Getting there: Palm Springs is 110 miles due east of Los Angeles and can be reached via I-10.Lodging: At the Estrella Inn, standard winter rates range upward from $125. Its charming villas are priced from $200, although rates are scheduled to rise the first of the year. Address: 415 S. Belardo Road. Phone: 1-760-320-4117. Reservations: 1-800-237-3687. Web: www.estrella.com. The rooms at Korakia Pensione are priced from $120 to $260. Address: 257 S. Patencio Road. Phone: 1-760-864-6411. For a spa experience in Palm Springs, try The Palms, a sister property of The Oaks in Ojai. Standard rates range from $135 to $215 (rates to increase on Jan. 1). Address: 572 N. Indian Canyon Drive. Phone: 1-760-325-1111. Reservations: 1-800-753-7256. Web: www.palmsspa.com.
Dining: The finest dining in the area can be found at Le Vallauris, 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, 1-760-325-5059. For a more casual setting along the main drag, try the Mexican/Southwest food at the Blue Coyote Grille, 445 N. Palm Canyon Drive, 1-760-327-1196. A great spot for an afternoon drink is the patio of Las Casuelas Terraza, 222 S. Palm Canyon Drive, 1-760-325-2794.
Information: For general tourism information on Palm Springs, to order a free tourist brochure or to make lodging reservations, phone 1-800-347-7746, or click to: www.palm-springs.org.