HomeMy WebLinkAboutNancy J. Friedman - PR Activity Report July - Aug '08 ����-�
� � CITY OF PALM DESERT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION
• • STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Receive and file informational report on media placements and public
relations activities as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations
DATE: October 9, 2008
CONTENT: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Activity Report July—August 2008
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion, receive and file informational report on media placements and public
relations activities as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations.
Executive Summary:
The attached report is being provided at the request of Council to be kept informed of
public relations activities and results. The report highlights activities for the period of
July — August 2008, as conducted by the Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Agency
(NJFPR) on behalf of the City of Palm Desert.
The report includes a list of inedia placements along with copies of the clippings.
Topics being pitched to national media and ongoing media relations activities are also
outlined.
Staff is recommending that the City Council receive and file this report.
Background:
Attached is a detailed report.along with copies of the publicity clips generated by the
Agency. Some of the highlights include promotions of AB 811 and The Living Desert.
Following NJFPR's extensive outreach and wire distribution of the AB811 press release
was syndicated to more than 200 consumer, business, and trade outlets, including high-
impact media such as Yahoo.com, AOL.com, Reuters.com, Breitbart.com, Boston.com,
EcoEarth.com, Eurolnvestor.co.uk, Asia Business News, San Francisco Chronicle,
North Bay Business Journal, and TheFreeLibrary.com.
Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Activity Report July - August 2008
Page 2
The agency also pitched the baby giraffe at The Living Desert to CNN and arranged for
video-sharing with KESQ; Unfortunately, the story was cut due to breaking news. This
photo opportunity also was pitched to a variety of online outlets, such as
Grandparents.com, NationalGeographics.com, and Yahoo.com.
Submitted By:
risty Kneidi g Sheila R. Gilligan
Marketing Manager Assistant City Manager
Approval:
� CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
Carlos L. rteg APPROVED . DENIED
City Manager �����V�D � �i � j OTHER
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VERIFIED BY: / r-z�
Original on File with Ci�y Clerk's OfficP
•
NANCY J.FRI"eDMAN PUBLIC RELATIONS
� MEMO
To: Kristy Kneiding
Marketing Manager, City of Palm Desert
CC: Sheila Gilligan
Assistant City Manager, City of Palm Desert
From: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations
Date: September 4, 2008
Subject: Account Activity July-August 2008
NJFPR is pleased to provide highlights of activities undertaken and results achieved on
behalf of the City of Palm Desert during the months of July and August.
MEDIA PLACEMENTS:
Meetings West
July 2008
Circulation: 31,025
Desert Springs was included in an article about new developments in the Coachella Valley,
following our work with the CVA and Meetings Media Editor in Chief Tyler Davidson.
Anzses Journal
August 2008
Following NJFPR outreach to Bill Parker, the Energy Independence Act was featured in a
two-page spread. The Anzses Joumal is the official publication of the Australian and New
Zealand Solar Energy Society.
Travelocity.com —The Window Seat blog
June 26, 2008
Circulation: 25,000/month
Following NJFPR's pitching, the Bridal Party Package at Desert Springs was featured in a
"Shapecations: Bridal Boot Camp" piece.
Hotel Interactive
Circulation: 52,019
Buyer Interacfive
Circulation: 17,168
July 18, 2008
Following NJFPR's outreach to David Wilkening, Desert Springs was included in an article
about luxurious hotel lobbies.
ShermansTravel.com
August 31, 2008
1
Circulation: 3,027,760 unique visitors per month
As a result of NJFPR outreach to writer Adam Graham and his stay at the hotel, a lengthy,
positive review of Desert Springs was included in the Palm Springs Travel Guide.
OTHER PLACEMENTS:
Following NJFPR's extensive outreach and wire distribution, our AB811 press release was
syndicated to more than 200 consumer, business, and trade outlets—including high-impact
spots such as Yahoo.com, AOL.com, Reuters.com, Breitbart.com, Boston.com,
EcoEarth.com, Eurolnvestor.co.uk, Asia Business News, San Francisco Chronicle,
North Bay Business Journal, and TheFreeLibrary.com.
