“Stay away from Desert Hot Springs”
Don't let the words "sanctuary", "resort", or "spa" fool you. This place was a dive. I was under the impression that the place was cheep because it was "under renovation." That's half true, it was under renovation, but the place was a dive nonetheless.
I discovered after-words that Desert Hot Springs has the largest concentration of parolees and ex-cons than anywhere else in California. There's also a a high amount of gang activity. I honestly felt scared staying at this hotel!
If you do check in, make sure you check in early -- there will most definitely be something wrong with your room and you're more likely to have it rectified if you're the first to check in. Every time I passed through the lobby, I heard someone complaining about their room. Originally I was given a room key to a supply closet! I'm not kidding!
Although the area was dangerous, and the hotel a bit of a slum, there were some positives. The clerk at the front desk, although ill-informed, was still accommodating. The rooms obviously hadn't been remodeled in maybe 4 decades, but as my wife said, at least there weren't any cockroaches. The pool was functional, but slightly dirty, so I wouldn't recommend going in.
All in all the hotel wasn't terrible, the worst part was simply the bad neighborhood.
Area recommendations
Anywhere else in greater Palm Springs. Just stay away from Desert Hot Springs.
Family-friendly activities
Try the Children's Discovery Museum. The Living Desert is awesome! Plan on spending the whole day.
