Desert Fountain Inn - Palm Springs

[DenitaLC]

Does anyone have any experience with this resort? We are booked there for four nights in early April. Any info on the resort and ideas for "must do" activities in PS are appreciated!

Also, I read a post on here that mentioned Desert Fountain Inn being for sale? Is that true? I know the current owners bought the property in '04 so I'm surprised to hear rumor that they are selling already.

Thanks!
Dee and Gordon http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Edited to say: I contacted the owners and they confirmed that the property is on the market.

http://www.desertfountaininn.com

[DenitaLC]

Does anyone have any experience with this resort? We are booked there for four nights in early April. Any info on the resort and ideas for "must do" activities in PS are appreciated!

Also, I read a post on here that mentioned Desert Fountain Inn being for sale? Is that true? I know the current owners bought the property in '04 so I'm surprised to hear rumor that they are selling already.

Thanks!
Dee and Gordon http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Edited to say: I contacted the owners and they confirmed that the property is on the market.

http://www.desertfountaininn.com

[CollarFreeWorker]

Dee & Gordon -

I'm not familiar with that resort -- you don't mean Desert Shadows Inn, do you? That is a quite large and famous resort, but I have not heard of Desert Fountain Inn.

For a real treat in PS one night, call for a reservation at John Henry's Cafe -- you will find it in the white pages. It is a little nondescript place behind a grocery store and next to a mortuary (really!) that is almost impossible to find -- and they don't advertise. But the food, service and PRICES are incredible. Trust me, you will be talking about John Henry's for years -- and the two of you can have a white tablecloth gourmet meal with drinks and wine for under $50.00!

Later,

Mike

[luvnaturism]

I'm not familiar with it. If it's been a naturist resort all this time I would think that it would have been mentioned before.

In any event their website looks attractive. Please post a report after your visit.

I've not heard of it either but it's there and it's clothing optional.

http://www.desertfountaininn.com/

[DJ Guy Productions]

You know Dee it's funny because they had an add in AANR that came out October 2005. Now in regards to selling you might want to call them there number listed is (877) 438-6354 so that this way you can make sure, just in case you would have to make other arrangements.

Desert Shadows INN and Resorts is really nice, I have been there several times and also clothes free has done some segments there. The website is http://www.desertshadows.com you can get a really goo idea of the property itself.


Have a wonderful New Year


Kristopher



<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DenitaLC:
Does anyone have any experience with this resort? We are booked there for four nights in early April. Any info on the resort and ideas for "must do" activities in PS are appreciated!

Also, I read a post on here that mentioned Desert Fountain Inn being for sale? Is that true? I know the current owners bought the property in '04 so I'm surprised to hear rumor that they are selling already.

Thanks!
Dee and Gordon http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[P & C]

I had just happened upon the website for Desert Fountain Inn the other day. Looks nice. It appears that a nudist couple decided to join the race, and since Desert Shadows and Terra Cotta seem to run pretty full on weekends, there's probably room for another. AND... they're quite a lot cheaper.

Will be interested to hear a report from somebody who's actually been there.

P

[DenitaLC]

Thanks everyone! We will be sure to post a trip report when we return. The reports I've read on Desert Fountain Inn on TripAdvisor.com are all positive. We were attracted to the smaller resort scene and, of course, a little more economical room rate. The owner seemed very nice on the phone. Guess we will just have to wait and see. :-) I appreciate the replies...thank you all!
Dee (and Gordon)

[DenitaLC]

Thank you Mike! I'll be sure to tell hubby about John Henry's. We're always on the look out for neat places off the beaten track and with good prices. As for Desert Shadows, we know about it and plan on visiting for a day pass if possible. Desert Fountain Inn just had better rates....it sucks to be on a budget! LOL


http://clothesfreeforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Dee (and Gordon)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CollarFreeWorker:
Dee & Gordon -

I'm not familiar with that resort -- you don't mean Desert Shadows Inn, do you? That is a quite large and famous resort, but I have not heard of Desert Fountain Inn.