PITCHING AND OUTREACH:
• NJFPR created a media newsletter from Desert Springs and Palm Desert, highlighting
timely angles such as seasonal savings, the baby giraffe at The Living Desert, The Art of
Food & Wine, and energy initiatives. We distributed the newsletter to several hundred
national and regional outlets, including:
- Associated Press
- The Los Angeles Times
- Travel+ Leisure
- AARP Magazine
- Woman's World
- Town & Country
- USA Today
- Newsweek
- Robb Report
- ForbesTraveler.com
- National Geographic Traveler
- American Way
• Drafted a press release announcing the AB811 Energy Independence Program,
highlighting the progressive nature and positive environmental impact of the bill.
Distributed the press release through BusinessWire; also contacted more than 50 outlets
with targeted pitching, including:
- The Economist
- Dow Jones Newswires
- Bloomberg
- Fox News Channel
- The TODAY Show
- Portfolio
- Forbes
- TheDailyGreen.com
- CBS News
- The Wall Street Journal
- Newsweek
• Distributed news about Palm Desert's acquisition of ZENN cars to a variety of outlets,
including The New York Times, Associated Press, USA Today, and
GreenPlanet.com.
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• Pitched the baby giraffe at The Living Desert to CNN and arranged for video-sharing with
KESQ; story got cut due to breaking news. We also pitched this photo op to a variety of
online outlets, such as Grandparents.com, NationalGeographic.com, and Yahoo.com.
• Nominated Councilman Ferguson for a profile on Portfolio.com.
• Continued working with National Public Radio on story ideas and potential coverage of
Palm Desert's energy programs; supplied housing details for consideration.
• Arranged for writer Lena Katz to interview Tom Fazio, Morgan Levine of Desert
Adventures, and Dawn Ferraro of Spa Desert Springs as part of her California guidebook
with Globe Pequot Press.
• Arranged travel itinerary for freelance writer David Lansing, who is working on a Palm
Desert story for Sunset magazine; worked with David on story angles and interviews.
• NJFPR continued pitching getaway stories about Palm Desert to Carly Milne for
AOL.com and Susan McKee for Kayak.com.
• Pitched Palm Desert segments of popular show"Dream Home"to producers at PBS.
• Pitched Palm Desert destination stories to Frommers.com, LuxuryTM.com, Meetings
West; met with Meetings West Editor Tyler Davidson to discuss story angles.
• Continued working with Bonnie Siegler on coverage of Desert Springs for V/VA
magazine; provided celebrity sightings.
• Pitched Palm Desert family getaways to Jill Weinlein for her columns in Los Angeles and
Los Ange/es Family magazines.
• Continued pitching Spa Desert Springs and "healthy getaways" to a variety of outlets,
including:
- Shape
- The New York Times
- Town 8 Country
- Healing Lifestyles & Spas
- Frommers.com
- Men's Journal
- Modern Bride
- Orbitz.com
- Robb Report
• Reached out to the owners of She She boutique; requested giveaways for Lucky
magazine.
• Pitched The Art of Food & Wine to freelance writer Gretchen Roberts, who is gathering
story ideas for her upcoming wine bfog.
• Requested additional details from the CTTC regarding the upcoming media receptions in
New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
3
• Palm Desert wili also benefit from NJFPR's extensive outreach on behalf of Desert
Springs, on topics such as wildlife, meetings, and restaurants.
ACCOUNT ACTIVITY:
• NJFPR participated in meetings and conference calls with client and EcoMotion in order
to gather information on AB811 and other energy initiatives.
• Participated in calls with KemperLesnik regarding The Art of Food & Wine; provided
suggestions and contacts for their PR outreach.
�
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1 �,
July 2008
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Hotter than July � ` ��"` � �� :-:
The Palm Springs Desert Resorts area is bursting with rtew development - '+
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��AhJZSES
NrsRallan en0 New Zealdnd
SoiatEnerpy5aclely
August 2008
A Californian Local Government leads
Palm Desert, Celifornia
Celebrates Passage Of
Energy Independence Act
Sponsors unprecedented state bill lighr,ing systems, water-heating equipment,
refi-igerators,or pool pumps;and installation
allowing cities to provide low- of solar panels,white roofs,or iasulation—
interest loans to residents making anyttvng t�at wiii reauce electiicify
energy-saving improvements to consutnption and is considered a permanent
�m„•e. The city will provide law-interest loanc
homes or businesses; requiring no m�eait
strengthens citywide checks m�other
commitment to solar qualifications other than
energy a prap�-ty titIe.The
. loans will be paid Uacic
$ M � -� as part of the residents'
Already an innovator in . ta�c UIll—meaning if the
its effoits to redvice its 1� , hame or Uusiness is sold,
carbon fontprint,thecity �� '� ��-���the loan stays with the
of Palm Desert in July �property.
