21st Annual Palm Springs Weekend

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Pensant said:

Unfortunately, most of the resorts are already booked and the room rates are astronomical. That said, I may be able to attend, but I’ll probably be relegated to a Marriott property.

That's ok too... there's positives to that too... it's like going to Las Vegas and not being on the strip.... that can be a luxury lol 😂 

As for my long time friends, 3 live in PS and the other lives in WeHo but has a home in the desert. 

[Guest]

6 hours ago, nycman said:

  3 hours ago, Pensant said:

I may be able to attend, but I’ll probably be relegated to a Marriott property.

That's not entirely a bad thing lol 😂 Marriott owns the Ritz Carlton. Years ago NIINE clients conspired and threw me a surprise party at the Ritz Carlton in Rancho Mirage that lasted Friday - Sunday. These WONDERFUL people knew one another through Muscle Service and the Jimmy Z ( RIP ) shows. The Ritz Carlton is probably my favorite hotel in the desert.... it's nice but as you can see, it can be naughty too lol 😂 

Edited December 5, 2023 by Vin_Marco

[+ glennnnn]

Any comments on Twin Palms Resort???

 

 

 

 

[mike carey]

9 hours ago, nycman said:

I know,  the ignominy of it!!

[+ BobPS]

7 hours ago, glennnnn said:

Any comments on Twin Palms Resort???

 

I can’t comment on twin Palms resort. However, before I moved to Palm Springs, I stayed at the Triangle Inn at least 30 times. It is a nice place    
I suggest you ask them if they have any availability. 
 

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[newdad]

Those who were first-timers last time (Spring 2023) and went there by themselves, how much did it cost total for the local expenses (ie, not including travel)?

[+ nycman]

6 hours ago, newdad said:

Those who were first-timers last time (Spring 2023) and went there by themselves, how much did it cost total for the local expenses (ie, not including travel)?

Honestly, a lot more than it’s worth. And before anyone gets their panties in a twist, I’m not talking about the value of the event itself, which is priceless. And yes, I’m booked again for this year so obviously I think it’s worth it over all. Nonetheless, Palm Springs is expensive. It’s in a desert canyon. To me it’s not really an interesting place. Then again, as is well documented in these forums, I’m a New Yorkers who pretty much hates all things California, so maybe I’m not the best one to ask.

As far as actual $ amount? You can do the math but it will be in the thousands. Plane $$$, car rental $$$, motel $$$. The events themselves? Virtually nothing. In fact, if I recall correctly, the only money I spent was on the dinner, and that wasn’t much at all.

So, break open the piggy bank and come. It’s fun and I don’t know of anything similar anywhere else in the world. You may love it or hate it, but you won’t know until you try. 

Edited December 7, 2023 by nycman

[+ purplekow]

The expenses are mainly in getting there and getting lodging.  Car rental is an expense that may be avoided if you are good at meeting people and asking for rides.  Depending on where you stay. many activities will be walking distance and most of the fun activities are just a roll over in bed away.  

[mike carey]

I was all ready to break out the spreadsheet (yes, really, I was peak nerd in April) of my expenses for the trip (not just Palm Springs, but also some other travel and an east coast reunion) but instead I'll just second what @nycman and @purplekow have already said. The main expense is the travel (don't I know it), then the unavoidable high cost of most accommodation in Palm Springs, and a car rental if you choose either to fly into an LA basin airport rather than PSP or to have the safety net of your own wheels for the duration. Those costs are easy to scope before you go. Once there, I spent of the order of $100 on groceries, coffees, wine and take-away food on top of the modest costs of the two scheduled restaurant meals. You could spend more depending on where you choose to eat (my room had a kitchen). The cost of in-room entertainment is another matter.

[+ Ace]

14 hours ago, mike carey said:

I was all ready to break out the spreadsheet (yes, really, I was peak nerd in April) of my expenses for the trip (not just Palm Springs, but also some other travel and an east coast reunion) but instead I'll just second what @nycman and @purplekow have already said. The main expense is the travel (don't I know it), then the unavoidable high cost of most accommodation in Palm Springs, and a car rental if you choose either to fly into an LA basin airport rather than PSP or to have the safety net of your own wheels for the duration. Those costs are easy to scope before you go. Once there, I spent of the order of $100 on groceries, coffees, wine and take-away food on top of the modest costs of the two scheduled restaurant meals. You could spend more depending on where you choose to eat (my room had a kitchen). The cost of in-room entertainment is another matter.

