We have stayed in Palm Springs gay resorts a number of times. Santiago and Inndulge are wonderful but the Hacienda is a significant step up and not to be missed if the price doesn’t deter you (but it’s worth it and really not that much more than the mentioned properties). The experience is a bit different though. The mood is laid back luxury and the cruise factor is definately lower (but it’s in the middle of the warm sands resorts so just walk out the gate if you find the need).
The rooms and grounds are absolutely beautiful, comfortable and very clean. The service is fantastic. The staff are unobtrusively attentive (until they leave at 7 PM) and will arrange just about anything for you. We were in a Junior suite but toured some of the others (there are only 10 rooms). There is only one room (the least expensive patio room) that doesn’t open up directly onto one of the 2 pools. It is only a few steps away and the room is beautiful though. The other nine rooms have anything from a sitting room to full living room, kitchen and dining area. The two pools basically get unobstructed sun until it hits the mountains (not so at many other resorts). The view from the larger/main pool is stunning. Breakfast and catered lunch are included and also of appropriately high standard. (Continental breakfast with yogurt, fruit salad, cereals, juice, pastries, meat, bread, etc – Lunch is sandwich or wrap [both with side] or large meal size salad – there are a number of choices for each – lunch is plated by the staff and if you are a couple they will split a sandwhich and salad for you which is a good choice). Breakfast is 8 – 10 and lunch is served around 1 or 1:30 but they will cover it and save it for you if asked. You order your lunch selection by 1030 AM. There is currently no happy hour but you just make your own. The beds, linens and pillows (with menu) are extremely comfortable and high quality. The furnishings are beautiful. We had a large 2 person shower that was very nice. I believe they are all somehwhat similar. When we were there it was about half full (unusual I think – presumably due to the economy) and very quiet and relaxed. The other guests tended to be older and friendly. If you are looking for twinks then odds are you better bring your own or go on day trips 🙂 There is free wifi throughout and a stand up “email” computer with internet in the office. There are tons of movies to borrow and all rooms have 2 flat screens with dvd players (except I assume the patio room only has one).
Hope you enjoy – we sure did and will be back soon. We had a hard time convincing ourselves to leave.
For more information, contact The Hacienda
From Within US:
1-800-359-2007 or 1-760-327-8111
From Outside US:
01-800-359-2007 or 01-760-327-8111
http://www.thehacienda.com/.