For a real treat in PS one night, call for a reservation at John Henry's Cafe -- you will find it in the white pages. It is a little nondescript place behind a grocery store and next to a mortuary (really!) that is almost impossible to find -- and they don't advertise. But the food, service and PRICES are incredible. Trust me, you will be talking about John Henry's for years -- and the two of you can have a white tablecloth gourmet meal with drinks and wine for under $50.00!

Later,

Mike </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[DenitaLC]

Update, we've changed our reservations to Desert Shadows Inn.

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

We decided we wanted more things to do and a larger property offered more options.

Anyone have anything to share on this property?

Thanks,
Dee and Gordon

[FireProf]

Sure! The Prof and I go quite often for the day and have stayed there a few times.

Let's see.......

Most of the staff is nice and quite friendly. The owners, the Payne's, are usually out and about most of the time, visiting with regulars and some of the new people.

The inn has a restaurant, full bar, small supply of snacks in the boutique, a Spa, adequate exercise room, 3 pools and 2 spas in the mair resort area, another pool and spa on the other side across the bridge.

There are several accomodation choices varying in price, size and location on the grounds. We looked into purchasing a unit there next to the large water fall. This unit had two bedrooms, two baths, it was adequate size to live full time but we were looking for weekend/vacation property and at the time, real estate prices were totally out of this world. They seem to be coming down some. So who knows...maybe next year we'll be owners.

The food is good. The spa services are many and they always seem to either be booked or near booked. We just had a massage from one of the masseuse's. It was very nice. Only regret, we didn't stay and had to drive home after a relaxing treatment.

You are given two large clean towels each day for your lounge, but can replace them as needed. If it's not too busy, they will give you an extra per person. An ice machine with plenty of ice for your room bucket. Some of the rooms are motel type and run the spectrum to two bedrooms with full kitchens.

Any specific questions? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[DenitaLC]

Thank you so much for the great info. It's always so nice to hear from people that have been to a resort and can give you first hand experience and advice! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

We are going the first week in April...what would you guess the temps will be? We've seen the average seems to be in the mid-80's or about...that would be heavenly. (I say that as I hear the cold rain slapping the side of our house!!!) http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/sad3.gif

Is mid-week usually pretty active? We were at Caliente in FL last June, mid-week and it was pretty quiet. That was fine for our first nude resort experience but it wasn't good for finding good conversation or getting a fun game of volleyball going!

So, the weight room is OK? That was part of our decision to switch to DS. We want to "try" and still workout while on vacation. Gotta offset those dining out meals somehow! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

We're booked in the basic units....are they fairly nice? Can you walk the bridge and use the pool on that side?

Thanks for your time and info!
Dee (and Gordon)

Oh, and can you bring your own soda, etc down to the pools in non-glass containers? (Caliente didn't let you...FL state law.)

[FireProf]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DenitaLC:
Thank you so much for the great info. It's always so nice to hear from people that have been to a resort and can give you first hand experience and advice! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

We are going the first week in April...what would you guess the temps will be? We've seen the average seems to be in the mid-80's or about...that would be heavenly. (I say that as I hear the cold rain slapping the side of our house!!!) http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/sad3.gif

Is mid-week usually pretty active? We were at Caliente in FL last June, mid-week and it was pretty quiet. That was fine for our first nude resort experience but it wasn't good for finding good conversation or getting a fun game of volleyball going!

So, the weight room is OK? That was part of our decision to switch to DS. We want to "try" and still workout while on vacation. Gotta offset those dining out meals somehow! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

We're booked in the basic units....are they fairly nice? Can you walk the bridge and use the pool on that side?

Thanks for your time and info!
Dee (and Gordon)

Oh, and can you bring your own soda, etc down to the pools in non-glass containers? (Caliente didn't let you...FL state law.) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dee,

First...you are quite welcome. We always get a great feeling helping someone or being able to answer their questions on various nudist places.

The weather in April should be just as you stated, in the low 80's. It's actually the best time to go to Palm Springs. Activity mid week can be either/or....meaning, could be busy, could be quite. That's a month that many of our schools have spring break. There could be quite a crowd spending their break there. The second week in April is when the bulk of Spring Break is for our schools so depending on when other schools have theirs (some school districts have it the first week, others the second), it's kind of a toss up.

