The Palms at Indian Head — Hotel in San Diego Country Estates

Last year when we arrived, we too found a deserted front desk, but all our papers and towels waiting for us on the front desk (nobody around) - and it was more or less self service. this year, however, we had a wonderful warm greeting (two people behind the front desk) - all our questions answered - our room was ready before 3 (it's room #5, the best room here in our opinion - on the corner, next to the desert, upstairs - fabulous views and quiet)... king bed - like last year, we found the room MORE than comfortable - that WONDERFUL 4-poster bed (how I wish we could take it home with us) is incredibly comfortable (I'm lying in it right now using the free wifi to write this review) - room is huge - two armchairs and a coffee table, we have hair dryer, coffee machine, microwave, fridge, tv only has 4 channels though, all of them Spanish (but we're not here to watch tv, so we couldn't care less about that). This room has NOT been remodelled - which we're PLEASED about - we love the quaint feel inside and the 4 poster bed - the restaurant's menu looks AMAZING - we didn't eat here but wanted to - what a great selection they offer and excellent prices - there is someone playing the piano downstairs in the main lounge area, where there is a roaring fire and christmas decorations - it could NOT be more cozy or welcoming. I really don't want to write such a glowing recommendation because then next year, it may be fully booked and we may not be able to get a room - but it's just wonderful. Yes it's quirky - had to get the housekeeper to unlock the door because the lock is practically broken - THEY REALLY SHOULD FIX THAT - water is lovely and hot - there is a HUGE HUGE swimming pool and hot tub - really - what more could you want from a desert oasis hotel? There is a $10 breakfast credit at the Red Cotillo, which is nice of them - room has heating and air conditioning - lighting isn't great, could do with a couple more outlets to charge phones and things - but those are TINY complaints - you're here for the OUTSTANDING incredible view, the silence, the stars at night, the nostalgic feeling about the place - we just love, love love it. It's no slick, automated sole-less Holiday Inn, you won't find tiny plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles here, thankfully - it's just different. We just love everything about it - it's unique, different, warm, historic (amazing history behind the place) - a little quirky - and there's absolutely nowhere else in Borrego Springs we'd rather be than here. I...

We booked this last minute after a decision to go star gazing. It was the cheapest price I could see online for Borrego Springs and we were pleasantly surprised by how much we liked it.

Be warned, their front desk closes at 3 pm. When we got here at 6:30 pm on a weekend day, there was not a person in sight. The doors for the hotel were open and there was a package left for me with instructions regarding room. We couldn't figure out where to park so we parked in the back. The whole place was so isolated, we started talking about how this is usually the start of a horror movie 😛 Any way, the room was very comfortable and quite stylish. They said this was the smallest room they have in their email, so I would like to know what size the other rooms are!!

Room is equipped with a TV (cable doesn't work super great), fridge, microwave and a coffee maker. The bathroom has handsoap, shower gel and shampoo like one would at home (in Costco bottles), which I somehow LOVED!! The only issue we really had was the heat. The AC in our room is located in a corner that does not hit the bed at all. So on a summer evening with temps in the high 30s, it's pretty much impossible to sleep in the bed with the covers. We ended up sleeping with our heads on the leg side of the bed and stripped the bed off all covers except the thin one. They have a pool that's def Olympic standards but it was murky. The water was warm (not sure if natural or artificial) but we didn't go in given how murky it was. Also be careful of bugs. I had a giant cockroach enter my bag so don't know if it was already in the room or came in through the door with us.

Even in the morning, we only saw two people working at the place. So while I had a lovely time keeping to ourselves here, being in a resort which is pretty much open to everyone alone was a little bit freaky. I hope it gets busier in other seasons.

Update to reply to the owner because I'm not sure how to reply to them directly: When I say murky, we saw brown stuff at the bottom of the pool where the midway ramp is - not sure if it's leaves or something else. In any case, we decided not to go in for several reasons including that the water and the outside were both warm and we wanted to explore more things. And I did not realise the lady who I only saw for a few seconds after I had left the keys in the key drop box was the owner. We did have a good stay, so that's what I said and wished her a good day. I don't give 4 stars to a place...

Modernist style architecture, particularly the floor to ceiling windows and current adherence to the original spacial program of the Hoberg's resort that proceeded it, launch you back to the Mad Men era. Albeit a desert modern. Really an architectural treasure, it is also a bit of an expensive hotel and fine dining joint. The Coyote Steakhouse is a very nice black shoe splurge, however far it is in style and walking distance from the friendlier middle and working class joints around Christmas Circle. Much more "Prom night" than "Thursday Night." It remains a very popular if deeply graying bit of luxury in the Anza Borrego. I'd say see it while you can, as climate change and the local water crisis (in spite of the stubborn aging out of the boomers) are showing every sign of further transforming the golf resorts in the community from elegant modern comfort toward a more sustainable eco tourist economy. It already has a bit of a desert modernist feeling not unlike the alpine lodge in The Shining. You can feel the ghosts, not yet ancheit enough to give up on curiosity about the living, starting to lament the loss...