LOVE that last line!

[+ BobPS]

This is a heads up for first timers who are flying in. The drive from LAX sucks and not in a good way. The traffic is horrible and it will take a minimum of three hours and more most likely 3 1/2 to 4 hours plus to drive from LAX to PSP. Plus, at LAX you have to take a bus to pick up your rental car and then unless you have a special status with Hertz or other rental company.,you’ll wait in a long line to get your vehicle. While it may cost a little more to fly directly into Palm Springs, it is worth it. If you fly into Palm Springs, you really don’t need to rent a car  If you need to get somewhere and you’re not able to  get a ride with someone; use  Uber or Lyft.

[+ nycman]

Yes, yes, and yes.

Fly into PSP. It’s more expensive than LAX, but your sanity is worth something!

I like having my own car. Especially on your first visit, I think it’s worth it. Later trips I’m sure it’s pretty easy to rely on other forum members to chauffeur you around, but if you don’t know anyone yet….who ya gonna call?

17 hours ago, mike carey said:

I spent of the order of $100 on groceries, coffees, wine and take-away food

Remind me not to drink your wine….grin (not that you ever offered. Cheap bastard!)

On a serious note, I’m not a "vacation cook" and I’m certainly not into "cooking for one". I didn’t find eating in PS to be exorbitantly expensive. Well, at least not compared to NYC. My room did have a fully equipped kitchenette….I made popcorn one night. 

Since it was my first time at the event, I did try to hire an escort (who had expressed interest in attending) to be my "wing man" for the weekend. However, despite multiple attempts, he couldn’t even manage to schedule a 1 hour paid "get to know you" meeting in NYC. I still think it’s a great idea, especially if it’s your first time. As an East Coast John, I don’t really know the West Coast talent pool, so it was a little difficult (née’ impossible) for me to find someone. I’m still open to suggestions. Don’t worry though, even solo it’s only awkward the first 5 minutes, then it’s a breeze.

[nate_sf]

4 hours ago, BobPS said:

This is a heads up for first timers who are flying in. The drive from LAX sucks and not in a good way. The traffic is horrible and it will take a minimum of three hours and more most likely 3 1/2 to 4 hours plus to drive from LAX to PSP. Plus, at LAX you have to take a bus to pick up your rental car and then unless you have a special status with Hertz or other rental company.,you’ll wait in a long line to get your vehicle. While it may cost a little more to fly directly into Palm Springs, it is worth it. If you fly into Palm Springs, you really don’t need to rent a car  If you need to get somewhere and you’re not able to  get a ride with someone; use  Uber or Lyft.

Yes, forget LAX, Burbank or Ontario, particularly if you're returning Monday morning. The Coachella festival is the same weekend, and the Monday traffic jam heading back towards LA is legendary.

If for some reason PSP isn't working for you, the only suggestion I'd have is fly into San Diego and rent a car. You'll still get into some traffic but nothing like the traffic going in and out of LA. And the route over the mountain from Temecula to Palm Desert is beautiful and fun to drive if you're in a sports car.

[mike carey]

4 hours ago, nycman said:

Remind me not to drink your wine….grin (not that you ever offered. Cheap bastard!)

How very dare you! I will not have my $2.99 (tax incl) bottles of Kanga Rouge spoken of in such a way. Hehe.

(How very dare you is a UK comedy reference, which may not have resonated in the US. If so, I apologise unreservedly. Or not.)

[+ Pensant]

1 hour ago, nate_sf said:

Yes, forget LAX, Burbank or Ontario, particularly if you're returning Monday morning. The Coachella festival is the same weekend, and the Monday traffic jam heading back towards LA is legendary.

That! In 2019 we left on Monday for Newport and it was an excruciatingly slow drive. But we enjoyed the Audi that I’d rented at SNA!

