Palm Desert in the summer

[JimIg23]

Hi all:

We are going to NCV the second week of July, 2008. We are considering going to Palm Desert for a week right after that. We have three younger children. It seems to be anywhere from 90-100+ degrees there in July. For those who have been there in the summer, is it too hot for kids to enjoy? Also, with kids, what would be the better of the three: DSV I, DSV II or Shadow Ridge?

Thanks! Jim

 

[Luanne]

I think it would be too hot for anyone to enjoy. :ignore:

 

[sandesurf]

Hi Jim,
It depends...if you don't mind it HOT, then it can be fun. We've been there quite a few times in August when it's been in the 105-115 range. My family really doesn't mind the heat and we have a good time there. Everything is air-conditioned and the pools are fun. Last time we were there we could really tell the difference between a 110 degree day vs. 105 degree!
We prefer DDV1 because the villas are slightly larger and you have access to the JW Marriott pool and spa. We own in DDV2, red season, but always use II Getaways for the summer months there. You can get a week in a two bedroom for a little over $350! If that's the way you want to go, wait until the end of June-early July to book. They're a dime a dozen!

 

[applegirl]

We have been at the very end of August/beginning of September when it's 110 degrees. We had humidity the first few days (which is unusual) and it was pretty uncomfortable if you wanted to do anything outside in the middle of the day. But....that being said, we like this area so much and the two Marriott's are so nice I would just about go there anytime. We did fall into a nice routine of pool time in the AM, lunch and naps in the afternoon and enjoying our beautiful view, and then pool in the PM after dinner. The kids were really ready for bed each night! We spent 2 weeks there and it was the most relaxing family vacation we have ever had.

Also, what ages are your kids? That will make a difference in which of the three properties I'd recommend. We own at Shadow Ridge but usually stay at DSV II. Let me know the ages of the kids and how many and I can respond in more detail.

Whatever you do, definitely purchase a getaway for this stay, but I would purchase it more like early June than early July. Prices won't change and you'll have plenty of choices.

July could be potentially as hot as 118 degrees which is blazing. But this past July during the last week we had cool spell and the temps were in the 90's which must have been heaven for anyone on vacation expecting 115!

-Janna

 

[JimIg23]

Also, what ages are your kids? That will make a difference in which of the three properties I'd recommend. We own at Shadow Ridge but usually stay at DSV II. Let me know the ages of the kids and how many and I can respond in more detail.

-Janna

The twins are 4 and the oldest is 13. Pools in the am and pm sound like the thing to do. Are there alot of places to go during the day that is in airconditioning? Do any have indoor pools?

Thank you for your insight.

The Getways look like very good deals.

Jim

 

[sandesurf]

Hi again,
I don't know of any indoor pools but there's a nice sized water park in Palm Springs that has something for all ages. My youngest and I usually spend mid-week there and husband joins us for the weekend. We have a great time going to dinner at the JW. There are a few restaurants to choose from and they take you there via their boat on the lagoon. Our favorite is the Mexican restaurant. You also get discounts when staying at the villas. There's also the IMAX theater in P.S. that's good for a nice time. Thursday nights in P.S. is the Village Fair night. There's a nice swap meet in P.D. on the weekends but get there early to avoid the heat. Mostly this is our most relaxing getaway too. Too hot to do too much but nice to be inside the villa and enjoy the views and airconditioning.
HHmmm, think I'll grab me some time there this summer too!

 

[englishowner]

Hi

we went beginning of August a few years ago, my sons were about 8 and 12 they were fine. In fact this August we were in Hilton Head and have to say heat in Palm Springs was more bearable than Hilton Head due to humidity.

Lynne

 

[grgs]

The twins are 4 and the oldest is 13. Pools in the am and pm sound like the thing to do. Are there alot of places to go during the day that is in airconditioning? Do any have indoor pools?

Thank you for your insight.

The Getways look like very good deals.

Jim

Your twins might enjoy the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert:

http://www.cdmod.org/

I haven't been myself, but my in-laws take the grandkids out when we visit. The kids always seem to have a good time.

Glorian

 

[cp73]

Thursday nights in P.S. is the Village Fair night. There's a nice swap meet in P.D. on the weekends but get there early to avoid the heat.

I dont believe the Village Fair in downtown Palm Springs (Thurs nights) and the Swap Meet at the local community college (Sun) are in operation during the summer. I believe they both shut down for the summer. Anyone correct me if I am wrong.

 

[JimIg23]

It seems that the Shadow Ridge may have the most activities for the kids? Is that right or is one of the others better for younger children?

Thanks everyone!

 

[seatrout]

we were there late june this year with 2,7 and 8 year old. We are very protective of the kids getting sunburn so we bought everyone the rashguard to wear (it has 50spf). The Outlet near there have them on sale.