As far as the exercise room; The owners added lots of new equipment. If you go on the website, there are pictures. I just said it's okay cuz I don't use it much! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif It is actually quite nice and is nicely equipped! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

The motel style rooms are quite nice, clean and comfortable. They are all near the "activity" pool. This pool gets lots of action. Many volleyball games going on all the time. It can get a little noisy if you like to take nap in the afternoon. It's actually the place you wanna be. It's where most everyone hangs out. These rooms are very close to the ice machine, the bar and restaurant and boutique.

Yes, you can walk across the bridge and use the other pool if you'd like. It's really quiet over there. There are 4 pools; the "activity" pool, the "quiet" pool, near the Spa, the "chapparel" pool (tucked away in the back) can be quiet also, and the "other" pool across the bridge. The jacuzzi's are near the quiet pool and Spa, next to the "chapparel" pool and another next to the pool across the bridge.

You can have anything you want down on the pool deck, coolers, etc. as long as there's no glass.

Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Some friends of ours from Colorado may be coming to visit in April and said they'd like for us to meet them at DS and spend some time. Maybe catch you there a day or two.

Take care.

FP http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[DenitaLC]

Mrs. FP.......you're wonderful! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

Great info, thank you! I think hubby and I are both looking for more "life" in a resort this time around. You are making us feel pretty secure with our accomodations. I love to visit, swim and play volleyball so I'm sure there will be lots of things to keep me busy. Hubby will play if I nag enough but he is also content to just spectate.

I'm glad we can bring in items to snack on and drink. We don't do a lot of alcohol but like to have pop and water on hand. Do they have water coolers on site at all? I'm glad the ice machine is close at hand, I'm sure we'll go through plenty of that.

What suggestions do you have for dining out? Any "must" try places? Someone on here recommended "John Henry's", he said it was very good and reasonably priced. We are planning to take the gondula ride up the mountain one evening and eat up there.....looking forward to that. Heck, looking forward to the whole trip! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif It is our Spring Break but we're leaving the two kids up here with Grandpa!

It would be great if we ran across each other there! We're booked for the 3rd-6th of April...leaving for home on the 7th.

Hugs,
Dee

[NE Tucson]

My wife and I went to Desert Shadows last summer for the three big weekends - Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Palm Springs is about the same temperature as Tucson, so the 108 F didn't bother us. We stayed in the motel units the first two times and they were just fine, given that we were only in the room to sleep. We went with another couple over Labor Day and rented a 2br condo unit that was very nice and worth every penny. Palm Springs is in general expensive and the prices at Desert Shadows were in line.

Desert Shadows is an active resort, not a quiet B&B. We played pool volleyball until our wrists hurt, drank wine and mixed drinks when not in the water, and had a GREAT time at the NUDE DJ dances each of the holiday weekends. 75% of the people at the dance were nude, 25% had suggestive clothing on at the start. 3 hours later 98% were nude.

The restaurant is reasonably priced and the food is "OK". There are several good places to eat within walking distance, the most notable is the Uptown Grill across the street, with 2 for 1 entrees all summer. The condo rental had a nice kitchen, and to us, a steak from Safeway tastes the same as a $40 one from a steakhouse on restaurant row, about 2 miles south of the resort.

The other guests were friendly, but my wife and I are extroverts so we make our own friends, and had fun. The staff don't "fawn" over the guests, they do their job and are polite and friendly. We paid for nude party weekends and weren't disappointed! We can't wait for Memorial Day this year!

The couple from NE Tucson

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[DenitaLC]

Thank you both so much! We appreciate all the great information! Yes, we decided that we wanted more to do and more to visit with than a BandB would offer. Hence, our switch. At first, price was the factor in our earlier reservations but after joining INA/CFI we got the discount at DSI and that made up the difference in the room rates. Plus, I've been saving up so we can have a lot of fun and not have to pinch pennies which is NO FUN when on vacation! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

Appreciate your reply very much!
Dee (and Gordon)

[Norbert]

I would say a "MUST DO" activity when in Palm Springs is take the Tram up to the top of Mount Gorgonio for INCREDIBLE views of the desert floor. The only bad part about the tram ride is that- YOU CANNOT BE NAKED !