Edited December 9, 2023 by Pensant

[+ Pensant]

5 hours ago, nycman said:

Since it was my first time at the event, I did try to hire an escort (who had expressed interest in attending) to be my "wing man" for the weekend.

I did that in 2019 with an OC hottie who stayed with me three nights and had a nice time. After the pool party we hiked some trails on Mt San Jacinto and had some extracurricular fun time! I may bring him this time if I’m able to attend.

Edited December 9, 2023 by Pensant

[+ Pensant]

I’m hoping to make it and meet some of the newer attendees. I’ll definitely join the hikes led by our Arizona Desert Rat @azdr0710!

[+ Charlie]

@newdad did say expenses "not including travel," which may mean that he is relatively nearby and planning to drive here in his own car (or fly his own plane).

[+ m_writer]

On 12/8/2023 at 4:17 PM, nate_sf said:

Yes, forget LAX, Burbank or Ontario, particularly if you're returning Monday morning. The Coachella festival is the same weekend, and the Monday traffic jam heading back towards LA is legendary.

If for some reason PSP isn't working for you, the only suggestion I'd have is fly into San Diego and rent a car. You'll still get into some traffic but nothing like the traffic going in and out of LA. And the route over the mountain from Temecula to Palm Desert is beautiful and fun to drive if you're in a sports car.

I'm actually a little nervous; I'll be picking up someone from LAX on Thursday, April 11th because it's the only airport that offered a direct flight from the East Cost.

So if I pick him up at 11:00 A.M, do you guys recommend we eat lunch along the way instead of eating lunch when we get to Palm Springs?

I was under the impression it would only take two hours to drive to PS from LAX, but after hearing about this, I'm debating maybe we should expect to not arrive until 3:00 P.M. that Thursday.

[nate_sf]

4 hours ago, m_writer said:

I'm actually a little nervous; I'll be picking up someone from LAX on Thursday, April 11th because it's the only airport that offered a direct flight from the East Cost.

So if I pick him up at 11:00 A.M, do you guys recommend we eat lunch along the way instead of eating lunch when we get to Palm Springs?

I was under the impression it would only take two hours to drive to PS from LAX, but after hearing about this, I'm debating maybe we should expect to not arrive until 3:00 P.M. that Thursday.

I think you should be OK. Just head towards Palm Springs directly from LAX and you'll probably beat the worst of the traffic. If the traffic's bad you can take a break and grab lunch, but otherwise just go direct. 

[Simon Suraci]

I was considering inviting a collaborating escort/masseur to stay with me in my room so he can meet you all. Seems a waste to spend thousands of dollars and be by myself in a two bed room. Should I instead keep my room open for potential private activities with attending members? Hmm 🤔 

[mike carey]

6 hours ago, Simon Suraci said:

I was considering inviting a collaborating escort/masseur to stay with me in my room so he can meet you all. Seems a waste to spend thousands of dollars and be by myself in a two bed room. Should I instead keep my room open for potential private activities with attending members? Hmm 🤔 

An interesting conundrum, however you may wish to balance how you have framed the question against the likelihood that most of those interested in such activities would have a room of their own.

[SouthOfTheBorder]

11 hours ago, m_writer said:

I was under the impression it would only take two hours to drive to PS from LAX, but after hearing about this, I'm debating maybe we should expect to not arrive until 3:00 P.M. that Thursday.

if the weekend is the same as Coachella - all bets are off re; traffic or anything else.  Those two weekends draw the biggest crowds from LA for the entire year.  If going against the Coachella traffic or rush hour commutes - you might get lucky.  The drive from LA to PS is always challenging in best conditions. 

[mike carey]

On driving from LAX, this year I picked up a car at 10am on Thursday (I arrived at 6pm on the Wednesday) and the drive was okay, no real hold-ups although I don't recall precisely how long it took. For me at least, how long the drive takes is less an issue than how annoying any traffic delays are. Others may have different discomfort thresholds!

[jawjateck]

For many years, our dearly missed Epigonos and I would leave his home in Orange County around 10:00-11:00 AM on Friday of the event weekend, which has often coincided with Coachella. We always arrived in PS in less than 2 hours. Note: Epigonos never feared speeding tickets. 😋