got ane step closer to � � �
realizing its goal of M � "Two yeaz�s ago, we set a
reducing citywide I 1� '. � lofty goal of i•educing
energy consumption by S � our energy use Uy 30
30 perceut Uefore 2011. � �;.�� �' - ' pereent,and naw we
Governm� ' have the means to
Schwaizenegger � accoviplish it,"said
signed Assembly Bfll ; �, � � Couneilman dim
811 into law as an ' Feiguson, who
"uigency measure,"tox• I ;i � -� . -pearheaded the
the fu�st time allowing � - � � � ��>as=age of the EnergV
citygoves�nments �,t .._ IndependenceAct.
tksoughout Califotvia to� � �•?'� �"i�uiing the cumater
pt�ovide loaos to �����$,�' ,1 y� � . �, :., �^ ;:,onths,wlien
property ownel•s I_ • � ��temperatiu�es regulaz•ly
planning home or .+.�� � reach cvei•100 degrees,
busi.ness unprovement= � ''�_�.� � ._
qra:; � -Palm ➢esertresidents
tl�at will reduce enei�ry `�'r � �can pay up to$1000 a
consutnption.The bill, �.,,� z e mouth for elecfiicity.
tertned locally the �,: �. i, . ." Tl�i s program will
Gnergy Independe�ce Y �, _�y;:.�.':`�empower them to
Act, was wiitten and av-plore renewable
loUUied foi�Uy Palm Deser4'e crv�i leaders. eneigy sc.uces and inal.e meaningful cl�anges
for Ghe environment as wel]as kheu•own
Palm Desert's City CouvcIl is worldng ta finances,"
foi•mulate a stirategy to put the Lill into effect
locally as quicL:ly and simply as�os=ibly: The Gry�sifying tlie x•eduction of a city's energy
city plazis to provide loalls for as littie as consumption and caz�bon tootpiint as "public
$5,000,Nith no npper limit,fot�improvements good'is a gioundbreala,ng approach,and opens
su%I�as efficient 2u�-conditianing systems, tlie door for cities across ttie state to adopt
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similar programs.AB811 updates seetions of Palm Desert also passed a law requiiting all
Califrn�ia's Streets and Highways Code that new constr•uction ta stu-pass sta.te energy
allow cities to set up assessment districts to rerniirements by 10 to 15 Pei�cent.It's also
pay for puhlie improvements such as sewers banned di�ve-tlu�ottgh restatu•ants,waived
and roads. Mi.ndful of tLte fa�.•-reaehing peiznit fees on tl�e installation of photovoltaic
possibilities,Palm Desert will work to c��eate a salaz•systems in homes and businesses and
grogram tbat can ve easily replicated declaz�ed eleetilc galf carEs str•eet-legal. Palm
elsewliere.Berkeley,Santa Monica and Palm Desert lias the only�ED-cei�tified visitor
SPrings a�'e also resea�hing similar programs, center in the United States and opened the
which will Iil:ely be modeted aftea�Palm counti�s fust envuonmentally sound public
Desert's Energy Independence Progi•am, golf oow�se 10 yea�s ago. For more
infoimation,visft www.citvofnalmdeseit ore.
Besides creativity,anot]�er major asset i.n
Palm Desertis sunshine.With 350 days of
sunshine eachyear and an average of 5.5
hours of high-quality sola�•insulation per day,
t11e city faz•outpei�'arms the r�ational average
and is an ideal site for sun-poweF•ed energy
systems. Home solar systems Iast up to 40
years,so the Ene►gy Independence Act allows
homeowners ta ffnanee systems—using the
good credit of the city—witfi long-teazn loans to
match the long-term benefits of solar.
