Raving about the Riviera, Palm Springs!

As often occurs, I needed a quick getaway to see the sun. If you've ever experienced a prairie winter, I need not explain further. For those who don't know, sometimes the cold just bites you in the face and the only relief is to get out of dodge.

I had some travel credits to cash in and I chose the desert heat of Palm Springs. A simple Westjet flight out of Brandon at 1:15pm and I was sipping a cocktail in Palm Springs at sunset.

Looking for a hotel on this jaunt, I wanted old-school California. Some place with history, and hollywood lore. It also had to be budget and family friendly since I was vacationing with my favourite travel buddy, my 9 year old son. He wanted to make sure it had a great pool, good food, and 'something else fun for kids'.

We chose the Riviera Palm Springs. (Not to be confused with the 'Desert Riviera of Palm Springs') It had everything on our wish list and more! We did our due diligence and read the Trip Advisor reviews. Then, I even took it one step further and e-mailed the hotel itself. They responded with all the answers I needed in a gracious and welcoming manner. So that was a good first impression!

Once we arrived, I was blown away with the STYLE! Wowzas! Does the Riviera have old-school style! The lobby is gorgeous.... 5 star gorgeous!  I stood there with my mouth gaping open and took a moment just to take it all in.

At the front desk we met Richard, who would become our new best friend! He had answers to everything we asked. Can we sign out tennis racquets? Which way to the outlet malls? What should we try at breakfast? Are kids allowed in the piano lounge? Can kids play on the billiards table? Where's the fitness room? He was fabulous, a real asset to the resort and the best ambassador to the area. If I was starting my own hotel, he'd be the first person I would hire.



The hotel itself has been around for decades, but has recently undergone millions of dollars in renovations. It is clear to me that the Noble House hotel and resort chain values and maintains their properties. Every day we saw at least a dozen people working in building maintenance and grounds keeping. Even though the buildings themselves are older, they are very well kept.

The furnishings and the decor are outstanding! I have never taken more photographs of chairs and chandeliers than on this vacation. My son even remarked on the chandeliers. You simply can't miss them.

As far as value, I can say with certainty that I got great value for my money. Rates will vary by date and occupancy rates, but you will do well to get this resort in the range of $130 a night. They also offer packages which include spa or dining credits. I didn't use the spa, but did take a quick tour and it also looked first class.

The layout of the resort reminded me of that 60's style family camp as shown in the movie Dirty Dancing. It has several stand-alone buildings that all centered around recreation facilities, a main house and tennis courts. I've included a graphic of the resort layout.

I can imagine that in the heat of the summer the pool is party-central. It's very spacious, and surrounded by a healthy number of loungers, chairs and cabanas. The beverage service pool-side is excellent. I had one of the best, if not THE best margaritas I've ever tasted.

I'll have to start a new page for the restaurant and lounge as they are certainly noteworthy in their own right. In the meantime, I'll let the building and grounds photos speak for themselves.

All photos are my own, and taken on an iPhone.

A Royal Bargain to Turks n' Caicos

The perfect couple's destination!  And the Royal West Indies is hardly ever discounted by Westjet Vacations.  A very nice deal if you can jump on it. This hotel boasts excellent reviews and a prime location on the beach.

Through Westjet Vacations

Though the dates are 12 days apart, you can see the bargain with Westjet on this one.

Jamaica me crazy with these deals

Air Canada with direct flights from Winnipeg to Montego Bay....

These screen grabs were taken February 26th in the evening. They are from the Aircanadavacations.com website.

As always, I urge you to read the most recent Trip Advisor reviews so you have a well rounded base of information to use in your decision making. Don't let price be your only deciding factor.

A/C Flights to Hawaii for $488

That's the cheapest I've ever seen a flight to Hawaii.  Period.

Disney or Daytona

Fly and stay with Allegiant Air at the end of April, and you can enjoy 4 nights with air, hotel and tax included for under $400 per person.

If you'd rather find your own accommodations, flights are a ridiculous $156 taxes in, return per person. (Does not incl baggage fees)

Flights are out of GFK (Grand Forks, North Dakota).

Another last minute 5 star

How about a 5 star weekend at the ultra chic & exclusive Nobu hotel at Caesar's Palace?
It includes direct Westjet flights!

This is a bargain that won't last long!

5 Star Curacao this weekend for $909

Hell of a deal. I'd like to go! This is Air Canada Vacations, out of Winnipeg.

Jets rematch in Nashville?

Our Winnipeg Jets lost a hard fought game to the Nashville Predators tonight. They played really well, but Rinne, the Preds' goaltender was amazing! He stole the game for them.

