Palm Springs vs Key West

[+ PhileasFogg]

I have a trip planned with a companion in five weeks to The Island House in Key West.  
Current tropical forecasts are iffy on how that might go with a higher than average incidence expected for named storms.

So, we are considering a gay/clothing optional resort in Palm Springs instead?

Are they comparable destinations?  I love the bohemian vibe of Key West.  Does PS have that?

If you favor PS, recommendations on resorts and/or location?   I’ve read other posts here, but some are dated and I’d appreciate as much current insight that anyone can offer 

[+ Charlie]

If you were going this week, I would say forget Palm Springs: the high temperature here today is forecast to be 118 degrees. However, in 5 weeks I hope it will be better.

[+ PhileasFogg]

2 hours ago, Charlie said:

If you were going this week, I would say forget Palm Springs: the high temperature here today is forecast to be 118 degrees. However, in 5 weeks I hope it will be better.

Good point.  It’s hotter in September in Palm Springs vs Key West.  But the humidity is incredibly low 

[+ nycman]

Personally, I’m not a big PS fan.
It’s just not my scene.
Too hard to get to from the East Coast, and too close to LA.

I was a HUGE Key West fan 10-15 years ago.
It was fading even then, but it was fun.
Now, it’s a place I’d visit with straight friends.
And that’s not a good thing.

[LD19847]

I used to be a regular visitor to Key West, but haven't returned since COVID-19 when I'd already decided it was time to stop going.  

Island House is the last gay male resort on Fleming Street after the Equator Resort closed.  Alexander's Guest House, as nice a property as it is, was also much more mixed LGBTQ/straight on my last visits.

Personally, I prefer Palm Springs which is great if you like mid-century architecture.  There are certainly more upscale resorts in PS than Island House.  I've had great stays at the Descanso and Santiago resorts, which along with Twin Palms, are part of the same group.

[viewing ownly]

I think this is fair to compare Key West to Palm Springs is like comparing Cape Canaveral to San Diego. One has one place to go, while the other has countless, never-ending options. 

Weather should never be a factor in deciding where to go. There's a thing called shade, as well as a thing called air conditioning. Both of those things exist in hotter than Hell locations. I'd know - I live in one. Now hurricanes vs. earthquakes......

[+ purplekow]

In my recent move to Palm Springs, I have been unbelievably happy.  There are many places to go and things to do.  There are several clothing optional upscale resorts but also down and dirty clothing optional resorts.  Most of the resorts  have day passes so, if you find the place you are staying less than optimal, you can try other resorts.  I just spent a Sunday afternoon at Canyon Club, which by most standards is not high end, but I had a great afternoon meeting people and just hanging at the pool.  There is a playroom and a maze there but neither seemed particularly busy when I was there.  There are many casinos and acts such as Jerry Seinfeld are doing shows there.  

So, if the logistics of travel are not a problem, I would opt for Palm Springs.   Key West is not as gay as it used to be and the weather is much less predictable.  Palm Spings will be hot, but, poolside everything is cool  

[+ PhileasFogg]

update:  I’m going to plan a trip to PS sooner than later.   But for this one, we decided to stick with Island House.

In 110 years, KW has had 6 Sept hurricanes.  That doesn’t mean a distant one won’t screw up the weather, but we shall see.