Desert Breezes Timeshare Resort, Palm Desert, CA

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Any information on Desert Breezes Timeshare Resort in Palm Desert, CA? We have an SFX exchange there the end of January, 2010.

[LynnW Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LynnW]

We stayed at Desert Breezes for a week in Oct and really enjoyed it. It is not GC but still a nice resort. The staff were friendly and the location is great. The large pool area has been redone and is very nice but don't know if the weather will be warm enough in Jan to use it. There is also a adult only pool and hot tub. If you have any other questions just ask.

Lynn

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Is there a building or area of the resort that we should request? Do the building have elevators? Do you know which units have been recently remodeled? Do the units have washer/dryer in them, if not what are the laundry facilities like? Do they have wireless internet? If so, is it free or is there a fee?

Thanks.

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

We own at DBR and go about 6 times a year. There are 2 different sections: 4 Seasons at Desert Breezes ( fractional ownership condos) and Desert Breezes Resort. We have stayed at both but prefer DBR. All 10 buildings are 2 story with no elevator. Every building has a laundry room with free washer & dryer. Almost all rooms have had a remodel this year with new carpet, drapes and furnature. We were just there last week and it was nice enough weather to use the pool. All units have a small patio or balcony off the living room and master bedroom. The 2 bedroom units have a gas fireplace, too. There is a fee for the internet use but I don't know the cost since I always use the free computers in the lounge.

This is our favorite timeshare. It isn't fancy but the units are large and comfortable and well equiped. The kitchen even has a pantry to store your food and beverages. There are no fancy whirlpool tubs but there are new flat screen TVs and you get a mid week tidy service free ( at least for now. Most timeshares have dropped this free service.) The grounds are lovely and the staff is great. There is a wine & cheese social on Tuesday's where the manager Bob answers questions and gives out little doorprizes.

We prefer a downstairs room because we hate schlepping all our stuff up the stairs. There is a noise factor ( elephants upstairs) that is a problem but we'd rather have that than go up and down the stairs. Ask for a room in the first or second buildings for the best views of the mountains and sunsets. Your location in the building depends on the size room you have. Rooms are assigned on a first come basis, though, even for owners.

It's a little tricky finding the gated entrance. It's sort of hidden and people tend to zoom right past. There is a great Ralph's supermarket about a mile away. The resort is at the far end of Palm Desert but we like the location, away from the freeway and airport noise. If you need any more info or want pictures let me know. I'll post some photos of the remodled rooms on my Picassa album and post a link.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Does it help to call ahead for requests? My wife has had double knee replacement and doesn't do stairs very well. Also, we arrive in ONTARIO CA (ONT) at 5:55 PM on Friday, so it will be probably 8-9 before we get to the condo.

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

They don't have handicap units so we always call ahead and request downstairs. My elderly Mom travels with us and she can't do stairs. I think if you tell them you MUST be downstairs they will accomodate you.

Since you are arriving late be sure to call when you get to the airport. The office closes at 9pm and your room will be assigned and the keys left for you. There is a special proceedure for after hours arrival.

Here's the photos.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Thanks, she doesn't need a handicapped unit, but does have problems with stairs. We are flying Southwest, so we changed our flight to get in around noon. I think that getting there earlier and in the daylight is the best thing to do. Should we call anyways and request a first floor unit and a building preference?

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

Yes, call the resort and request a first floor unit. Tell them your wife cannot climb stairs. You can also request a specific building but there is no guarantee! To get to the resort, take the Washington Ave exit from Hwy10 and go right, toward the mountains. You will go through 3 or 4 stoplights (maybe 2 miles.) The entrance is on the right just before you get to Fred Waring Dr.

Here's the view of the pond in front of building #1

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Thanks, again

Thanks for all the help. How far in advance would you recommend calling? Timeshare Forums is great for all the wonderful folks and the great information.

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

They probably don't have your reservation from SFX yet. They usually get them about 2 weeks ahead. That's when you should call. Be very adament that you MUST be on the ground floor! If you have a 1 bedroom unit you will have a better chance since the majority of the units are 1 bedroom.

I wish I knew how to post photos

I have some great sunset shots. I hope you have a great time at this lovely little resort. It is a hidden gem overlooked by people who opt for the brand name resorts nearby. By the way, if you golf they have good discounts at a couple of the nearby courses.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

We have a two bedroom unit. My cousin from Tucson may come up and spend a few days with us at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week our daughter from IL is coming. We have a second week at Newport Beach.

[LynnW Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LynnW]

Wow lots of responses by the time I got back! We also exchanged through SFX and did call ahead to request a main floor unit and that is what we got. We also had a 2 bedroom in phase 1 and enjoyed the hot tub right outside our door. We stayed in the 4 seasons section many years ago and liked Desert Breezes better. We already have a request in for spring 2011 for the Palm Desert area and this resort is on the list. The wine and cheese party was wonderful!

Lynn

[StressCadet Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close StressCadet]

Yes, call the resort and request a first floor unit. Tell them your wife cannot climb stairs. You can also request a specific building but there is no guarantee! To get to the resort, take the Washington Ave exit from Hwy10 and go right, toward the mountains. You will go through 3 or 4 stoplights (maybe 2 miles.) The entrance is on the right just before you get to Fred Waring Dr.

Here's the view of the pond in front of building #1

Watch for the entrance...Barn is right-you may zoom right past it because you don't expect it. I just drove by it today-just in the area to visit Mom-and it flashed right by me and I thought "Oh, that's where Desert Breezes is located" Probably good that you changed your flight to arrive in the daylight. Enjoy! It was high 60's today which is actually cooler than usual.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Southwest Airlines is great about changing flights, etc., Airline of choice. When we get this will be on the look out for the entrance, for sure. Thanks to all for the help!

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

We will be on our way Friday morning. Looking for dry weather in the southern part of California for the next two weeks. We called ahead and made our request at DBTS and will do it tomorrow for our second week at Marriott's Newport Beach.