Lu a city so dependent on electrzcity for
features such as air conditioning and pool
pumps,enei.gy-efficient improvements
represent a long-teiv�investment andincrease
the value of homes and businesses. Palm
Desert aims to begin providing loans by the
end of August,and plans to bi�ng fundiug to
tl�e Energy Independence Progratn through
tlie sale of municipal bonds—allowing
investot•s across the count�.y to biing a new
leve3.to theu•socially respansible investment
�lans.
The Energy Independence Program is just one
more way Pa1m Desert is thin)�ing green.In
2006,the city i.niaoduced a new govei�unent
division,the O�ce of Energy Management,
and unveiled Set to Sa�e:its unprecedented
plan to cut eneigy consumption by 30 pei�cent
—or 215 million lalowatt how.�s of ele�tric
enei�gy in five yeais. The plan is the most
amUitious of its idnd in Ca]i.foi�ia and
provides incentives to businesses and residents
engaging in energy-saving behavioi•. Palm
Desei�t has since then opened 141 enesgy-
efficient apartments for low-and middle-
income fanulies,includi.ng several that are
gartially fueled Uy solar energy.
16
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I F'• SHAPECATIONS BRIDAL BOOT CAMPS ON
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� `<.• � By Alison Presley
� , June 26, 2008
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In T-minus four months, I'm getting married. When I got engaged I promised
myself that I wouldn't be that bride-to-be: no talking about my wedding all the
time (obviously failing at that), no obsessing over silly details, and no crash diets
to fit into my dress.
But I'm here to tell you that wedding dress shopping is a humbling event. Those
ornate gowns are altered to fit like a giove--and if you aren't in top physical form,
(t will show every single buckle and bulge.
That's why I was intrigued when my friend Carly indulged in a "shapecation" with
her bridesmaids. In fact, millions of people were probably intrigued because
Good Morning America foflowed her on her journey. Check out the video here.
Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member�ovvoyaper.
A shapecation is similar to a girls' spa weekend but with a heavy emphasis on
slimming down for the big day and making some lasting lifestyle changes. Carly
and her closest friends decamped for a long weekend at Desert Springs J.W.
Marriott in Palm Desert, California and signed up for an expensive
comprehensive package. But cheaper options do abound.
You don't need an upcoming wedding to organize a shapecation with your female
friends. Many_gyms. resorts. and athletic proc7rams across the nation offer short-
burst weekend adventures you can mix in with shopping and spa treatments,
which will help you keep costs and calories down.
1 •
While normally I hate to work out, shapecations appeal to me because of the
travel element. Getting up and jogging a few miles would be a lot more tempting
if I were running through a stunning desert or on the sidewalks of a glittering city.
Plus, hitting the gym together is always more fun and it would be nice to come
home from vacation weighing Iess--not more--for a change.
Thrill-seeking ladies could even take the concept outdoors by staying in a state
park and setting personal goafs for hiking and biking. Or for a more structured
environment, book a stay at a resort like the Red Rock Casino Resort Spa in Las
Vegas, which offers an entire Adventure Spa program. You and your friends
could kayak; mountain bike, and rock climb your way to thinner thighs and still
catch up on all the good gossip.
Is the girls' getaway moving away from late nights and decadent wining and
dining? I don't know, but I, for one, am willing to give anything a try that helps me
de-stress and fit into that unforgiving dress.
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Posted in Group & Companion, Health & Weiiness, Nature & Outdoors; Ski &
Sport, S as
Email this � Comments (2)
Comments
I think this is the female equivalent of those crazy trips guys go on to visit every
baseball stadium in North America in a month.
Posted by: NB `� � June 26, 2008 07:41 AM
I love the idea! I never enjoyed a yoga ciass more than when I took one
beachside in Cancun.
E'osted by: J�ssica I June 7_6 2G08 09:19 AM
News from... N J F P R Circ: 25,000 a month
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Plussing The Hotel Lobby
Hoteliers focusing more than ever before on creating luxurious lobbies that
create a distinct customer point of view.
By David Wilkening
Whether or not you are in the hospitality business, you must have noticed: lobbies that
used to have little more than a check-in clerk and a stack of brochures about local
attractions are gettiug more upscale. And there's a reason for it.