[FireProf]

At most time's of the year, the temp at the top of Mt San Gorgonio is 30 degrees lower than that of the desert floor.

Just be aware of that. We went unprepared our first time and had to spend most of the time in the lodge because it was soooooo cold outside.

One day, Desert Shadows should try and book the Tram and lodge for nudist to go up and have lunch!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif

[NaturalJudge]

Just a question here for clarification. I thought the Palm Springs Tram went up to the top of Mt San Jacinto? I never heard of Mt San Gorgonio. Are these two seperate mountains???

[FMII]

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/eusa_dance.gif DenitalC, for what it's worth. I stayed at Desert Fountain Inn for a week last year in the later part of April. The weather was splendid and the ambiance of the Inn is just outstanding. Karen & Richard are splendid hosts and the Inn is located in an area where everthing is easy to get to. The rooms are very clean and the pool was cristal clear. It is a great place to go and rest. It is not as commercial as Desert Palm. Have a good stay and enjoy
All the best
FCMII

[DenitaLC]

Thank you for your reply and info. I would like to spend a night there and between now and April, our reservations could alter a bit. Too many great nude opportunities in PS with not enough days to do it all! Especially for our first trip there.
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif
Dee

[DenitaLC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FireProf:
At most time's of the year, the temp at the top of Mt San Gorgonio is 30 degrees lower than that of the desert floor.

Just be aware of that. We went unprepared our first time and had to spend most of the time in the lodge because it was soooooo cold outside.

One day, Desert Shadows should try and book the Tram and lodge for nudist to go up and have lunch!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Woudn't that be a hoot! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif Thanks for the tram/mt. info, we'll be sure to have jackets w/ us!

[FireProf]

Sure would be fun! DS puts on a guided tour of celebrity homes and celebrity info on Palm Springs. They rent a large tour bus and those that pay to go on this tour can do so in the nude.

We missed the last one. Hope we're there for the next. They did a Nudes in the News segment on this nude tour bus ride a few episodes back.

Best time for the naked Tram ride would be in the summer when it's 110 on the desert floor and 80 up on the mountain. If we don't get to eat at the lodge, we could all pack a lunch and hike away from the lodge and have a picnic! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Solarpower]

HI DenitaLC, You guys seem like an active couple. The tram ride is great and there are some fabulous hiking trails once you get up there. Ask them for a hiking map. I hiked/ trail ran for a couple hours and only saw four people. Most stay near the tram.

Fireprof is right, take an extra layer, sunscreen, and water. It was pushing 90's when I was there and in the 60's up top.

As of three years ago there was a great family owned Italian restaurant near the turn off to the tram access road. The building was red and it was on the mountain side of the road. It seemed like a local favorite and I bet the locals will know the name. Double thumbs up.

Also for a day trip consider running up to Joshua Tree National Park. Less than an hour up from Desert Shadows.

I enjoyed a day trip to Desert Shadows (not Desert Fountain) a couple months ago on a weekday. Although not many people, those I met were extremely nice. Also very clean and the restaurant was an unexpected surprise.

Pardon the rambling, but Palm Springs also has a farmers market downtown at least one night a week. Lots of Arts and Crafts; I snacked my way through the local vendor food stands.

Enjoy!

[Solarpower]

Hi DenitaLC, my first time on this site; not sure if I responded to your inquiry earlier. I added some info for you guys to the post...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DenitaLC:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FireProf:
At most time's of the year, the temp at the top of Mt San Gorgonio is 30 degrees lower than that of the desert floor.

Just be aware of that. We went unprepared our first time and had to spend most of the time in the lodge because it was soooooo cold outside.

One day, Desert Shadows should try and book the Tram and lodge for nudist to go up and have lunch!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Woudn't that be a hoot! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif Thanks for the tram/mt. info, we'll be sure to have jackets w/ us! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[DenitaLC]

Solarpower:

Thanks so much for your post! We do try to be active and some hiking up on the mountain would be a lot of fun...especially after dining up there...need to work off some of the food. The menu looks wonderful! Glad to hear good things about Desert Shadows...we're really looking forward to our stay there. I like meeting new people and visiting. Of course, if there is volleyball going on...I'm there! ;-) Joshua Tree looks really neat, we may have to find time to go that direction. I did see info on the Thursday evening street fair...we'll be sure and walk downtown for that!