As to the pool. We swam in the evening the first night we were there, Air temperature 90 degree with humidity of zero. We were freezing. I was colder here than in hawaii in january with a wetsuit. Guess the water evaporate so so fast that you kind of have to stay in the pool to keep warm.

From there on, we swam in 100 degrees temperature and try to stay in the shade. The water in the pool there stay very cold for some reason.

Only problem on our trip was a dust/sand storm that lasted 2 days. You can't go outside or breath and the pool was full of sand.

Also- we took the gondola up on the mountain. We got there late -- around 5pm (planned it that way to avoid hiking in the heat) By then it was very very cold. The wind was howling and the air temperature was in the low 40 with a mist. Hard to pack short for 100+ temperature on the desert floor and then thick jacket and wind breaker for 40 degrees on the mountain
have fun

 

[applegirl]

Jim,

Okay, so 4 year old twins (we have a 4 year old son; what a FUN age) and a 13 year old. Both resorts are beautiful and we enjoy each one for certain reasons. Shadow Ridge has a pool area that ROCKS! It has a very large main family pool area with a cool water slide. Appropriate for all the kids (and adults have fun too). Kiddie pool and small water park area (different features squiriting out water, pretty fun and really cools you off when it's super hot). Some really pretty views of the golf course from rooms but you could also end up looking at new construction. There is a poolside cafe and nice bar. Another pool is an adults only pool which is very nice and has cabanas. Both pool areas have plenty of shade and misters above the shade canopies. There is one nice restaurant on-site and a little convenience market at the main clubhouse building. Other than this, you need to drive for other entertainment (altough not far). Also onsite is an activities center called the MAZE. The kids would probably enjoy some of the indoor activities there, including movie night (my son loved this even though our villa would have been more comfortable! ). The landscape theme at Shadow Ridge is more desert and they do a beautiful job with the palm trees and plants. The 2 bedroom units are 1250 sq. feet. and the lock-off room has a king bed and a queen sofa bed.

DSV property is connected to the JW Marriott resort. Since this is a mature property, the landscaping is also mature, which is very pretty, and it's very green, with lots of grass and palm trees. Since we live in the desert, this is a real attraction for us.

Because of the connection with the JW (the timeshare property is next door), you have a lot of amenities at your disposal. There is a shuttle that takes guests to the resort 2 to 3 times an hour (yes, it has A/C) which makes it very convenient. There are fine restaurants, Spa, shops, putting green area (very cute and free to guests), boat ride around the property (free rides from 3-5 pm everyday) and the pro shop for golf. If you are staying in DSV I then you have full access to the pools and day use privilieges at the Spa (a $45 value pp), which is a very nice bonus. They have a kids club at the JW where you can check the kids into for an hour or two and they have fun activities to do while mom and dad chill by the pool in peace. I'd imagine DSV I guests can also use this privilege. The main pool area (at DSV) is very nice, it just doesn't have the waterslide, water park or as much shade as SR. But it meets our needs just fine so we are happy there. Besides, since we own at SR, we have day use privileges there, so we kinda have the best of both worlds when we stay at DSV. My husband and I usually manage to find coverage for the kids one night and take the shuttle to the hotel for a nice evening of cocktails and dinner. This is suuuuuch a treat.

Two differences between DSV I & II to consider are the design of the lock-offs and proximity to the main pool area. The lock-off suite in DSV I has two double beds. The lock-off in DSV II has a king bed and a queen sleeper sofa. Also, the lock-off in DSV I is more separate from the main one bedroom unit. There is an actual foryer that you would have to go through and then unlock the other bedroom door to access the kids. Personally, with little kids, I'd far prefer DSV II for this factor alone. I feel very accessible to my kids in DSV II and in DSV I they would practically be in another unit. You can view the room layouts at marriott.com but also at redweek.com. DSV II units, for the most part are closer to the Palmeras pool area. You may still have to drive or take the shuttle depending on where your villa is. If you go to DSV II, you DO NOT want to stay in Jasmine Court. This is another part of the property that is basically "off-site". GReat for adults who want seclusion or quiet, but not for families.

BTW, the lock-off at SR is also very accessible for the kids. Great layout in these units also. The kitchen and master suite is not as big, but it's very nice.

I think you'd be happiest at either DSV II or SR. Just depends on what "amenities" are most important to you! Best of luck on your wonderful family vacation.

Feel free to send me a PM if you any specific questions.

Cheers,

-Janna

 

[JimIg23]

Thanks Janna for all the information. I think we are going to go to SR, I like the pool, MAZE area, and villa layout. The price is too good to pass up for such a beautiful area.

Jim

++ I just reserved it on the Getaways, it was $360. My luck, they wont have SR later on. I made that mistake recently when I saw a Grand Vista 2 bedroom for our spring break for $440, after I saw it, I waited 2 hours to talk to the extended family to see if they wanted to go, then when I went back online it was gone!