"It`s your first impression when you walk through the door. It creates a theme arowid
your resort." says Brett Beazley, general manager of The Ridges Resor[ and Club near the
mountainous area of Hiawassee, Georgia.
The Ridges rei�ovated their IobUy to create a lodge style Yeel.
"Our lobby is very mountain rustic with a two sided fireplace and big leather couches.
We also have large windows. It creates more of a
living room rype of feelin�," says Beazley. j� , � ! • � � p{�.
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Hotels everywhere are giving more thought to their
lobbies. � m y
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Marriott, for example, is "re-thinking its lobbies," f�
says hospitality public relations specialist Gina � e�_��-� �
Masullo. � --
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"Through ongoing research, the company has founel f' � ;�:. i' -
thut business is becoming a more casual affair, '�" '
ofren conducted in hotel bars and lobbies -- and that they needed to plan for a more
seamless blend of leisure travelers and larger gathering of business travelers," she says.
Marriott has responded by creating more "great rooms" instead of lobbies.
"This means they're inoviug towards the practice of having lar�,e, multi-purpose lobbies
tl�at also hold the hotel bar and can be used for a variety of purposes by groups of varying
sizes." she says.
Two examples are the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Aria., and the Desert Springs JW
Marriott in Palm Desert, both properties represented by Masulla.
A recent renovation at Camelback removed the original small and segmented lobby. "A
new great room includes an open-design bar that will let guests order drinks and stay in
the area or wander around the lobby's variety of comfortable seating," she says.
The Desert Springs property also recently completed an overall of its lobby to make it
more open.
"All of its features -- lobby bar, sushi bar, check-in, Starbucks and docking area for the
hotel's gondola system -- flow into each other," she says.
It is not uncommon to find business guests rearranging armchairs to sit together for an
informal meeting.
The Marriott's lobbies are also designed to reduce the traditional importance of check-in
areas.
"Here, check-in is off to the side and is in a very small part of the larger lobby
experience," Masullo says.
The chain has also re-designed lobbies to stress better views of natural outdoor
attractions. Floor-to-ceiling windows let guests take in deserts and mountains.
"Hotels are trying to offer themselves as destinations to increase business, and the trend
appears to be via common areas that are more easily monitored and cheaper to impact as
opposed to making changes to every room," says Adam Hazell, planning director for the
Georgia Mountains Regional,Development Center.
"Grand hotels in urban areas use these as architectural showplaces, while more modest
hotels are trying to emulate their larger cousins in an effort to increase grandeur,"he
adds.
With more attractive and functional common spaces, he says, guests have less need to
leave the hotel for dinner or recreation.
A well-known Australian architectural designer says hotels are increasingly looking to
more ornate lobbies.
"The `mega-lobby' is a by-product of accelerated competition in the hotel industry. The
lobby is one of the ways you can create a wow factor," says Geoffrey Lee, managing
principal and director of Woodhead, an Australian-based international architectural firm.
He maintains that lobbies in different cultures are also serving increasingly different
needs.
He uses as one example the Beijing Grand Hyatt in China. It has a very large foyer which
"provides a safe haven for culture shock for foreign businessmen in China," he says.
Designs concepts are different in Australia where it is often considered too simple and
minimalistic or even just plain. Lee adds, however, that a major reason for that is the
higher cost of labor and materials in Australia.
"Part of the reason for ultra-ornate design in other places is because there is new wealth
and cheap labor and materials," Lee says.
"All hotels, no matter what their size, need lobbies that reflect a unique sense of place
which, of course, takes into account functionality, views and guest requirements but are
also sensitive to culture," he adds.
Does a new lobby add to the bottom line? Perhaps.
The Doubletree Hotel Bethesda last year completed a$22 million renovation that
included knocking down walls to create an 8,000-square-foot great room divided into five
activity zones.
"You have all these different generations now melding into the work force, and the
traditional hotel lobby is not what they want," says Michael McMahon, general mana�er.
Since then, occupancy has risen 20 percent, he says.
Marriot has been tracking guest satisfaction at a dozen new lobbies with face lifts. Lobby
food and drinks there have increased as much as 30 percent in some properties, according
to The Washington Business Journal.
