Places to Eat and Drink
It's easy to "get your grub" in the desert. Exotic and entertaining eateries are everywhere you turn. Even if your tastes run the gamut from chic bistros to exclusive restaurants to family-style eateries, to budget buffets, you can find it all here, prepared by both homegrown and world-class chefs. Authentic Mexican restaurants abound.
For budget-minded travelers, I suggest the buffets, like Old Country Buffet in Palm Desert, because they'll have something for everyone and you can get filled without going broke. If you love southern cooking, try Big Willie's delicious down home cooking in Indio. In a hurry? I like pizza or the meatball sandwich from Nicolino's in Cathedral City or Palm Springs. For my sweet tooth, I head to Heminger's Fudge in Palm Springs. Besides the delicious gourmet hand made fudge they're famous for, they have sugar-free chocolates and other confections and treats. And as always, both Denny's and Carrow's restaurants are open for a good meal 24-hours a day with several locations in the valley.
Accommodation
More than 300 hotels accommodate conventioners and vacationers from around the world. Although Palm Springs' image is that of a luxury resort destination, you can find accommodations to suit every budget, including familiar chain hotels, unique bed-and-breakfast inns, private motels, vacation rentals, and RV campsites.
Upscale digs will be easily found throughout this playground of the rich and famous. Generally speaking, look to Desert Hot Springs and Indio for comfortable yet inexpensive lodging. While these cities are located off the tourist beat, and therefore less costly, they are still easily accessible to all of this resort area's attractions.
To take advantage of Palm Springs' fine reservation service, simply call 1-800-347-7746. The Visitor Information center will help you find the perfect accommodations for your needs and budget.
Local Services
Post Office: Call 1-800-275-8777 for all desert Post Office locations.
Palm Springs Visitors information Center: 1-800-347-7746
The Desert Guide publication of Palm Springs Desert Resorts Visitors and Conventions Authority.
Foreign currency exchange: The Airport Business Center at Palm Springs Regional Airport provides currency exchange for all major foreign currencies and traveler's checks.
Medical Services: Three hospitals and several more primary care facilities are located throughout the cities to serve you in an emergency.
Auto Service: AAA Automobile Club of Southern California provides emergency automobile and road service. Call 800-400-4222
24-hour gasoline service stations are located in Indio, Palm Desert and Palm
Springs.
More Info
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Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