Welcome to the site here! Thanks again for your reply!

:-)
Dee

[FireProf]

Dee,

The name of the Italian Restaurant that SolarPower mentioned is called "Spaghetteria".

It's on the corner of Palm Canyon Dr (Hwy 111) and Racquet Club Dr. We highly recommend it. In fact, we'll be having dinner there later this next week!

There are several others if you'll let us know what your taste buds lean towards.

FP http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[DenitaLC]

We aren't too picky of eaters but do try and keep it fairly lowcarb. (Hubby is better at that then I am, especially while on vacation! LOL)

Mexican....can you recommend a good Mexican restaurant? Somewhere with good steaks and salads? Have you been to John Henry's? Someone recommended that to us from here.

Thanks!
Dee

[P & C]

We've enjoyed Las Casuelas Terraza in downtown Palm Springs - we've made it a tradition to go there every time we visit DSI. Nice athosphere with several options for patio seating.

P & C

[FireProf]

P & C's choice for mexican food is also a frequently visited place by us most times we are in PS and feel like Mexican food.

I do have a recommendation for great steaks and salad......but...it's a bit pricey!!

L & G's Steak House downtown is amazing. Another place, equally pricey is The Chop House.

Both of them have impecable service, amazing food, drink and atmosphere..........but it comes with a price.

Don't mind the drive......about 35 mins from DSI in La Quinta is The Hoggs Breath Inn. This restaurant got it's start in Carmel, CA., started by Clint Eastwood. Outstanding food, and not as pricey as L&G's or Chop House.

We are headed to Terra Cotta Inn on Saturday for the week. I'll be on the look out, ask Tom and Mary Clare, TCI's owners, to recommend some places and repost while we are there. We'll have the laptop up and running.

FP http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

[Alii]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DenitaLC:
Mexican....can you recommend a good Mexican restaurant? Somewhere with good steaks and salads?
Thanks!
Dee </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Blue Coyote in downtown Palm Springs was originally recommended to us by Tom and Mary Clare at the Terra Cotta. It offers Mexican/Southwestern food. We love it and go there everytime we are in the PS area. One of the highlights of our trip to PS.

Phil

[FireProf]

Ahhh yes, the Blue Coyote. Eaten there many times ourselves. Very good, great atmosphere, I also would recommend the Blue Coyote.

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

[DenitaLC]

Thank you Phil and FireProf! We'll try and check it out!

:-)

[DenitaLC]

P and C,
Thanks! I love getting all these great recommendations. I'm going to wish we had more days in PS to try more places to eat! LOL

:-)
Dee

[DenitaLC]

Hoggs Breath Inn.......I love it! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif We might have to try that one, we're C.E. fans. Matter of fact....hubby was watching Hang 'Em High the night our daughter was born....I made him turn it OFF when it was time for her delivery...LOL!

We've seen the web site for The Chop House...looks great but like you said, spendy. I don't mind paying extra on vacation but there is a limit! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[FireProf]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DenitaLC:
Hoggs Breath Inn.......I love it! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif We might have to try that one, we're C.E. fans. Matter of fact....hubby was watching Hang 'Em High the night our daughter was born....I made him turn it OFF when it was time for her delivery...LOL!

We've seen the web site for The Chop House...looks great but like you said, spendy. I don't mind paying extra on vacation but there is a limit! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


It's a great place to dine. Lots and lots of references to Clint Eastwood movies and characters on the menu and lots of pictures and art work of his various western characters as well.

If you are die hard C.E. fans as we are, it's a restaurant you have to try.

L&G's is just as spendy as Chop House. We usually go there every year cuz one of our friends celebrates her birthday on this annual trip. She and her husband aren't able to make it this year, which means, no Chop House......our credit cards are breathing a sigh of relief! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif