Serving Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, and the Greater Wilshire neighborhoods of Los Angeles since 2011.

Summer at La Quinta

Because my husband works in the film business, we can almost never plan a family vacation, especially one that involves air-travel.  Even if Joe can’t join us, the kids still love to get away from the city, so I am always on the lookout for easy, nearby options that won’t break the bank.  At the end of June, my kids, Ronan, 11, and Tess, 9, and I took advantage of the mid-week off-peak rates at the historic La Quinta Resort and Spa just east of Palm Springs.

Tess enjoying La Quinta (Shot on Hipstamatic App)

La Quinta Resort and Spa is a truly beautiful spot.  Nestled in the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains, it’s a desert oasis with clusters of swaying palm trees, lush lawns and endless blooming flowers. There are over 40 swimming pools and hot-tubs on the grounds, five restaurants – all with kids’ menus — 23 tennis courts and 5 world-class golf courses. There is even a little putting green.

We stayed in a Deluxe Casita Room on one of the largest pools for a drastically reduced rate of $113 a night!  We had ample space with 2 queen beds, a table with chairs, a patio with chaise lounges and a large bathroom.  There was a mini-fridge and storage space for additional snacks. (If husband Joe had been available, I would have added the adjoining room with king bed and fireplace, or booked one of their suites.) We love the Casita Rooms because the pool is literally right beyond the front door/patio, where I relaxed in the shade with a full view of my swimming children. There was also a large lawn between us and the pool, which was perfect for paddle ball and catch.

The resort wasn’t crowded – another tremendous off-peak benefit – so the kids could roam on their scooters – a must – and splash without too much shushing. There is one large amoeba-shaped “family” pool with cabanas, misters, music and a restaurant/bar – no shushing necessary .  Between July 9th and September 3rd the resort hosts an assortment of kid/family activities, like “Dive in” movies at the big pool.

It’s off-peak June-September because outside of the air-conditioned rooms it is hot, but honestly, even though it reached 108 degrees while we were there, we found it to be  very pleasant.  We were able to secure a poolside umbrella for shade, (call the front desk if they have already been nabbed up) which lowers the temperature considerably and if that wasn’t enough, we simply jumped into the pool.  At night, the temperature was sublime.  We strolled the resort and star-gazed without a sweater or a wrap, something we almost never enjoy in LA.  Most of the pools and hot tubs are open 24 hours (quiet time after 10pm) and the warm air makes it perfect for a night-time dip.  So if you’ve been trapped in the city and are looking for a quick family vacation that doesn’t involve two months advance planning or spending a fortune, I highly recommend a few days at La Quinta Resort and Spa, which is a mere 130 miles away from Larchmont Village.

La Quinta Resort and Spa
49-499 Eisenhower Drive
La Quita, California 92253 
800-598-3828
 
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Lindsay Gallagher
Lindsay Gallagherhttp://www.iknowbutidontknow.net
Lindsay is a transplant from New York City who has lived in Larchmont Village for all of her 20 years in Los Angeles. This “walking neighborhood” is perfect for her and her family, who consider themselves very blessed to have discovered such a charming small town in the heart of a sprawling metropolis. Lindsay travels often with her kids and writes reviews and blogs for the family travel website,Poshbrood.com and the Larchmont Buzz, Content for City National Bank's online magazine, News&Insights, is a member the editorial team at Marriott Traveler, and is a published novelist (pen name).

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1 COMMENT

  1. My family loves La Qunta in Summer! Gorgeous property and no matter where your room is, a pool is only steps away. The Hideaway Casitas, with its own private yard and jacuzzi, are great and the summer rates are a steal compared to what you pay during peak season. If you can manage a Saturday night stay, the in-pool movie screenings are a lot of fun for the kids.

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