, albeit noisy children – something they were definitely not looking for in their special Palm Springs vacation.

After cancelling this reservation they made a number of frantic telephone calls to other resorts looking for more appropriate accommodations. They ended up choosing a resort based on how friendly and helpful a particular front desk staff person was on the telephone.

I know the resort they chose, and I’m sure their stay was enjoyable, but having spent time with these guys, I also know the resort does not particularly match their personalities and interests. I think choice of resort has a big impact on how much one enjoys a Palm Springs vacation, whether it’s for one night or one month.

With over 120 individualized resort properties in the City of Palm Springs, there’s a resort to match almost every interest and preference. If only these guys had known about, and utilized my vacation planning services. I could have saved them hassle and time, and suggested a resort that gave them, from the get go, a truly positive and memorable Palm Springs resort experience. I hope they will check in with me the next time they are headed to Palm Springs!

BTW, they really liked their walking tour of Old Las Palmas!

Small Event Coordination

From an informal gathering of 4-8 friends who all want to spend time together to more formal small events like executive or special interests retreats, friends or family reunions, and weddings or commitment ceremonies, Palm Springs is the perfect place. Whether it’s finding a resort with 3 or 4 available rooms during the time of your visit, or booking an entire resort including catering, ground transportation, and special events, I know how to make your next Palm Springs event a success.

Some resorts offer small meeting rooms, great for retreats or mini-conferences. Others have private outdoor areas ideal for weddings and commitment ceremonies. Many of the smaller resorts do not have staff available to help fully plan and execute your event, and that’s where I step in.

For more formal events I can help you choose the right resort, book rooms and space, provide ongoing coordination with the resort, purchase supplies, make available bar-tenders, arrange for catering, ground transportation, special activities. I can give you ideas for promoting your event, and be on-site for the entire event to make sure everything runs smoothly. I have loads of contacts in the Palm Springs area and can put together a winning team for a successful event.

For informal get-togethers of friends and family just tell me what you want, and I’ll work in the background to make it all happen.

Rent-A-Guide Services

The best way to experience the REAL Palm Springs area is through the eyes of a local guide.  When you hire me, it’s like spending a few hours with a knowledgeable friend who has a real passion for the desert.

Together, some visitors and I have:

·         Spent a day in the Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country

·         Stepped back in time to reflect on our Native American ancestors at the Indian Canyons

·         Ridden the Palm Springs Aerial Tram from palms to pines

·         Explored The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park

·         Taken a day-trip to Joshua Tree National Park

·         Hiked some easy trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

·         Picnicked in the Whitewater River Canyon at the Whitewater Preserve

Here's how it works:

Let me know what you are interested in and I will make some suggestions and be happy to design a custom itinerary for you.

The length of your adventure will depend on what attractions you choose to include in your itinerary. For tours over 6 hours in length I suggest you include a lunch or dinner stop. I will be happy to suggest a restaurant or picnic location. 

Once you decide on an itinerary I will confirm a set price based on the length of time for your selected itinerary (plus additional costs, if any). If you find once we are out and about that you want to extend your tour you are welcome to do so subject to my availability at the following hourly rates: 1 person = $40 per hour - 2-4 people = $20 per person per hour (additional costs include my attraction admission fees, any special event fees or cost of picnic lunch if you wish me to provide).

If you select an attraction that has an admission fee you will need to pay the gate/admission fee directly to the attraction.

I will meet you at your resort (or location of your choosing) and join you in your personal vehicle (you drive, I narrate). If you do not have a car, I can help make arrangements for you to rent one.

What would you like to do?

Special Celebrations in Palm Springs

Often, a birthday, anniversary or other occasion prompts a vacation in Palm Springs. From providing cake and ice cream, to dinner out for 4 friends, a massage or spa visit, to something more elaborate, it’s your vacation too, so why spend time planning when you could be out by the pool.

I know where to get a birthday cake on Sunday and will pick it up and deliver it to your resort. I can provide a small catered dinner at your resort, complete with party favors. I can make recommendations and reservations at restaurants geared for larger groups.

How about a moonlight couples massage, a sunrise hike, a full day of spa pampering, or a picnic lunch sitting next to the Whitewater River?

I can arrange for an evening “bar-crawl,” casino tour, or other activities, complete with transportation so you don’t need to worry about a designated driver.

What would make your celebration special?

Everyone’s Got To Eat

Everyone’s got to eat at some point in time, even though your first priority may be rest, relaxation, sun and “chillin” by the pool. From fridge and pantry stocking to last minute restaurant reservations I can help.

Fridge and Pantry Stocking

Many Palm Springs visitors just want to spend time at their resort, out in the sun by the pool, maybe catching up on some long overdue reading, escaping a hectic work schedule – basically “doing nothing.” Most resorts have room refrigerators; some have suites with full kitchens. Based on your shopping list I’ll make sure your fridge is stocked before your arrival and re-stocked during your visit. No need to make that trip to the grocery store – spend your time doing what you really want to do.

Lunch and Dinner Delivery

You don’t need leave your resort for meals if you don’t want to. I can arrange to have meals provided for you at your resort. From sandwiches, salads or pizza, to full entrée dinners, just let me know what you want. I’ll even serve them and clean up afterwards if that’s the kind of special vacation pampering you’re looking for.

Last Minute Restaurant Recommendations

OK, so it’s 6:00 pm on a Saturday and you want a Palm Springs restaurant experience. Maybe you have a craving for sea bass, or a good steak that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, or a place that offers live entertainment, or maybe a super romantic place. Just let me know and I’ll give you my personal recommendations and even make reservations if you wish.