Other chains attempt some specific features to add to their lobby's appeal. Kimpton, for
example, has many properties with fireplaces.
"It creates a feeling of warmth and comfort, and it just makes it feel friendlier," says Niki
Levondakis, chief operating officer for the San Francisco-based company.
What makes a comfortable and user-friendly lobby?
"Warm colors and comfortable fabrics and finishes," answers Eva Apostolatos, director
of inedia relations for the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. "Guests want to have a place
that is like a `home away from home' where they can work, play, eat and relax," she
adds.
She says famed architect Michael Graves had that in mind when he designed several
prototypes for the Wyndhams' chain.
"The brand introduced a new combination cafe, barista and food market designed for
Wyndham public spaces in or adjacent to lobbies," she says. The Eat, Refresh, Live or
"ERL" are flexible cafes that transform from a coffee bar with breakfast service during
the day to a cocktail bar with casual dining at night.
"It's more of a lifestyle concept for travelers to have coffee, be wired or simply relax and
lounge. We have several in place including Toronto, Atlanta and St. Thomas," she says.
It does not always take an elaborate or fancy lobby to make an impression, says Charles
Burton, general manager of the 134-room Brasstown Valley Resort in the mountains of
Georgia.
"I don't think we have a great lobby but we have a lobby that's great for what we're
doing. We're a mountain lodge resort. So we have a rustic, charming, warm and cozy
lobby that is unique in shape and reminds me a lot of the Cherokee Indians," he says. The
later is partly due to the 35-foot-high rock fireplace that is shaped like a teepee.
He says the lobby is definitely a draw for visitors. "We get a lot of comments from guests
who in the colder months just like to fit in the lobby," he says.
Some features that many lobbies are typically embracing:
• Hi-Fi: a must as well as electrical outlets to recharge cell phones and laptops.
• Plasma televisions and spaces to play video games.
• There's a move to replace the standard long front desk for a more podlike feature,
giving hotel staff the flexibility to greet guests.
• Self check-in kiosks are emerging.
• Cushy couches, plump chairs and side tables that can be moved to create meeting
spaces within the public lobby.
• More lighting and music that changes with the time of day, helping to set a mood
in the lobby.
• Several food options instead of one or two restaurants.
• More emphasis on serving drinks in the lobby as business travelers use the space
to work and meet before and after work hours.
.
News from... N�F P R Circulation: 17,168
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August 31, 2008
PaI171 SpPII1gS TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS
Like many of its perennial visitors (i.e. gays, grays, naturists, and le tout Hollywood) fun-loving
Palm Springs seems to get a makeover every year. Long a favorite of weekenders from the Los
Angeles basin, the posh cocktail capitai of the arid Coachella Valley offers up a versatile and
modern slice of vacation life, replete with affordable mid-century modern inns, mist-cooled patio
restaurants, world-class golf courses, inventive spas, and rugged desert canyon hiking trails.
Why Go
Palm Springs (including the Coachella Valley proper) has over 130 golf courses, a pool for every
personality type, and a diverse price-and style-range of resorts, making it an ideal place to beat
the winter blues— not to mention 300 days of sunshine a year!
Palm Springs Hotels
Palm Springs offers a plethora of resorts to suit just about everyone's tastes, from mega resorts
with multiple pools and golf courses to designer boutique properties to clothing-optional gay
resorts. Because of competition, the value is generally very good and deals abound, especially
during summer low season when it's too hot for some tourists.
JW Marriott Desert Springs PALM SPRINGS MODERATE HOTEL
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Address: 74855 Country Club Dr.
City: Palm Desert
Phone: 800-331-3112
Website: www.desertspringsresort.com
There's no quibbling —this is the area's quintessential mega-resort, with over 880 rooms, five
restaurants, three lounges, five heated outdoor pools, 20 tennis courts (grass, hard, and clay), a
world-class full-service spa and health club, 36 holes of golf, a sand volleyball court, five outdoor
Jacuzzis, bike rentals, and evening boat rides on an aquamarine manmade lake (with koi fish and
pink flamingos). Rooms are less extravagant, but the beds are very comfortable and each one
has its own terrace with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
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News from... ���� � 3,027,760 Unique Visitors
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