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.  

[+ PhileasFogg]

Ok, PS in two weeks.   Recommendations for restaurants?

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

14 hours ago, PhileasFogg said:

Ok, PS in two weeks.   Recommendations for restaurants?

1.  Bill's Pizza.  Try any pizza with "Bill's Sauce", it's a unique blend of red sauce and pesto. 

2.  Lulu's.  The atmosphere is nice.

3.  LG Steakhouse, if you're in the mood for a great steak.

All 3 of the above are about 1 block away from the Gay bars on Arenas.

4. Sherman's Deli and Bakery.  If you like a traditional deli, it's great.  It's busy for breakfast, especially on the weekends.  But I go there for lunch.

Edited August 14 by Vegas_Millennial

[+ Charlie]

Spencer's if you like outside dining on a nice day. Billy Reed if you definitely don't want to be seated outside. 

[+ PhileasFogg]

Last weekend, I was in PS at Hacienda, next weekend I’ll be in KW at Island House.  
Hacienda was quiet and tranquil.   I don’t think Island House will be 😂

I’ve already booked a Feb return to Hacienda. Let’s see how I feel about Island House in a couple weeks. 

[+ purplekow]

On 8/8/2025 at 4:37 PM, nycman said:

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.

If I am not mistaken,  you were being here in Palm Springs for one of the April festivities.  The pace is a lot more laid back than LA.  Come back and visit again, and I think your mind will be changed.  

[+ nycman]

On 9/5/2025 at 11:23 AM, purplekow said:

If I am not mistaken,  you were being here in Palm Springs for one of the April festivities.  The pace is a lot more laid back than LA.  Come back and visit again, and I think your mind will be changed.  

I was. It’s nice to be remembered!

I would like to try PS one more time. Maybe 2026? Do we have dates yet for next year?

[mike carey]

14 minutes ago, nycman said:

I was. It’s nice to be remembered!

Well, I'm sure PK is not the only one to remember you from, was it 2023?

[+ nycman]

6 minutes ago, mike carey said:

Well, PK is not the only one to remember you from, was it 2023?

I remember you both, as well as @azdr0710 and @jawjateck amoung others.

And that’s saying something, since it’s the same trip I got to fanboy over @Vin Marco!

Skiing (while I still can)is a big priority this coming year, but if the stars align….I’d love to be there. 

 

[+ purplekow]

Big Bear is only 90 minutes from here.  It is not Aspen, Vail or Alta but Snow Valley is very pretty.  They are getting their first snow fall of fall this week it seems.  

[+ PhileasFogg]

So I arrived at Island House in Key West.  
two weeks ago, hacienda in PS

IH is the Motel 6 ( raw like Key West).  
Hacienda is the Four Seasons

cost/night is similar 

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

I heard that the Island House is the friskier of the two hotel pools, so that may justify the higher cost.

[+ nycman]

On 9/11/2025 at 6:15 PM, PhileasFogg said:

IH is the Motel 6 ( raw like Key West).  
Hacienda is the Four Seasons

I’ve stayed at both, and I’d say both of those assessments are a little extreme. 

Island House is much nicer than a Motel 6, and The Hacienda is no Four Seasons.

No shade towards either. I enjoyed them both for what they were.