It’s hot. And while you won’t find lower temperatures in the desert, you will find cooler and slicker places to beat the heat in Palm Springs. Only two hours by car, since the 1920s Palm Springs has been nicknamed Hollywood’s Playground. Stars like Marilyn Monroe, the Rat Pack, Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant frequented the “ecological wonder” and even bought hideaway homes. Legend has it that there was a “Two-Hour Rule” for actors under contract: They had to be available within two hours from the studio for reshoots.

There’s something (well, many things) about Palm Springs that just screams getaway fun. Unlike Venice, Santa Monica or Malibu, where you can dip into the ocean, your sun savior here is its scores of hotel pools. There is a watering hole for every type in this town, so let’s begin.

Pool with a Spa: This is relaxation done right. You won’t be the only thing melting – so will your muscles. Hotel Andreas (227 N. Indian Canyon Drive; andreashotel.com) is located right in the middle of town, so you’re walking distance to restaurants, antique stores, the Palm Springs Art Museum and Lapperts Ice Cream shop. The Spanish Revival and Craftsman 1930s-style rooms are comfy and cool (AC, baby!), but the shaded pool deck is where you want to be. They even have a large cooler full of ice for your drinking and rubbing-your-forehead pleasure. Without going further than the lobby, you can continue your day of relaxation at the spa. Talbert is a master at deep tissue massage, or you can increase your peace with Swedish, Shiatsu or Reflexology or treat yourself to a facial, manicure or pedicure. Then slink back to the pool and slide into the water once again. As the spa therapists like to say: Who knew being a few miles away could feel like a million?

From Hotel Andreas you’re just blocks from the Matchbox Bistro (155 S. Palm Canyon Drive; matchboxpalmsprings.com). It’s a vintage pizza bistro, but that’s not all they do well. Their mini burgers, spicy ahi tempura rolls and crab & avocado and heirloom tomato salads are scrumptious and add spice and sophistication to the eclectic pizza joint. Just because the menu is so diverse, don’t forget to order a pizza. After all, that’s what keeps the place packed, lively with locals and hopping with tourists. And if you’re looking for some intimacy, you can request a table on one of their private balconies overlooking the main street.

For breakfast, everybody heads over to Pinocchio in the Desert (134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way; pinocchiops.com). Maybe it’s the Bottomless Champagne ($3.95), but the line outside on weekends lets you know the party starts once you arrive. The food is served in large portions, providing good fuel for the rigorous lounging you plan to do for the rest of the day.

Hipster Hangout: Eureka! Ace Hotel (701 E. Palm Canyon Drive; acehotel.com/palmsprings) is where you’ll find the cool, good-lookin’, artsy young’uns on the scene. King’s Highway (formerly Denny’s) provides roadside diner fare while the Amigo Room, a ranch-hand bar, makes you feel like saddling up on your way out. The décor is vintage chic coupled with surfer style and touched with local modern flavor. There’s a photo booth in the lobby, poolside hammocks and a ping-pong table, too.

Snacks and Sounds: Picture this: Lying on a couch bed under a canopy, gazing at the saltwater pool, munching on Rock Shrimp Tacos or a Grilled Vegetable & Portobello Foccacia with goat cheese, arugula pesto and tomato.

What more could you ask for? Live tunes? Your wish is their on-demand. Viceroy Hotel Palm Springs (415 S. Belardo Rd.; viceroypalmsprings.com), featuring interior design styling by Kelly Wearstler, has a similar feel to a South Beach spot. With a DJ onsite and a crowd that looks like they could be in the club (only with more clothes on), the festive party vibe resembles a grown and sexy Spring Break. Stop by for Sunday Sessions from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Citron Pool with London DJ Chris Paul.



For more information, visit visitpalmsprings.com.