DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort in Palm Springs area is fresh off a multi-million dollar renovation. We spent three days immersing ourselves in stunning golf course and mountain views, to check out their goods. From the Olympic-size swimming pool and hot tubs to the full-service spa, we relaxed to the fullest. We dined at Polanco Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to try all the options and we even hit up the gym for a cardio session. While the resort renovations made the property look dreamy, there are a few kinks that need to be addressed. Is it worth staying? Absolutely. Is there room for improvement? Always. Check out the ups and downs of DoubleTree Golf Resort in Palm Springs.
The Rooms
We stayed in a standard room with a king bed and a private balcony. The new carpet and furnishings were contemporary and fresh. The linens were a crisp white and the pillows and mattress were comfortable. The room was equipped with a 48″ Flat-screen TV, a mini-refrigerator, a sitting area, and a desk and chair. There were plenty of power outlets with USB ports as well. The complimentary WiFi worked well in the room but it wasn’t perfect at the pool or in the restaurant. The large bathroom included a tub and dual sinks. The air conditioning worked well in the room but it must have been the original system because when the fan was on, it was loud and annoying while trying to sleep. Admittedly, I’m a light sleeper but a nosy air conditioning isn’t good when you’re in the desert. It’s just the start of the high temperatures. Once summer is here, the air conditioner would be on more frequently and would be even more annoying. I’m not sure if it’s as loud in all of the rooms, but it can be an issue. We loved how dark the room was with the blackout curtains and minimal lights. It made it easy to sleep later. If it wasn’t for the loud air conditioning, the room would have been perfect.
The Amenities
DoubleTree Golf Resort has tons of amenities including an on-site restaurant, a 27 hole championship golf course, nine tennis courts, a full-service spa, a fitness center including certified personal trainers, an Olympic-size swimming pool, two pickleball courts, two racquetball courts, one basketball half-course, a Bocce ball court, and horseshoes.
The Olympic-size pool was one of the best parts of our stay. It’s heated and rarely blocked from the sun. The mountain and golf course views are spectacular and the lounge chairs and umbrellas are plentiful. It was unique to see the palm trees in the foreground and the snow-capped mountains in the background. Dining and drink services are available at the pool and we enjoyed our lunch in one of the cabanas. The pool was kept spotless while we were there and the two whirlpools warmed us up when the sun was setting. We stayed in the pool for hours and could have stayed for many more. It’s worth visiting the hotel just to enjoy the massive, clean, stunning pool with picturesque vistas.
The Dining
The multi-million dollar reimagining has elevated every inch of the resort, including the addition of Polanco Kitchen – an all-new restaurant featuring inspired Southern California cuisine. Polanco Kitchen follows the resort’s soothing contemporary style and offers plenty of seating with great views of the golf course. The food choices are unique and tasty, but the service is lacking. There were staff available but it seemed like they didn’t know where they should be or when they should be there. If we were missing something on the table like a spoon for Athena’s mac and cheese, we waited far too long to even see someone to ask. Twice, when we arrived at the restaurant during open hours, no one was there to greet us or show us to a table. Also, I do drink a lot of water during my meal, but that doesn’t mean my glass should ever be empty yet it was frequently. They were friendly when they were at the table, but that doesn’t make up for sloppy service. I have high expectations but it’s because they were met in all other aspects of our stay.
Despite the service, I did love the food. I would highly suggest the Double Decker Club Sandwich with smoked turkey breast, applewood smoked bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise on toasted sourdough. Ask for the Chipotle mayo on the side. I put it on everything. The chips; the sandwich… it tastes delicious on everything.
I think once the organizational issues and timing are worked out at the restaurant, it could be an excellent choice. The staff have lovely personalities; they just need to learn to jive together.
The Spa
During the renovations, they didn’t forget the Desert Princess County Club’s full-service spa. Offering a wide range of traditional and signature services, massages and facials, the Desert Princess Country Club Spa is an oasis of relaxation at a reasonable rate. The spa includes: a heated outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor patio, Jacuzzi, separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers, two facial rooms (add-on services such as lash/brown tints and eye treatments are available), three massage rooms, and a couples room for a romantic and relaxing massage.
I visited the spa for a massage and a facial. Athena was with me and I thought it would be a nightmare, but it was fantastic. They booked me in a couples room for the first treatment and Athena played on the other table while I had a massage. The masseuse was kind, thoughtful, and good at her job, and she has a four year old of her own so she was completely laid-back about Athena playing in the room.
In between services, they offered water, chocolates, and a small bottle of Champagne. I drank the Champagne and Athena munched on the chocolates. We were both completely satisfied.
During the facial, the esthetician, Judy, gave me the Desert Princes Signature Facial that increases tone and hydrates the skin. Let’s “face” it, I don’t take care of my skin, especially my face, while traveling. I desperately needed some moisture and rejuvenation. Athena watched patiently as the esthetician applied products to my face. Judy let Athena try a few of the products including some lip cream and a little bit of the mask. She explained the process as she cleaned and nourished my face and Athena felt like she was helping. For someone without children of her own, Judy certainly knew exactly what to do to make Athena feel welcome.
It was the first time that I brought Athena with me while I was getting a treatment and she wasn’t. I don’t think it would have worked at many spas but the staff at Desert Princess Country Club Spa not only made it possible but they made it enjoyable.
DoubleTree Golf Resort in Palm Springs has so much to offer and so few negatives that it’s a worthy visit while in the Palm Springs area. We soaked up the sun while splashing and playing in the pool, we relaxed and refreshed at the spa, and we recharged in the room and at the restaurant. Palm Springs area is such a short drive for us that it’s easily a weekend getaway. You can be certain we’ll be back again soon and we’re hoping the DoubleTree Golf Resort will be part of our next stay.
