Desert Isle of Palm Springs

This condo-style property makes a good first impression, with towering palms, beautiful desert landscaping, and a huge, pool-like water fountain with a pedestrian bridge spanning it. A covered patio, with mountain views, has wicker-style furniture. The patio also has an island with a large gas grill where guests can gather together to barbecue. Interiors are less impressive, though the lobby is adequately decorated with brown two-tone floors in big square patterns and tropical accents. It offers several places to sit, including a cozy living-room area with a wall-mounted TV. A gas fireplace and indoor fountains encourage guests to linger a bit and take in the ambience. The atmosphere is quiet, and the families and couples who stay here tend to spend their time at the pools, in their condos, or sightseeing.

The Desert Isle is located in a quiet, mostly residential area off busy East Palm Canyon Drive, about a 10-minute drive south of downtown Palm Springs. Bus service to downtown takes about 30 minutes, and the bus stops near the hotel on East Palm Canyon Drive. Across the street is a retail complex with several shops, a pharmacy, a supermarket, and several places to eat, including McDonald's and Chipotle. Palm Springs International Airport is a five-minute drive, as are the waterparks Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs and Knott’s Soak City. Several golf courses are in the immediate area, with the closest about a five-minute drive away. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway that journeys nearly 6,000 feet up to Mount San Jacinto Wilderness State Park is a 20-minute drive, and the Joshua Tree National Park Visitors Center is a 50-minute drive. Drives to Los Angeles and the beaches take about two hours.

The 56 apartment-style condos at the Desert Isle of Palm Springs are pleasantly decorated in a simple, traditional American style that features subtle earth tones. Matching wood furniture in light finishes includes some pieces with granite tops. The artwork and bedspreads with palm motifs give a subtle nod to the area, but the decor would benefit from some splashes of color, and certain details feel a little outdated. Bathrooms are large and include white pedestal sinks and either shower/tub combos or roomy walk-in showers with faux-marble acrylic linings. All units have patios or balconies with gas grills and most have views of the grounds, but a handful look out on the San Jacinto Mountains. One-bedroom units measure 900 square feet and have two full bathrooms, living rooms, and dining areas with tables and four chairs. Two-bedroom units measure in at 1,100 square feet. Standard amenities include toiletries, two flat screen TVs, DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. All units also have king beds and full kitchens that include full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, coffeemakers, and ranges. Overall, the units are quiet, clean, and well-maintained, but several past guests have complained about holes in screens, stained carpets, musty smells, and leaky toilets. Daily housekeeping is available for an additional fee. 

The highlight of this residence-style, timeshare condo complex is its extensive outdoor and fitness features, starting with its two heated outdoor pools. These are surrounded by towering palm trees and the sundeck here offer a few loungers, patio furniture, and a whirlpool. The property also has a fleet of loaner bicycles it rents at no charge, and there are two lighted tennis courts; guests can borrow racquets for free. For those that prefer to break a sweat indoors, the fitness center is well-stocked with several cardio and weight-training machines and free weights. On the downside, there's no on-site dining to speak of, but there's a deli-style eatery next door, and vending machines are on the property. Other perks include  a coin-operated laundry, and free Wi-Fi. In terms of parking, each condo gets one free covered parking space that’s located near their unit, with guest parking also available.