Palm Springs Restaurant Tips

There are 175 places to eat in Palm Springs, from fast food to fine dining, so there’s no need to ever go hungry, no matter what you’re looking for. Cuisine ranges from Asian to Vegatarian, and everything in between. You’ll be surprised at the variety of restaurants in this small city, almost all within walking distance from your Palm Springs resort. Many restaurants are owned and operated by award winning chefs, so you can expect some remarkable dining experiences.

Some restaurants are geared primarily to visitors; others are more local “hang-outs.” Some do a lot of advertising, while others do no advertising at all, but on any weekend during the visitor season it is almost impossible to find an open table from 7:00-8:30 pm.

A few things to keep in mind about dining in Palm Springs:

Palm Springs is an early dining city – Few restaurants (although the number is slowly growing) serve dinner past 10:00 pm, especially during mid-week. If you are looking for dining deals, many restaurants offer “early-bird” specials in the late afternoon.

Fine dining attire is California casual – Remember that most people are off to dinner after a day of golf, hiking, or lounging by the pool. For men, shorts and a colorful shirt is acceptable at even the most high end restaurant. I can’t think of any Palm Springs restaurant that requires a jacket and tie.

Some restaurants are closed during the summer – Although some restaurants do close completely for a portion of the summer, more and more are either simply limiting their mid-week hours or completely eliminating their closures. You will still find plenty of good restaurants in Palm Springs during the summer.

Restaurants do come and go – Due to the small size of Palm Springs, the comings and goings of restaurants may be more noticeable than in larger cities, but every year some close and others open. It is often hard for website portals to keep up with all the changes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast to start the day, a casual lunch on an outside patio or an evening of fine dining and entertainment, there are many great choices in Palm Springs. I can recommend a pizza place that serves what I consider the best pizza I’ve ever eaten, a restaurant that grows its own herbs in their on-site herb garden, a bakery that will deliver a fresh sandwich box lunch or salad to your resort, or one of the well kept reasonably priced local secrets that most visitors never find.

Palm Springs Best Places to Stay

At last count there are almost 130 choices of accommodations in the small resort city of Palm Springs itself, ranging from full service convention hotels (9) like Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Riviera Palm Springs to mid-size resorts (25) such as Travelodge, Best Western and the very upscale Viceroy Palm Springs, and including almost 50 boutique hotels and inns with 50 rooms or less, over 25 LGBT exclusive resorts, and an variety of companies providing vacation home rentals, condos and timeshares.

Where you stay depends on what you want, and of course, availability. There is everything from the four star Parker Palm Springs to very small boutique resorts with an old west or even traditional Japanese flair. You could stay in a traditional Mediterranean pensione or a mid-century modern resort complete with gourmet kitchens in each suite, or a four bedroom vacation home with your own private pool and spa.

You could try to explore each of these options on various websites and portals, or you can let me help you. I know each of these properties and companies, their owners and managers, their upsides and downsides. I can often arrange for deals and discounts. I’ll give you my best recommendations. Let me help match your preferences with the best available resort accommodations in Palm Springs for your special vacation.

Creating Your Own Special Palm Springs Vacation

I started Captain Kirk’s Palm Springs Adventure in March, 2011 with a very simple mission:

Provide Palm Springs active adult visitors with hassle-free and memorable vacations that exceed expectations.

In a world that has become increasingly “high-tech,” my goal is to provide services that are “high-touch” and personalized. For example:

Where to Stay

If you’ve been thinking about a Palm Springs vacation you may have visited some of the many Palm Springs tourism websites. With over 120 places to stay in the City of Palm Springs alone it can be a challenge making the “best” choice. Many sites sell advertising and therefore only include accommodations that have purchased space. Other sites only have listings, meaning you must constantly click to other websites, not knowing if those resorts have availability in your time-frame.

I provide recommendations, based on getting to know who you are, what your interests are and who you are traveling with. After a conversation by phone or Skype to learn what kind of Palm Springs vacation you want, I offer “top pick” recommendations. I only recommend those resorts that match your preferences and have availability during your planned vacation time-frame. You’ll still want to check out these recommendations for yourself, but I save you time and hassle.

What to Do

There’s so much to do in the Palm Springs area. I provide you, as an active adult, with options that match your interests, as well as some suggestions regarding how you might want to combine activities. For example, if you’re interested in both hiking and shopping, I know a place just perfect for an easy 1½ hour hike including terrific views of the surrounding valley that’s only 10 minutes from El Paseo (the Rodeo Drive of Palm Springs) where you can have lunch and spend time shopping.

I also offer personalized Old Las Palmas Celebrity Home Walking Tours and Desert Oasis Hiking Tours on the San Andrea Fault. These tours are small (limited to no more than 6 people) and scheduled at your convenience, not the convenience of the tour company.

Time to Relax

Many Palm Springs visitors just want to spend time at their resort, out in the sun by the pool, maybe catching up on some long overdue reading, chilling out from a hectic work schedule – basically “doing nothing.” Many resorts have room refrigerators; some have suites with full kitchens. Based on your shopping list I’ll make sure your fridge is stocked before your arrival and re-stocked during your visit. No need to make that trip to the grocery store – spend your time doing what you really want to do. I can arrange to have meals provided for you at your resort, and if you want, I’ll even serve them and clean up afterwards.