If you would like to take a little winter break from Manitoba and go catch a hockey game in Nashville, the Jets play there again on March 7th.

Right now there are good prices on flights from United Airlines from YWG to BNA.  You can pair it up with a hotel through Expedia and get a 5 night package, including flights and taxes for about $1000  (Canadian funds).

Tickets to the game (off Stubhub.com) start about $37. For $100 per ticket, you can sit in the Club Seats. Yes, those are the good seats!

While you're in Nashville, you should visit some of the other sights. Check here to start your research on Nashville.

Sample flight & hotel from Expedia

Hotels nearby the Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville

Fast Five: Things I've learnt recently

Every time you travel you learn something about your destination, and also yourself.

1. Art and beauty is everywhere. You just have to open your eyes and slow down. Oh yeah, and put your damn phone away.

2. There is no substitute for a good quality pair of shoes. Shoes can start a conversation. Shoes can put a bounce in your step and take you on adventures. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin your day and change the way you feel.

3. I'm not an Asian size 5. It's a funny story from a street market in Hawaii that was selling sundresses. The vendor, who spoke broken english, asked me what size I wear. I said 'size 5'. From that point forward she was screeching at me "you NO size 5! You maybe size 7. You NO size 5!"  Just imagine my shock as I stood in the street. She whipped out a measuring tape and lassoed my waist. Shaking her head, she muttered about a size 7 or a size 10.  I forced a smile and walked away. She hollered after me, for all to hear.... "why you No buy from me, big hips?"  In my defence, the shorts I was wearing that day were a size 5. But she's probably right, not a made-in-china size 5 or a size 5 from any of the mismatched seconds that were for sale on the cart.  My big hips saved me a few dollars that day. LOL

4. I like a weekend in the big city. (Like Denver) But, a weekend is probably enough. I'm really more a vacation-on-the-beach kind of person.

5. I can't assume everyone wants a bargain holiday or wants to travel as much as I do. Some people want to indulge and live life fully and are quite willing and able to pay handsomely. I respect that. I'm just not there.

Under $400 to Boston

Would you like to take in a Red Sox game this spring?  There's fabulous savings through Air Canada on flights to many US cities including Chicago, Boston, Washington and New York, if you book before February 9th. Sale dates through May 2015, holiday black out periods do apply,

Promo code is 30PROMOEU

$350 to New York City (are 2 airports to choose from on sale) 

$424 to Baltimore, Maryland

Our day in the living desert

About 30 minutes south of Palm Springs, there is an area called The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. If you are looking for a full afternoon or whole day of activities for the family, you should give it a look.

The cost was $25 for one child and one adult admission. They many discounts, including seniors and military. Coupons can be found on-line or at most hotels in their tourist section. You'll save a few dollars, maybe even enough for a camel ride!

In this case, I'm going to let the photos do the talking. We had a great day. The highlight was certainly the camel ride. In my lifetime and many travels it was my first opportunity to ride a camel. I had to go for it! Cost was a mere $5. The ride itself was about 7 minutes, was pretty casual and felt very safe and relaxed. So glad we did it!

Dinosaur stage show

For $5 you could feed a giraffe a carrot. 

This giraffe giving me the stare down for not paying $5 for a carrot.

Meerkat

Eastwood the camel was 9 years old.  

Huge model train display 

In the train yard. A little T-rex fun. I'm sure he's just carrying the sheep to safety.

Planes & more in Palm Springs

Whether you like to soar above the clouds or keep your feet on the ground, Palm Springs has an area attraction for you! There is an outstanding aviation museum. It is located about 5 minutes from the airport and has been named the #1 Air Museum in California. Price of admission is under $20 a person with discounts offered for children, senior and military personnel.

They are currently featuring a P-51 Mustang restoration project and have more information on their website.

If you'd like to hit new heights in a cable car, the Palm Springs Arial Tramway, which is located at the north edge of the City, will be a must-do for you. You will ascend 2.5 miles up into the mountains. There is dining and hiking tours available. You'll want to plan a minimum 3 hours for this activity. Cost is about $25 for adults and $17 for children 3-12. Hotels and the tourism kiosks in town will offer discount coupons so you will want to keep your eyes open for those.

Indian Canyons offer a number of different hiking trails and serviced park activities in and around the area. Admission fees are under $10 and ranger-guided hikes are available. Information is available on their website if you would like to research trails, history or degree of difficulty. Do note that the trails are open longer hours in winter months, and are often closed afternoons in the summer due to heat.